Position Summary:
Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Director of Fair Practices will lead and oversee the Equity Assurance Office, ensuring a fair, equitable and inclusive environment for all employees and stakeholders. The incumbent of this position is responsible for driving proactive initiatives to prevent discrimination and promote equal opportunity throughout the organization. The Director will serve as a key advisor to the General Counsel, executive leadership and school-based staff on all matters related to fair practices and compliance.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides strategic leadership and management to the Equity Assurance Office by supervising and mentoring staff and overseeing the complaint resolution and investigations process;
- Provides expert advice and makes policy recommendations to the Board of Education and recommends administrative regulations to the Superintendent of Schools;
- Stays abreast of local, state and federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and discrimination laws to ensure the organization remains compliant;
- Provides guidance to the Equity Assurance staff on how to review, respond to and resolve internal and external complaints, including those related to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX and the ADA;
- Conducts reviews of the district's fair practices programs to ensure policy and legal compliance;
- Develops and delivers system-wide training programs to supervisors and employees on fair practices policies and procedures;
- Provides guidance and consultation to staff on best practices for fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace;
- Leads the design, development and review of standard operating procedures, administrative procedures and related policy documents to ensure consistent application of policies and program compliance;
- Presents recommendations for policy and procedural changes based on identified needs and emerging legal requirements; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws, including Title VII, Title IX, ADA, Section 504, ADEA and related regulations;
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders;
- Ability to ensure alignment with organizational goals and legal requirements;
- Ability to ensure organizational policies and practices remain compliant;
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex and sensitive situations;
- Proficiency with case management and data tracking systems;
- Strong interpersonal, problem solving and conflict resolution skills;
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity;
- Ability to gather data/information and use independent judgement to make informed decisions; and
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.), Google applications, and skilled in using the internet for work related research.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in employment law or a related field required; Juris Doctorate preferred. A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in EEO compliance, civil rights or human resources, with five (5) or more years at the supervisory level required; previous experience in a public school system preferred.
Certification:
SHRM or PHR certification preferred.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Oversees and provides guidance and direction to the unit staff.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information:
Highly demanding and fast-paced environment; frequently required to work long hours and weekends. Annual leave may be limited during specified timeframes. Local and non-local travel may be required.
