WDVA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager (WMS Band 2), Full-Time - Permanent, Olympia

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ManagerWMS Band 2Full-Time - PermanentOlympiaJoin our team as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager and play a key role in shaping the future of inclusion at the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs!This role leads the agency’s efforts to advance DEI strategies by building on existing objectives, survey results, and agency-wide initiatives, while also developing new goals to foster an inclusive environment. Partnering with mid-level to senior leadership, you'll drive the implementation of Washington State’s Pro-Equity Anti-Racism Plan and Playbook (PEAR) to create impactful change. This position serves as an integral part of the WDVA Human Resources Management Team. If you’re passionate about fulfilling our mission and championing equity - apply today!Please note: The schedule for this position is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday in-office at our Central Office in Olympia. A hybrid remote work schedule may be approved at supervisor's discretion, with the understanding that components of the DEI Manager's role require in-person, face-to-face communication. This position also requires local travel to WDVA locations throughout the state.At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.As the DEI Manager, you will advise the Director, Deputy Director, and Leadership Team (LT) on best practices for ensuring that our services are accessible to all Washingtonians and reflect our agency's commitment to equity and inclusion. You will also serve as the subject matter expert in the formulation of DEI executive policies and manage complex agency-wide project teams in implementation of strategies initiatives to improve WDVA service delivery.As this role requires frequent interaction with agency leaders, staff, and multiple external partners, our ideal candidate has excellent communication and interpersonal skills and experience facilitating trainings on diversity awareness, racial equity, and related topics.Some of what you'll do:• Establish, maintain, and review Title VI (Civil Rights) program in preparation of annual report and Title VI program update.• Brief public entities and advocacy groups on business processes and the management of customer data.• Develop, review, and participate in the development of WDVA’s operating policies and processes to ensure all employees continuously meet the intent of Executive Order 17-01.• Facilitate the informal resolution of concerns of community partners across all agency operations.• Conduct inquiries into concerns, resolve them, and bring systemic concerns to the attention of the Agency Director.• Work closely with WDVA’s Communications Division to develop communication strategies that resonate with our customers and explain why we collect data and how we use it.• Create dynamic partnerships that maximize engagement opportunities and strengthen customer confidence in our services.• Provide resources and training content to WDVA staff to help them understand the complex and sensitive issues our customers are facing to give them the skills they need to be friendly and helpful to all Washingtonians.• Serve as a key advisor on DEI to the management and will collaborate closely with members of the Management Team, building upon the strategic plan.• Develop and lead the implementation of the long-term vision and goals for DEI.• Review and/or develop new DEI programs and training for staff.• Complete Position Description Available Upon Request*Required:• Bachelor’s degreeAND• Three (3) years of successful professional experience related to DEI or in Human Resources Management. A combination of education and professional experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. Professional experience must be relevant to the position.• Demonstrated experience in:• Working with diverse and historically underserved communities.• Leading and implementing equity and inclusion programs.• Developing and implementing strategies with progressive responsibility.• Facilitating and leading and training work groups.• Demonstrated ability to:• Lead change initiatives within an organization.• Influence without structural authority.• Manage intra- and inter-agency project teams and projects.• Use leadership skills to develop, execute, and drive innovation.• Conduct investigations, write investigation reports, and communicate effectively.• Build strong relationships across a variety of stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes using interdisciplinary creative thinking skills.• Implement strong analytical skills and assess highly sensitive situations.• Commit and implement program innovation, assessment, and metrics-based management.• Thorough understanding of:• Nondiscrimination laws.• DEI fundamentals.• National and regional conversation around DEI and a keen sense of best practices and emerging issues.Please Note: This role also requires several Core Competencies, to include accountability, communication, and customer focus. For a complete description of these Core Competencies, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.Preferred/Desired:• Experience with collective bargaining policies and procedures, labor relations, civil services laws, and HR principles and practices.• Experience facilitating trainings on diversity awareness, racial equity, and related topics.Special Requirements:• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to travel.• This position requires light, infrequent lifting between 15-20 lbs.• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.Application Process:Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.Please include the following documents with your application:1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.Other Information:• This position is non-represented.Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion EmployerHere at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.