Department:

Town Manager

Job Status:

Full-Time

Days:

Sun., Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri., Sat.

Status:

Open Until Filled

Details:

This is a full-time benefited position that offers a starting annual rate of $64,364 - $72,443 depending on experience.

Supervision Received:
Works under the general supervision of the DEI Director who assigns areas of responsibility and evaluates performance. Performs duties independently on own initiative, determining situations warranting attention of the supervisor.
Supervision Exercised:
Generally, none. May provide guidance and instructions to new employees, interns, or volunteers.
Major Duties:

• Assists the Director of DEI in developing, promoting, and implementing programs and events which foster inclusive and empowering relationships, and in developing and facilitating regular trainings for Town employees, boards, and committees;
• Responsible for Town recognition initiatives such as Black History Month, Puerto Rican Heritage Day, Juneteenth, Human Rights Day, and many more; Responsible for organizing and publicizing ceremonies such as flag raising and proclamation readings, for preparing proclamations for Town Council approval, and for working with communities to encourage broad participation;
• Develops ways to engage the community in meaningful dialogue about racial and social equity, inclusion, and what it means for Amherst to be a welcoming community;
• Collaborates with community and youth groups to promote a welcoming environment and identify areas which need improvement;
• Assists in developing and monitoring internal racial and social equity metrics across Town departments; participates in setting and equity and inclusion goals for Town departments; Promotes and supports efforts to recruit, hire, and retain qualified employees, including sitting on and working with search committees.
• Reviews policies and practices in the existing organizational structure for systemic and institutional racism; collaborates with department heads and employees in the establishment, coordination and assessment of diversity and inclusion initiatives; and identifies and promotes best practices in the areas of equity, inclusion, and diversity;
• Assists Director of DEI in providing prompt, fair, and impartial processing and investigation of Human Rights Commission complaints of discrimination.
• Supports the Director and collaborates with Town departments in the implementation of the ADA transition and implementation plan.
• Provides support (administrative, Zoom, minutes, advice) to various Town boards and committee;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
Associates Degree with an emphasis on human resources, public administration, social services, or other closely related field and three to five years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Additional requirements include:
• Skill in dealing with the general public with sensitivity, and ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information;

• Experience working with community members and action groups; Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse community and to maintain effective relationships with parties who may have conflicting opinions;
• Demonstrated understanding of cultural values, effective intercultural communication skills, and sensitivity to specific barriers which may lead to lack of access and engagement in municipal government;
• Demonstrated experience facilitating dialogue with and among individuals to cultivate an environment of inclusiveness, and demonstrated experience delivering effective DEI trainings;
• Knowledge of DEI and organizational change models, and ability to understand and assist in the implementation of DEI best practices;
• Familiarity with laws related to equal opportunity, disability, and human/civil rights;
• Willingness to advocate for and/or address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion; and
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in municipal government.
• Familiarity with the Amherst Community.
• Lived experience within marginalized communities.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or English/Cantonese

Special Requirements:
Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License or ability to obtain one.
Tools and Equipment Used:
General office equipment including computers with a wide variety of software programs.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here 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 sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
Selection Guidelines:
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The Town enjoys a long tradition of active, participatory, & professional government, and seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community.