What are the responsibilities and job description for the E26/27 EQUITY SPECIALIST position at Arlington Public Schools - VA?
Arlington Public Schools (APS) announces openings for a Equity Specialist. This a 12-Month E-11 position
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Plans, manages, and coordinates department initiatives and programs related to supporting
equitable opportunities for all students and staff. Responsible for assisting with the execution of
relevant programming, training, and other strategies to continue fostering an equitable, diverse,
and inclusive workplace and community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASS (May not include all duties
performed.)
Performs a variety of tasks to assist in coordinating the successful implementation of diversity
initiatives, programs, and curriculum.
Assess diversity, equity, and inclusion training, education needs and targeted intervention tools,
consistent with the districts strategic plan and goals.
Assist with equity analytics, including tracking metrics, generating equity reports to show trends,
and communicating impact across equity programs and initiatives.
Develop proposals and recommendations for policy revisions that will facilitate the fostering of
an equitable and inclusive community.
Aid to enhance equity and inclusion education efforts, supporting the development and
facilitation of workshops, training, tools and resources.
Provides assistance, coaching and consultation regarding equity and cultural competence.
Analyzes data to demonstrate a need for systemic change in areas such as course enrollment
patterns; equity and access; and achievement, opportunity and/or information gaps.
Collaborates with and/or supports personnel assigned to schools, other offices, departments, and
non-school agencies to accomplish office’s, departments, and school division’s mission.
Conduct research and stay current on equity best practices and new equity programs and
initiatives.
Propose, plan, and coordinate equity seminars for employees and the community.
Provide consultation and coaching to managers and supervisors to improve cross-cultural
communication.
Collaborate with key partners and stakeholders on equity and inclusion initiatives.
Provide administrative and tactical support for equity and inclusion initiatives as
needed.
Plans, develops, and facilitates diversity and inclusion-focused programs, and events for
administration, staff, students, and families.
Keep parents, administrators and community citizens informed about various diversity, equity
and inclusion initiatives being employed to resolve educational issues.
Works in concert with the Department of Human Resources on strategies to recruit, welcome, and
retain staff from diverse backgrounds.
Uses data to identify how school, district and state educational policies, procedures and practices
support and/or impede student success.
Directs the planning and implementation of staff development and training programs for
departmental and school-based staff.
Performs related duties as required or assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Demonstrated knowledge of current practices and trends regarding equity and inclusion in the
workplace and awareness of demographic trends on a national and local level.
Strong problem-solving skills that involve taking the initiative to seek out additional information
and to apply it effectively.
Demonstrated proficiency in creating partnerships and working in a collaborative environment.
Demonstrated professional communication skills characterized by active listening, respectful
two-way communication, and timely and results-oriented communication.
Proven success navigating situations that require high emotional intelligence, with an emphasis
on self-awareness.
Knowledge of the evolution of equity concepts and characteristics of an effective equity
program.
Ability to research and understand relevant federal, state, and local legislation and policies.
Ability to design, develop, and conduct communications, training, and education programs and
workshops.
Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and techniques for conducting research, analyzing data,
and developing applicable reports.
Ability to exercise good judgment in counseling and advising on equal opportunity matters.
Ability to interact collaboratively and productively and to build effective relationships with
individuals of diverse backgrounds, including elected officials, department heads, representatives
of other agencies, other APS employees, and the general public.
Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to articulate
information and issues clearly and concisely.
Demonstrated intermediate level knowledge of personal computers and related departmental
software, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to develop long- and short-term plans and programs and to evaluate work
accomplishments.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
REQUIREMENTS
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Education, Public
or Business Administration, Human Resources, Multi-cultural Studies, Political Science Sociology,
Psychology, or related subject and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in Equity and
Inclusion, Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Human Resources or Diversity fields is required.
Master’s degree preferred.
Of the three (3) years’ experience required, one (1) year in a K-12 school district is desired.
Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and tailoring and delivering work
products and services to meet the needs of diverse groups is preferred.
SALARY
- Salary range: based on the 26/27 pay plan.
Benefits:
Pension Plan, 401K Plan, Retirement Plan