Civil Rights Director

Introduction

Champion Equity, Protect Rights, Transform Systems – Lead Madison’s Department of Civil Rights.

The City of Madison is launching a search for an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as the next Director of the Department of Civil Rights. This executive-level role is central to shaping the City’s civil rights strategy, strengthening equity and inclusion across government operations, and advancing justice and opportunity throughout the Madison community. The successful candidate will bring strategic insight, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to civil rights as they guide a department recognized for its leadership and impact.

Position Summary

The Civil Rights Director provides overall vision and direction for the Department of Civil Rights and its three divisions—Equity and Social Justice; Affirmative Action; and Equal Opportunities. Together, these divisions drive the City’s internal and external civil rights work, from advancing equitable hiring and contracting practices to ensuring language access, disability rights, and equal opportunity across City services. Externally, the Department leads community outreach and education, administers complaint investigation and resolution processes, builds strategic partnerships, and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal civil rights laws.

This role oversees all managerial and administrative functions of the department, including leading, coordinating, and evaluating staff, programs, and services. The position requires substantial independent judgment and discretion in planning, directing, and implementing departmental functions, and operates under the general direction of the Mayor.

Employment will be governed by a five-year contract negotiated by the Mayor and approved by the Common Council. Residency within the City of Madison is required.

Salary Information

124,402.02 - $167,941.60 Annually

Job Details

• Provide high-level interpretation and integration of federal and state law into City operations.
• Develop and direct the department’s budget, including the pursuit of non-City revenue streams and grants.
• Oversee and facilitate the work of the Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunities, and Disability Rights Commissions to facilitate community input into policy and programs.
• Manage all agency human resources functions, utilizing interest-based problem solving and equity-centered supervision.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in civil rights administration, equal opportunities and/or affirmative action work, which includes three (3) years in a senior-level supervisory or management capacity, overseeing the development, implementation, and administration of programs that promote civil rights, disability rights, and equal opportunities; AND
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Public Administration, Law, Social Work, Human Resources, or a closely related field -OR-
• Four (4) years of experience applying all of the following:
• Principles and methods of equity and social justice, including structural racism, sexism, institutional oppression, and the historical drivers of socioeconomic disparities. Interpretation and application of federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including the ADA, Title VII, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations.
• Principles and administration of budget formulation, justification, expenditure control, and program planning.
• Full range of supervisory principles and practices, which includes hiring, training, directing, evaluating, and disciplining, along with handling labor relations matters; AND
• Two (2) years of experience in the following:
• Conflict resolution and restorative justice techniques to navigate high-stakes disputes.
• Identification and neutralization of implicit bias within organizational structures and individual decision-making.
  

How To Apply

Interested candidates can apply online at the City of Madison website.

Deadline to Apply

Apply by June 8, 2026.