Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic, reciprocal, and exciting environment in the public sector? If so, the State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) wants you to join us! 

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application.  Please note revisions cannot be made once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

In the Department of Developmental Services, this class is accountable for directing and managing program and service development efforts of the department.

• Provides direction of the agency’s multicultural affairs initiatives 
• Leads development and implementation of the agency’s diversity, equity, and inclusion program
• Formulates goals and objectives for initiatives under direction of this position 
• Coordinates and aligns delivery and evaluation of these initiatives throughout the agency to ensure consistency 
• Defines, based on research, best practice, and community voice, an equity identity and lens to be applied to all agency operations 
• Chairs the statewide diversity advisory committee 
• Develops appropriate policies, procedures, continuous education materials, and other formal guidance 
• Partners with agency communications professionals to develop consistent communication and feedback mechanisms to identify, discuss, and address diversity and equity issues across all stakeholder groups 
• Coordinates collaborative efforts with central and regional leadership, staff, providers, and other stakeholders in development, planning and implementation 
• Focuses on development of a diverse provider resource network to meet the cultural needs of individuals and families 
• Monitors agency document translation efforts and resources 
• Partners with the Business Intelligence unit to develop metrics, reporting, and data-driven process improvement efforts
• Acts as a primary liaison with individuals both within and outside of the agency who might impact program activities
• Coordinates or completes reports related to efforts under direction of this position
• Performs related duties as assigned

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of training and development principles, methods and techniques; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable organizational and administrative ability; considerable ability to develop action plans to implement executive program priorities; considerable ability to plan, organize, direct and effectively coordinate and evaluate all program and staff development activities of department; considerable ability to direct and manage process of determining staff development goals and objectives based on department new program initiatives; knowledge of current trends and practices regarding provision of integrated, supportive community based services to individuals with intellectual disabilities; knowledge of state, private and community human service programs particularly those which provide services to individuals with intellectual disabilities or services needed by individuals with intellectual disabilities to function in the community.

Eight (8) years of professional employment in the provision of human service or education programs.

Two (2) years of the above experience must have been in a managerial capacity with responsibility for planning, developing or coordinating services or programs.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in public administration or a behavioral science such as psychology, rehabilitation therapy or social work may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• Experience directing and monitoring implementation of large, agency/company/statewide programs
• Experience delivering or facilitating training on diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Knowledge of impact of cultural issues on service delivery and staff relationships 
• Experience providing leadership with strategic direction and collaborative input that supports defined goals and objectives through relationships, expertise, and data 
• Experience consulting on and addressing complex issues 
• Experience leading teams and working to foster cooperative goals, build trust, and enlist others in a common vision 
• Experience with connecting and maintaining rapport with people of diverse backgrounds and professional levels 
• Experience working effectively in a fast-paced environment and demonstrating flexibility in adapting and responding to changing conditions 
• Background in human service development and delivery, particularly with experience in adaptation toward cultural competency
• Experience with data-driven process improvement
• Experience in authoring policies, procedures, technical documents, and reports

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.