Description

Salary Range: $75k-$115k

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Equity & Inclusion Program Manager and under general direction, the Program Specialist is responsible for creating and delivering E&I programs internally across the agency which include working directly with agency departments, providing training, collecting and reviewing E&I training submissions, and monitoring E&I goals. Most importantly, the Program Specialist will be responsible for leading the Employee Resource Groups program. In addition, the Program Specialist will be responsible for delivering EEO, Equity and Inclusion training to Sound Transit Staff. They will gather data, provide analysis, and develop reports of EEO, Equity and Inclusion goals. On occasion, the specialist will assist with E&I consultations and other duties as assigned. Successful candidates will have experience designing and delivering innovative E&I programs, earning trust with internal and external stakeholders, and exhibit the ability to invent and simplify to translate best practices and research into action.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Translate best practices in E&I into readily consumable resources and programs aligned to business need.
• Bring innovative solutions to broaden our E&I portfolio and drive measurable business results.
• Create, maintain, and disseminate resources in a variety of formats across all levels of the organization.
• Earn trust across a range of levels and disciplines to establish yourself and the team as a trusted Subject-Matter Advisor.
• Connect and inspire people to drive effective teamwork, communication, collaboration and commitment across multiple groups with competing priorities.
• Identify, assess, track, and mitigate issues and risks at multiple levels.
• Implement key equity initiatives with a focus on building an inclusive culture while hiring, developing, and retaining diverse talent as a top priority, increase employee engagement and the articulation of an employee proposition on diversity.
• Provide data and analysis on employee representation, retention, engagement, and other related metrics, including ongoing focus on assessing success of inclusion and diversity efforts.
• Leads E&I presentations and ensures that management employees at all levels and employees are trained on equity literacy. Training content may include cultural competency, working in a diverse environment, LGBTQIA, gender equity, diversabilities, racial equity, and culture group specific training, etc.
• Designs programs to integrate equity and inclusion strategy into workforce strategy, to include STEM, Generational and Higher Education initiatives.
• Manage Employee Resource Groups/Networks to further promote inclusion and equity literacy that improves employee retention and engagement.
• Continuously evaluates equity and inclusion programs to ensure it is meeting the agency’s goals.
• Leverage data and metrics to ensure effective implementation and measurement.
• Leads and participates in special projects.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow Agency safety rules, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in the area of Ethnic or Women Studies, Sociology, Organizational Development or related discipline and three (3) years of experience in equity and inclusion preferably in a non-profit, public sector, or service environment. Experience in developing equity and inclusion programs, developing plans, monitoring progress, conducting trainings, and interacting with and selecting third party contracts, such as consultants and vendors.

Required Licenses or Certifications: Valid state driver’s license.

Required Knowledge & Skills:

• Advanced principles, practices, and strategies of Undoing Institutional Racism.
• Budget management and track.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work in a dynamic work environment.
• Solid facilitation and presentation skills required, as well as strong organizational skills and ability to follow through with details.
• Advanced conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and resources to meet goals.
• Demonstrating a positive customer service orientation with both internal and external clients.
• Engendering trust and credibility with all level of employees.
• Prioritize and plan work activities, use time efficiently and develop realistic action plans.
• Dealing with organizational conflicts and competence issues.
• Principles and practices of budgeting.
• Performing duties involving the use of independent judgement, personal initiative, and resourcefulness.
• Ability to work in a changing environment; must be self-motivated.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting of objects up to 25 pounds; may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather, and physical harm.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.