Executive Director

Full Job Description

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. Application review begins April 7th.

Who We Are: Established in 1949 by the Washington State Legislature, the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is a state agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Washington Law Against Discrimination.

Chapter 49.60 RCW is the WSHRC’s statutory authority. WSHRC enforces civil rights laws born from state and national civil rights movements.

Under the law, everyone has the right to be free from discrimination at work, in housing, in a public accommodation, or when seeking credit and insurance.

Any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against based on protected class status may file a charge of discrimination with the WSHRC.

We are a neutral fact-finding agency, and we are deemed "substantially equivalent" to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and U.S.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). WSHRC does not provide legal advice or advocacy services. Discrimination complaints must be filed within specific time limits, as established by law.

Our legal authority comes from Chapter 49.60 RCW. Despite being a small agency (fewer than 50 employees), we serve all Washington residents.

Mission:
The mission of the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is to prevent and eliminate discrimination through the fair application of the law, the efficient use of resources, and the establishment of productive partnerships in the community.

To learn more about WSHRC, we invite you to explore our website.

About this Position:
The Executive Director of the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) plays a crucial role in leading the agency and ensuring its mission is effectively carried out. The main purpose of the Executive Director is to oversee the implementation of policies and programs aimed at preventing and addressing discrimination in the state. The essential responsibility of the Executive Director is to assure both Complainants and the Respondents that the agency will conduct investigations with neutrality and impartiality. The determination of whether discrimination has occurred is based solely on the evidence gathered. In outreach efforts, the Executive Director emphasizes to the public that the agency's role is to remain neutral and allow investigations to conclude before reaching any conclusions. The Executive Director is also responsible for ensuring that each investigation is conducted thoroughly and in a timely manner. Several strategies used to ensure complete and timely investigations are providing training and professional development; implementing a system of regular supervision and mentoring where experienced staff can provide guidance and support to newer team members throughout the investigation process; and fostering a collaborative environment where staff can share insights, challenges, and resources.

The Executive Director plays a crucial role in leading the agency and ensuring its mission is effectively carried out. The main purpose of the Executive Director is to oversee the implementation of policies and programs aimed at preventing and addressing discrimination in the state. Key responsibilities include Leadership and Management, Policy Development, Complaint Resolution, Education and Outreach, Advocacy, Reporting and Accountability.

The Executive Director has the authority to make the following tactical and strategic decisions:

Investigation Procedures

• Deciding on specific methods and protocols for conducting investigations into discrimination complaints, including timelines and resource allocation

Staff Assignments

• Determining how to allocate staff to various cases and ensuring that investigators have the appropriate expertise and training for specific issues

Communication Strategies

• Crafting messages for public outreach and how to address inquiries from the media, complainants, and respondents
• Shaping policies that guide the Commission’s approach to human rights issues, including prioritizing certain types of cases or demographic groups

Stakeholder Engagement

Resource Management

Budgetary Responsibilities

• Agency Annual Operating Budget: 5 million dollars
• Funds from the General Fund (State) Approximately 4.5 million dollars
• Funds from (federal funds) Housing and Urban Development Approximately $367,000
• Funds from (federal funds) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Approximately $230,000

Contact the recruiter: Rachel Vaughan via email rachel.vaughan@des.wa.gov and jobs@des.wa.gov and request the full job description.

Requirements

Executive Director includes employing best practices in various areas to ensure the agency effectively fulfills its mission by:

• With the help of management teams, develops a clear strategic plan aligned with the Commission's mission, focusing on addressing current and emerging civil rights issues

• Establishes measurable objectives that guide the agency's work and ensure accountability

• Employs a leadership style that promotes a collaborative and inclusive leadership approach, fostering a positive organizational culture that values diversity and employee input

• Routinely involve management team members to think of ways to Inspire staff and recognize their achievements

• Model ethical behavior

• Oversee the execution of programs and policies, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the effectiveness of programs and services

• Ensures adherence to state and federal laws, as well as internal policies and procedures

• Acts as a strong advocate for civil rights, influencing public policy and community attitudes through outreach and education

• Looks for ways to implement a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and responsiveness to community needs

Key Challenges and Risks are:

• Limited funding and resources pose a challenge to the agency's ability to meet demands and achieve our objectives

• Misconceptions about the Commission’s role and work

• The challenges and risks require ongoing public engagement and education. Key partnerships and stakeholder Interactions includes collaborating with local and national civil rights organizations to amplify advocacy efforts and share best practices

• Also, to work closely with other state agencies to coordinate efforts and address systemic issues related to discrimination and human rights

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience or Certifications

• Legal Education and License: A law degree and a license to practice law in Washington State.
  AND

• Required Leadership Experience: Two (2) to five (5) years in a senior management or executive role, preferably within a governmental or non-profit organization focused on civil rights or social justice

• Policy Development: Experience in developing and implementing policies related to civil rights, discrimination, or social equity

• Complaint Resolution: Background in handling complaints or investigations, ideally related to discrimination or human rights issues

In addition to the above education, experience, and requirements, applicants must possess the following required knowledge:

• Civil Rights Laws: In-depth understanding of federal and state civil rights laws, anti-discrimination laws, and relevant legal frameworks

• Human Rights Issues: Familiarity with current human rights issues, trends, and challenges within the community and nationally

• Organizational Management: Knowledge of best practices in organizational leadership, financial management, and resource allocation

_____

Required Skills and Abilities

• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to motivate and guide staff and engage stakeholders

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective advocacy, public speaking, and community engagement

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate program effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions

• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Skills in negotiation and conflict resolution to address complaints and disputes effectively

• Cultural Competence: Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and an understanding of cultural sensitivities

_____
Desirable/Preferred Education, Experience or Certifications

Licenses and Certifications

• Certifications (Optional): Certifications in mediation, conflict resolution, or diversity and inclusion can enhance qualification

Additional Information

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)
• Transcripts are required

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).

NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information.

Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.

A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section or supplemental questions of the application.

Please do not “refer to resume” for detail, or your application may be disqualified.

Opportunity for All: The Human Rights Commission celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials, and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information: For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan or email jobs@des.wa.gov.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.