Chief Diversity Officer

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Reporting directly to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor: To develop and implement strategies and programs to collaborate with our diverse community and ascertain the needs of each community, with respect to building equity within the City of Buffalo; Serve as a leading member of the City of Buffalo MWBE committee (internal) and suggest, develop, promote and monitor initiatives to improve contract goals; build positive relationships with applicable businesses, agencies, organizations, and groups; help cultivate and foster a commitment to creating a workforce culture that promotes equity and inclusion; work with City department heads and divisions to recruit and retain qualified employees that reflect the City’s diversity; be available to work with area businesses to assist in developing inclusion initiatives and/or highlighting businesses with successfully implemented initiatives. Serve as the Mayor’s liaison to the Racial Equity Roundtable of Greater Buffalo. 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

• Develop, promote and follow the City's core diversity and inclusion values and expectations.

• Brief the Mayor and Deputy Mayor on issues and trends that are emerging in the community, and suggest ideas that will promote participation, inclusion and integration.

• Serve as liaison with businesses, boards and committees in order to be familiar with concerns of the diverse community and to better assist in solutions.

• Assist Directors and the Human Resource Office in developing programs that increase the hiring, retention and promotion of minority and ethnic employees, and that promote positive interaction between the departments and diverse groups.

• Coordinate diversity affairs programs and services with the Mayor’s Office, Commission on Citizens’ Rights & Community Relations and other City departments.

• Coordinate with the Human Resource Office to create, implement and direct diversity awareness and other trainings for city employees.

• Coordinate with the Department of Human Resources and Corporation Counsel to update and implement an effective EEO action plan.

• Attend diversity events, festivals and conventions on behalf of the Mayor's Office.

• Provide information on grants, programs and opportunities that are available to assist the City in its efforts to be more inclusive and to promote equity.

• Respond to requests for information from diversity groups and organizations.

• Serve on relevant committees and boards that promote inclusion as approved by the administration.

• Seek, accept and incorporate input and feedback from the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Corporation Counsel and other Department heads.

• Work independently in the absence of supervision.

• Coordinate diversity-related media with communications staff.

• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of other departments and agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

•Knowledge of diversity affairs principles and best practices;

•Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal government;

•Knowledge of methods of research, analysis and report preparation as well as business writing and composition; grammar, spelling and punctuation;

•Knowledge of current office procedures, methods and computer software and hardware including Microsoft Office and Windows operating system;

•Knowledge of MWBE and workforce diversity issues;

•Knowledge and understanding of political sensitivity;

•Knowledge of fundamentals of problem-solving;

•Basic knowledge of social media tools;

•Ability to provide support and input for the work of the newly implemented Racial Equity Roundtable and assist in the implementation of equity and inclusion initiatives suggested by the RER and approved by the Mayor;

•Ability to act under pressure; perform duties and tasks at expected levels of quality and quantity while remaining professional and tactful;

•Ability to adapt well to changes in the work environment; able to deal with frequent shifts in priorities or unexpected events;

•Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;

•Ability to communicate with the public and others in person, on the telephone, via e-mail and social media;

•Ability to conduct self with integrity and demonstrate ethical, respectful behavior at all times;

•Ability to communicate with a diverse constituency and adequately address the needs of various populations within the City of Buffalo;

•Ability to be sensitive, truthful, sincere, and honest in dealing with others and ensure that diverse groups are integrated into City government and the community;

•Ability to contribute as a team member;

•Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality.

• Work in an office environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time

• The employee will occasionally be required to attend community events as assigned related to diversity and inclusion initiatives

•Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask are needed to carry out the many demands of this position;

•Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to be an engaging public speaker;

PREFERRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in, social sciences, ethnic studies, sociology, public administration, communications, or related fields and five years of experience related to diversity affairs within a municipal government or corporate environment.  

SALARY:

$ 124,676.00