Access and Inclusion Manager
Access and Inclusion Manager
Job Class: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Principal
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 82110
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes; hybrid
- Full/Part Time: Full- Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 12/6/2024
- Closing Date: 12/26/2024
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: Operations Services / Office of Access and Inclusion
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes - Less than 5%
- Salary Range: $48.45 - $69.48 / hourly
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial Plan / Unrepresented
- FLSA Status: Exempt-Executive
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary
The DNR is dedicated to fostering an equitable, inclusive, accessible, and just environment where everyone is valued and provided equitable opportunities and is seeking to hire one (1) full-time Access and Inclusion Manager at our central office, located in Saint Paul, MN in the Operations Services Division.
The Office of Access and Inclusion (OAI) is responsible for supporting the agency's strategic priorities related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) by leading agency-wide diversity program coordination, training, workforce development programming, and affirmative action initiatives. The OAI manager also champions and aligns the work of the Equity Change Team, a DNR committee responsible for developing and implementing a plan to produce and embed equity outcomes within agency policies and administrative practices, throughout the agency.
The purpose of this position is to lead and direct DNR’s DEIA, and affirmative action activities and programs in support of the DNR Strategic Plan. This position serves as the manager of the agency’s Access and Inclusion section and is responsible for providing expert advice, consultation, and strategic leadership in support of agency efforts to advance inclusion and accessibility both internally and externally. The incumbent serves as the principal advisor to agency executive leadership in developing a framework that guides the agency in developing cultural competence in order to promote equity for the DNR workforce as well as populations served by DNR programs and services.
The incumbent designs and implements initiatives that both ensure agency compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, digital and physical accessibility, and public access to programs, activities and services and also applies a DEIA lens to all aspects of agency work in order to effect lasting change. The incumbent advises the DNR Commissioner, agency senior leaders, and the Equity Change Team on trends and initiatives at the state and national level involving best practices for inclusion and accessibility and works with divisions and regions to adapt learnings to DNR workforce and public facing programs and services. The incumbent manages and integrates the functional components of the access and inclusion section, including but not limited to affirmative action, diversity equity and inclusion, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title I and II, digital accessibility, as well as pipeline programs.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Serve as the agency-level strategist responsible for evolving and implementing the agency’s access and inclusion programs and initiatives. Provide leadership through strategic planning, partnership, and collaboration to guide the DNR in applying an inclusion and accessibility lens to positively impact the DNR workforce and citizens served by DNR programs and services.
- Direct and manage the DNR Access and Inclusion section to include all facets of office management, personnel supervision, and budget development and management including but not limited to the program areas of Affirmative Action, ADA Title I and II, digital accessibility and pipeline programs.
- Direct and manage access and inclusion programs related to ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations as well as those related to enhancing agency efforts to increase workforce diversity.
- Lead and direct agency-wide strategy development for access and inclusion initiatives and programs that foster a diverse, respectful, welcoming, and inclusive work environment for all DNR employees and serve the needs of members of the public who utilize, or could utilize, DNR programs and services.
This position may be eligible to telework, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location at least 60% of the time, and occasionally for meetings, training, onboarding, or as needed by supervisor.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Three (3) years of advanced professional-level experience in the areas of civil rights, equity, diversity, equal employment opportunity, and/or affirmative action activities and programs. Experience should demonstrate building and managing effective teams and fostering collaboration across teams, including providing leadership and management through change.
- A bachelor's degree in human resources, business or public administration, social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science) or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
- Experience in analysis and interpretation of raw data and statistical output, statutes, policy proposals and alternatives and the ability to design, organize and prepare documents.
- Knowledge of ADA, Affirmative Action (AA) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws to include but not limited to the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the Rehabilitation Act and Amendments, the Civil Rights Act and Amendments, and ADA Accessibility Guidelines. Must have knowledge of the resources available to meet ADA/AA/EEO requirements.
- Knowledge of state and federal laws associated with diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Organizational, and interpersonal skills sufficient to direct, develop, and engage staff.
- Communication and human relations skills sufficient to effectively communicate and present complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
- Conflict management skills sufficient to analyze and resolve unclear or controversial situations and make difficult decisions.
- Skills in all standard Microsoft Office software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Ability to interpret and apply related policies, procedures, rules, laws, and regulations sufficient to ensure compliance across the agency.
- Ability to serve as an internal resource and consultant, working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders in a politically sensitive context, and represent the department with credibility to a wide range of diverse groups and organizations.
- Ability to apply knowledge to complex issues sufficient to anticipate trends, analyze data, and find solutions that balance long-term demands.
- Ability to create a respect- and safety-focused culture that empowers staff to carry out the department’s mission and fosters an environment of positive accountability for performance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three (3) years of supervisory or managerial experience providing oversight to areas of civil rights, equity, diversity, equal employment opportunity, and/or affirmative action activities and programs.
- A bachelor's degree in human resources, business or public administration, social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science) or a closely related field.
- Experience communicating and sharing information with populations with diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Experience working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Knowledge of contemporary diversity, equity, inclusion and multiculturalism theories and issues, especially as they apply to public sector employment.
- Knowledge of the research and professional literature on building equitable and inclusive organizations, including promoting accessibility.
- Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills sufficient to develop effective consensus.
- Project management skills, sufficient to design data-driven solutions, and implement and recommended results.
Additional Requirements
No driving duties are required.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Operations Services Division Director Reena Solheid at reena.solheid@state.mn.us or 651-302-9822.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Tava Cayo at Tava.Cayo@state.mn.us
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.