Director of Equity & Inclusion

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Superintendent, this position is responsible for developing and implementing equity goals that support the district’s strategic plan, mission and vision while specifically promoting a climate of equity and inclusion for all. This position develops institutional policies for consideration by the School Committee, practices and programs that create a climate of equity and acceptance that respects, values and responds to the diversity of students, staff, parents, and the community. The Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will work in collaboration with the Equity Program Manager to lead the District’s efforts to sustain a culture of equity and inclusion for all students by narrowing the gaps between the highest and lowest performing students, eliminating the racial disproportionality between student groups that occupy the highest and lowest achievement categories, planning, organizing, and directing initiatives related to diversity, equity and outreach, providing leadership to increase effectiveness in promoting equity and inclusion district-wide, developing and implementing the district’s equity plan, and serving as the district’s leader for equity goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Develop and implement the District Equity Plan (relating to student achievement and related equity professional development.
• Lead the Equity Task Force, engaging all constituencies regarding the District Wide Equity Plan.
• Provide leadership for the implementation of the Equity Plan including regular reports on progress toward goals. 
• Create a recruitment plan to actively recruit educators from diverse backgrounds.
• Provide coordination, consultation and assistance to the Superintendent and the leadership staff on equity and diversity matters related to students, staff, and parents. 
• Advise the Superintendent, Directors, Coordinators and Principals regarding organizational development, including philosophy and goals, service standards, job performance and productivity standards and special program development and implementation.
• Facilitate the identification of district and school actions to support students, parents, and families, ensuring all students are career and college ready. 
• Promote supportive and culturally-responsive learning environments that foster academic achievement of all students. 
• Develop, organize and implement professional development opportunities for district, building, and program staff with an emphasis on racial and equity awareness. 
• Collaborate with district administrators to develop, lead, and implement a systematic process that identifies and addresses inequalities and other experiences that create barriers to student engagement and achievement. 
• Promote and implement district and site-based approaches to community access and engagement. 
• Develop and implement systems and procedures to address the needs of culturally and linguistically-diverse students, parents, and families. 
• Utilize relevant data resources to track and analyze diversity, equity and outreach strategies within the district and community. 
• Implement review, and comply with federal and state laws and District policies.
• Collect and analyze data for decision-making.
• Provide for the continuing review and improvement of existing curricula and the preparation of new curricula, such as anti-bias and cultural proficiency curricula, as needed.
• Confer with equity experts to ensure that the initiatives, policies, and practices of the districts are grounded in research, and create initiatives, policies, and practices around equity.
• Partner with families and community organizations to engage in dialogue about equity and equity-based solutions to achieve excellence in schools.
• Partner with and enhance the District’s relationship with key stakeholder groups, including Parent Advisory Committees, the Superintendent’s Leadership Team, Central Office Departments, the School Committee, the Mayor’s Office and key community-based organizations towards meeting the goals of the Everett Public Schools.  
• Solicit feedback and supports efforts of parent and community groups advocating for traditionally underserved and/or under resourced students.  
• Perform such other tasks and assume such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of current and evolving federal, state and district requirements related to equity issues.
• Deep understanding of contemporary diversity, equity, inclusion and multiculturalism concepts and issues, especially in public education.
• Demonstrated understanding of culturally-responsive teaching and education related practices, social justice and diversity as fundamental aspects of academic excellence
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with students, parents, community representatives and school personnel from diverse cultures and/or backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability as a professional development trainer with skills in group facilitation and the ability to deliver cultural responsiveness and related equity training of school-based personnel.
• Ability to serve as an internal resource and consultant, working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders in a politically sensitive context and complicated by competing perspectives or interests.
• Knowledge of and ability to lead people through change processes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 to 10 years of progressively responsible, professional experience in educational administration, public service or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Fluent speaker and writer of a second language.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in education administration, public policy, social work, or related area.

The Everett Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate  in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record  (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual  orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation,  threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.