Director, Office of Equality & Civil Rights - Minneapolis Public Schools

Below is specific information for you to consider about this position.

Job Title: Director, Office of Equality & Civil Rights  and Requisition ID number: 102303

Close Date: 11:59 PM on  

Organizational Unit:  Office of Equality & Civil Rights (10001033) 

Site:  Davis Center (0001) 

FTE:  1.0; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time

Union:  MACA(02) 

Functional Area:  Administrative 

Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

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SUMMARY

Under general supervision, directs staff and functions of the Office of Equality and Civil Rights; advances institutional compliance of federal, state, local, and organizational laws, regulations and policies regarding discrimination, harassment, and violence based on protected status through process reviews, training, data analysis and reporting, investigation; responds to requests for information from state and/or federal agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS --Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Exercises independent judgment within policy guidelines, develops priorities and strategies for the Office of Equality and Civil Rights; oversees implementation of priorities and strategies.
• Ensures institutional compliance with local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and organizational policies and procedure (including U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Americans with Disability Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) Minn. Stat. 363A and MPS policies regarding discrimination and equal opportunity).
• Manages the system for receiving and resolving complaints and grievances from students, parents, community members and staff, alleging discrimination, harassment, , and retaliation.  Assures the quality and consistency of investigations, including any follow- through with concerned parties. Oversees the work of outside investigators.
• Conducts and leads neutral fact-finding investigations of reports of incidents of bullying, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and internal compliance-related matters as defined by law; independent judgment in preparing fact-finding reports; develops recommendations to address and resolve issues.
• Develops, implements, coordinates and conducts training programs designed to prevent, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and increase awareness of employer, employee and student rights, responsibilities and obligations.
• Supervises staff; distributes assignments; develops department and individual goals; and ensures appropriate and timely services; develops staff competencies; evaluates performance; develops budget.
• Advises and consults with management and employees on the interpretation and consistent application of state and federal laws and regulations and organizational policies.
• Advises and counsels executive leadership on policies and practices that advance compliance with laws, regulations and district policies and promote equal opportunity within all organizational functions.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and organizational staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities consistent with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information, managing all data consistent with state Minn. Stat. Ch. 13) and federal law (FERPA).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To successfully perform job, incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Requirements listed are representative of the knowledge and skills.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law; AND
• Three (3) years of professional experience in organizational compliance and civil rights investigations; OR
• an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources. 

Knowledge of:

• State and Federal laws, statutes, rules, codes and regulations governing student rights, employment and civil and human rights functions, including U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Americans with Disability Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA).

• Understanding and applying the principles, concepts, procedures, laws and rules governing an effective and comprehensive compliance program.

• Principles and techniques for developing and delivering effective training programs.
• Practices and procedures of state and federal educational and equal opportunity agencies.
• Principles of confidential records and file management.
• Techniques for conducting effective investigations and confidential interviews.

Skill in:

• Directing and coordinating. Overseeing and conducting compliance and equal opportunity neutral investigations.
• Communicating and interacting effectively with diverse group of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds; comfortable with role of change agent and related ambiguity.
• Developing and present effective training and public presentations.
• Assessing, analyzing, and identifying problems, resolving disputes and grievances, and recommending effective, creative solutions.
• Interpreting and applying employment standards and procedures, Federal and State laws, rules and regulations, and MPS policies and procedures.
• Providing guidance, consulting with staff, and resolving problems on internal compliance.
• Monitoring and controlling the confidentiality of MPS records and information.
• Researching, collecting, analyzing, and preparing data and generating reports.
• Directing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Influencing and establishing relationships, work collaboratively with individuals or teams from all areas and professional levels of the organization, community, business partners, and government agency representatives.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Minnesota State Bar admission.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and phone usage.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

• Bargaining Unit:       MACA
• Grade:                          79
• Salary:                          $120,630 - $150,648
• FLSA Status:              Exempt
• Job Group:                 Legal Services
• Revised:                      September 30, 2024

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Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready.  Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Posting Notes: | 12:01 AM On | Office of Equality & Civil Rights (10001033) | Davis Center (0001) | Administrative