Human Rights Director at City Of Alexandria Virginia
Alexandria, VA
About the Job
Human Rights Director
THE COMMUNITY
Located in Northern Virginia, just across the Potomac River from the District of Columbia, Alexandria is a premier city in the region. As part of the metro area that includes the nation’s capital, Alexandria is both a thriving urban city and a bastion of history, offering the perfect mix of historical landmarks, vibrant arts, waterfront dining, and diverse neighborhoods for residents to live, work and play. The City is nationally recognized for its rich colonial history and beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century architecture and was voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S. in 2023. With a cosmopolitan feel and a walkable lifestyle, Alexandria is a welcoming community for individuals and families of all backgrounds.
About one quarter of the City’s 16 square miles have been designated as national or local historic districts, with vibrant buildings, monuments, museums, and public spaces telling the story of its past. Old Town Alexandria has more than two hundred independent restaurants and boutiques alongside historic museums and events at the waterfront. Historic landmarks in the City include
The City is racially and ethnically diverse, with approximately one-quarter of the City’s residents foreign-born. Students at the City’s single public high school come from eighty-eight countries and speak sixty-nine languages. The Alexandria City Public Schools serves most students living in and around the City , with the remaining households served by Fairfax County Public Schools. Its elementary and secondary schools have programs for special needs students of all types, including 27 AP programs, talented and gifted student services, English Learning programs and more. There are also twenty private schools in the city, providing education to 5,000 students. In addition, there are forty-four colleges and universities located near Alexandria, which contributes to the City having one of the highest college education attainment levels in the United States.
THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS
The Alexandria Office of Human Rights was established to combat discrimination, increase equal opportunity
and protect human rights for persons who live, work, or
visit in Alexandria.
The Office enforces the Alexandria Human Rights Code, passed in 1975 as one of the first local human rights laws in Virginia, by receiving and investigating complaints of discrimination under the Code and applicable federal and state laws.
As a Fair Employment Practices Agency (FEPA) under contract with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Office also receives and investigates complaints of employment discrimination filed under federal anti-discrimination laws, including
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The Office also houses the ADA Program Manager.
The Office of Human Rights is responsible for the following functions:
• Community Relations
• Education and Advocacy
• Policy Development and Analysis
• Complaint Intake
• Investigation Resource
• Management and Support
THE POSITION
The City values employees who support the City Council’s priorities of equity, environmental justice, civility, The Director of the/ Office of Human Rights performs responsible management functions directing the Office’s activities of the City's Office of Human Rights. The incumbent is responsible for carrying out the policies of the Alexandria Human Rights Commission and performing the duties assigned by the Human Rights Chapter of the City Code. The employee The incumbent negotiates and performs duties under contracts and work sharing agreements with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other appropriate Federal or State agencies. The Director is responsible for receiving complaints from citizens or employees of the City and conducting investigations of alleged discriminatory practices in the areas of housing, employment, education, public accommodations, health and social services, credit and City contracts based on race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, age or disability. The employee also is responsible for conciliating any complaints of unlawful discrimination where there is probable cause to believe discrimination has occurred. The Director is responsible for managing and coordinating the activities and operation of the Office of Human Rights and for providing staff support to the Alexandria Human Rights Commission. The employee also works closely with the Deputy City Manager to assure compliance with the City's Affirmative Action Plan. Work is performed with considerable independence in accordance with established Federal, State, and City policies, procedures and practices, and with latitude for exercising independent judgment. The Director/Office of Human Rights works under the general direction of the Human Rights Commission, and receives general supervision from the Deputy City Manager. Supervision is provided to a small professional and secretarial staff
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manages civil law enforcement agency, ensuring compliance with Federal, State and local anti-discrimination laws in the City
• Directs the work of Human Rights Investigators, Disability Resources Coordinator, law interns and administrative support staff
• Serves in quasi-judicial role, interpreting laws and issuing legal determinations in administrative cases
• Mediates, conciliates, negotiates and facilitates settlement of complaints
• Manages day-to-day operations of office, including budget, expenditures and revenue, grants, contracts, purchases, equipment, training, personnel matters, outreach and customer service
• Drafts legislative proposals and legislation in human rights and employment, edits resolutions, proclamations, articles and press releases
• Collaborates with other City departments, agencies and non-profits
• Serves on City Manager's Executive Leadership Team;
• Attends City functions
• Performs special assignments at the request of the City Manager in the areas of ethics, equity, professionalism, customer service, leadership and diversity/inclusiveness
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for the Director of the Office of Human Rights will be a dynamic and experienced leader with a strong commitment to advancing equity and social justice. They will possess extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local antidiscrimination laws, combined with a proven track record in managing investigations and resolving conflicts related to civil rights issues. This candidate will demonstrate exceptional communication skills, enabling them to engage effectively with diverse communities, government officials, and stakeholders. A collaborative mindset, along with strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex challenges, will be essential for fostering partnerships and implementing impactful policies. With a background in public administration or a related field, the ideal candidate will be adept at managing teams and budgets while driving initiatives that promote inclusivity and protect the rights of all citizens.
The City of Alexandria will give strong consideration to all qualified candidates who possess significant supervisory experience, a robust understanding of technology, and a demonstrated track record of success in advancing human rights initiatives.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Minimum: Four-year college degree; five years of experience in legal research, analysis and legal writing; excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills; ability to manage multiple tasks; knowledge of Federal, State and local anti-discrimination laws; excellent public service ethic; awareness of diverse cultures and respect for diversity; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred: Master's Degree; 10 years or more years extensive experience in law, administrative law and legal writing; experience in enforcement of anti-discrimination laws; five years management or supervisory experience, including knowledge of budget and personnel; superior interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; grants management experience.
Notes
CITY BENEFITS
The City of Alexandria offers great benefits to ensure employee needs are being met in all areas including financially, medically, and in their career development. Specific benefits include:
• Retirement Options:
o City of Alexandria Supplemental Retirement Plan
o Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
o Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan
•Medical, Dental, Vision - City covers 75-80%
• Administrative Leave - 13 days per year
• Senior Executive Group- Additional 80 hours per fiscal year
• Holidays - 13 paid holidays
• Sick leave - 12 days per year
• Bereavement Leave - 3 days per occurrence
• Education assistance - $3200 per fiscal year
• Access to our onsite gyms near City Hall (equipment includes treadmills, weights, Peloton bikes, elliptical etc.)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)- City paid; Additional buy-up option available
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Medical and Dependent Care available
• Transit Benefits- Up to $270 per month for employees who utilize public transit
• Jet Dental - an onsite dental service twice per year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee wellness and development programs
• Other City discounts through partnerships.
Human Rights Director Brochure Link
THE COMMUNITY
Located in Northern Virginia, just across the Potomac River from the District of Columbia, Alexandria is a premier city in the region. As part of the metro area that includes the nation’s capital, Alexandria is both a thriving urban city and a bastion of history, offering the perfect mix of historical landmarks, vibrant arts, waterfront dining, and diverse neighborhoods for residents to live, work and play. The City is nationally recognized for its rich colonial history and beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century architecture and was voted one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Cities in the U.S. in 2023. With a cosmopolitan feel and a walkable lifestyle, Alexandria is a welcoming community for individuals and families of all backgrounds.
About one quarter of the City’s 16 square miles have been designated as national or local historic districts, with vibrant buildings, monuments, museums, and public spaces telling the story of its past. Old Town Alexandria has more than two hundred independent restaurants and boutiques alongside historic museums and events at the waterfront. Historic landmarks in the City include
- The recently opened Freedom House, which honors the lives and experiences of the enslaved and free Black people
- Christ Church; where famous Virginians worshiped; and
- Gadsby’s Tavern, a meeting place visited by Lafayette and George Washington.
The City is racially and ethnically diverse, with approximately one-quarter of the City’s residents foreign-born. Students at the City’s single public high school come from eighty-eight countries and speak sixty-nine languages. The Alexandria City Public Schools serves most students living in and around the City , with the remaining households served by Fairfax County Public Schools. Its elementary and secondary schools have programs for special needs students of all types, including 27 AP programs, talented and gifted student services, English Learning programs and more. There are also twenty private schools in the city, providing education to 5,000 students. In addition, there are forty-four colleges and universities located near Alexandria, which contributes to the City having one of the highest college education attainment levels in the United States.
THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS
The Alexandria Office of Human Rights was established to combat discrimination, increase equal opportunity
and protect human rights for persons who live, work, or
visit in Alexandria.
The Office enforces the Alexandria Human Rights Code, passed in 1975 as one of the first local human rights laws in Virginia, by receiving and investigating complaints of discrimination under the Code and applicable federal and state laws.
As a Fair Employment Practices Agency (FEPA) under contract with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Office also receives and investigates complaints of employment discrimination filed under federal anti-discrimination laws, including
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The Office also houses the ADA Program Manager.
The Office of Human Rights is responsible for the following functions:
• Community Relations
• Education and Advocacy
• Policy Development and Analysis
• Complaint Intake
• Investigation Resource
• Management and Support
THE POSITION
The City values employees who support the City Council’s priorities of equity, environmental justice, civility, The Director of the/ Office of Human Rights performs responsible management functions directing the Office’s activities of the City's Office of Human Rights. The incumbent is responsible for carrying out the policies of the Alexandria Human Rights Commission and performing the duties assigned by the Human Rights Chapter of the City Code. The employee The incumbent negotiates and performs duties under contracts and work sharing agreements with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other appropriate Federal or State agencies. The Director is responsible for receiving complaints from citizens or employees of the City and conducting investigations of alleged discriminatory practices in the areas of housing, employment, education, public accommodations, health and social services, credit and City contracts based on race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, age or disability. The employee also is responsible for conciliating any complaints of unlawful discrimination where there is probable cause to believe discrimination has occurred. The Director is responsible for managing and coordinating the activities and operation of the Office of Human Rights and for providing staff support to the Alexandria Human Rights Commission. The employee also works closely with the Deputy City Manager to assure compliance with the City's Affirmative Action Plan. Work is performed with considerable independence in accordance with established Federal, State, and City policies, procedures and practices, and with latitude for exercising independent judgment. The Director/Office of Human Rights works under the general direction of the Human Rights Commission, and receives general supervision from the Deputy City Manager. Supervision is provided to a small professional and secretarial staff
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manages civil law enforcement agency, ensuring compliance with Federal, State and local anti-discrimination laws in the City
• Directs the work of Human Rights Investigators, Disability Resources Coordinator, law interns and administrative support staff
• Serves in quasi-judicial role, interpreting laws and issuing legal determinations in administrative cases
• Mediates, conciliates, negotiates and facilitates settlement of complaints
• Manages day-to-day operations of office, including budget, expenditures and revenue, grants, contracts, purchases, equipment, training, personnel matters, outreach and customer service
• Drafts legislative proposals and legislation in human rights and employment, edits resolutions, proclamations, articles and press releases
• Collaborates with other City departments, agencies and non-profits
• Serves on City Manager's Executive Leadership Team;
• Attends City functions
• Performs special assignments at the request of the City Manager in the areas of ethics, equity, professionalism, customer service, leadership and diversity/inclusiveness
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for the Director of the Office of Human Rights will be a dynamic and experienced leader with a strong commitment to advancing equity and social justice. They will possess extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local antidiscrimination laws, combined with a proven track record in managing investigations and resolving conflicts related to civil rights issues. This candidate will demonstrate exceptional communication skills, enabling them to engage effectively with diverse communities, government officials, and stakeholders. A collaborative mindset, along with strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex challenges, will be essential for fostering partnerships and implementing impactful policies. With a background in public administration or a related field, the ideal candidate will be adept at managing teams and budgets while driving initiatives that promote inclusivity and protect the rights of all citizens.
The City of Alexandria will give strong consideration to all qualified candidates who possess significant supervisory experience, a robust understanding of technology, and a demonstrated track record of success in advancing human rights initiatives.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Minimum: Four-year college degree; five years of experience in legal research, analysis and legal writing; excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills; ability to manage multiple tasks; knowledge of Federal, State and local anti-discrimination laws; excellent public service ethic; awareness of diverse cultures and respect for diversity; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred: Master's Degree; 10 years or more years extensive experience in law, administrative law and legal writing; experience in enforcement of anti-discrimination laws; five years management or supervisory experience, including knowledge of budget and personnel; superior interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; grants management experience.
Notes
CITY BENEFITS
The City of Alexandria offers great benefits to ensure employee needs are being met in all areas including financially, medically, and in their career development. Specific benefits include:
• Retirement Options:
o City of Alexandria Supplemental Retirement Plan
o Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
o Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan
•Medical, Dental, Vision - City covers 75-80%
• Administrative Leave - 13 days per year
• Senior Executive Group- Additional 80 hours per fiscal year
• Holidays - 13 paid holidays
• Sick leave - 12 days per year
• Bereavement Leave - 3 days per occurrence
• Education assistance - $3200 per fiscal year
• Access to our onsite gyms near City Hall (equipment includes treadmills, weights, Peloton bikes, elliptical etc.)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)- City paid; Additional buy-up option available
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Medical and Dependent Care available
• Transit Benefits- Up to $270 per month for employees who utilize public transit
• Jet Dental - an onsite dental service twice per year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee wellness and development programs
• Other City discounts through partnerships.
Human Rights Director Brochure Link
