Impact Strategies Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department: Village Manager

FLSA: Non-Union Exempt

Pay Grade: 6

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINTION

Under the general direction of the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer, the Collective Impact Manager coordinates and advances implementation of the Village's Racial Equity Action Plan and related equity initiatives. This includes facilitating cross-department collaboration, community engagement, and data-informed strategies that advance equitable outcomes across Village programs, policies, and services. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise on collective impact strategies and equity practices within municipal government.

The position also supports the work of Village boards and commissions aligned with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office (DEIO) to ensure community perspectives inform Village policies, programs, and initiatives. The commissions aligned with the DEIO include the Aging in Communities Commission, the Community Relations Commission, the Disability Access Commission, and the Citizens Police Oversight Committee. Works collaboratively with Village departments, community organizations, and residents to align efforts that support equitable development and implementation of Village policies, programs, and services.

Supports the integration of equity considerations into organizational decision-making, service delivery, and community partnerships. The incumbent will also foster an inclusive community culture and positive intercultural relations; enabling opportunities for community reconciliation where necessary; and preserving and advancing Oak Park's policy and operational commitment to being both a dementia-friendly and welcoming community.

SUPERVIONS RECEVIED AND EXERCISED

Receives general administrative direction from the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES -

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office (DEIO) and its cross-department and community initiatives.
2. Support implementation of initiatives identified in the Village's Racial Equity Action Plan and related equity priorities.
3. Lead, the continued VOP completion of equity assessments and support departments in identifying service delivery gaps and opportunities for improvement.
4. Support the development and maintenance of a DEI dashboard and track organizational progress toward equity goals.
5. Oversee and guide DEI gap analyses to improve equitable access to Village services and programs.
6. Supports the day-to-day operations of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
7. Serve as the lead contact for the consultants assisting with the implementation of the Language Access Plan and the Racial Equity Audit.
8. Co-facilitate internal equity teams or working groups for the purpose of developing and implementing racial equity metrics to benchmark organizational progress toward goals.
9. Serves as an organizational and community resource, thought partner and subject matter expert on diversity, equity and inclusion.
10. Leads the development and implementation of community-centered cultural and heritage initiatives that celebrate Oak Park's diverse histories and foster community belonging, including coordination with Village departments, community organizations, and local institutions.
11. Maintain comprehensive understanding of best practices for DEI integration in municipal government.
12. Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with local institutions, community organizations, schools, and cultural leaders to support collective impact initiatives and shared equity goals.
13. Build and maintain collaborative relationships internally and externally to support overall goals for the Racial Equity Action Plan.
14. Provide direction and support to partner organizations seeking to grow in their DEI journey.

Other Important Duties

1. Develop DEI Impact priorities and oversee the implementation of these priorities.

2. Identify DEI areas of collaboration between the Village and community partners and develop a plan to align duties and strengthen collective impact efforts.

3. Coordinate research and other activities with initiative partners to minimize redundancies and align strategies.

4. Cultivate strong working relationships with community leaders, institutions, and organizations.

5. Create or manage creation of quarterly progress reports for Village leadership and external stakeholders.

6. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Equity impact assessment and implementation strategies

Strong problem solving and planning skills

Strong facilitation and presentation skills responsive to different audiences

Experience with community engagement or community organizing

Comfort facilitating challenging conversations and navigating diverse perspectives

Principles and practices of community and civic engagement

Current social, political, and economic trends affecting municipal government and communities

Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures

Ability to:

Work collaboratively and facilitate productive dialogue across diverse stakeholders

Create inclusive and engaging work products that clearly communicate equity impact

Understand how race is intersectional with other sociopolitical identities

Identify service gaps through an equity lens

Be responsive to changing organizational and community dynamics

Demonstrate self-reflection and commitment to continuous learning

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Assist in the development of racial equity goals, objectives, and procedures

Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and community members

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: More than three years of professional experience in diversity, equity and inclusion, community engagement, public policy, program management, or related work. Experience in municipal government, nonprofit organizations, or cross-sector partnerships is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in human resources, organizational development, education, psychology, sociology, social work, public administration, business administration, or a related field. A Master's degree in a related field is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Flexible work hours and remote work opportunities are available upon approval of the supervisor, as work duties permit. Primary office location at Village Hall, with local travel to offsite meetings, community engagement activities, and partner organizations. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work required to support the cultural and heritage events, educational events, as well as commission and committee activities.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement

The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity, and inclusion by recognizing that creating a mutually respectful, multicultural, and equitable environment does not happen on its own - it requires intentional effort. This includes providing equal opportunities for all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.