Director of Equity, Environmental Justice and Civil Rights

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity to contribute to work that ensures a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive. Our mission is to protect Washington State's natural resources for current and future generations, and we’re looking for a talented, dynamic team member to carry out that mission and strengthen our strategies.

We are committed to making DNR a great place to work and serve Washington’s lands and communities. At DNR, we believe there is not just one path to success. Whoever you are or wherever you come from in the world, there is a place for you here.

We are looking for someone who values public service and understands that we must continue to innovate to fulfill our duties as public stewards and solve our state’s most pressing challenges. If you enjoy working in a collaborative environment that encourages you to think big and share your strengths, we invite you to apply!

As the Director of Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights, you will report to the Chief of Staff and be part of the Senior and Executive Leadership Teams. You will oversee the Office of Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights, which is housed within Executive Management.

As the Director of the Office of Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights at DNR, you will manage a team of subject matter experts responsible for portfolios that ensure compliance with existing state and federal laws, design programs to create measurable benefit for residents of Washington state, work across the agency to reduce adverse impacts of our work on communities, and ensure the principles and practices of environmental justice are embedded in every program of DNR. 

This role is on the Executive Management team and serves as both a thought leader and collaborator to proactively align agency work products with maximum benefit to human health and DNR’s constitutionally mandated activities. The Director also serves as DNR’s representative on the WA State Environmental Justice Council and leads various internal committees, workgroups, and staff training.  

Additionally, you will support the implementation of the agency’s overall DEIB strategies in cross-division collaboration with the Workplace Culture and Development Division. In this role, you will manage the compilation and production of various reports and statutorily required updates related to Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights. 

You are responsible for recommending, elevating, and leading changes at the agency, state, and federal policy levels where DNR has authority and will serve as the executive responsible for documenting and assessing the impact of all environmental justice and equity actions taken by the agency.

You will lead the HEAL and Climate Commitment Act accounts for DNR, and will manage the agency’s compliance with the HEAL Act, leading the teams tasked with completing Environmental Justice assessments or significant agency actions.

You will work to protect the rights of the citizens of Washington to utilize our state lands without discrimination based on protected characteristics. The position will develop a protocol and identify responsible parties to receive complaints and investigate problems to mitigate risk and ensure the civil rights of the public are met.

• A bachelor's degree or higher in sociology, public policy, business administration, environmental science, cultural studies, or another field relevant to the position's responsibilities AND 6 years' experience;
  OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent.
• Strategic planning experience, including development of annual and biannual plans with demonstrated ability to conceptualize and articulate future direction and measurable goals.
• Policy development or program implementation related to natural resources or the environment.
• Experience conducting public hearings, meetings, and Town Halls in diverse communities and regions.
• Experience working for an elected official or high-level executive.
• Experience working with or applying policy decisions from the Washington Health Disparities Map, the EPA Environmental Justice Screening Tool, or other data-driven equity tools.
• Experience managing relationships with high-level, influential, elected, and appointed officials with a proven track record of consensus building, collaboration, and negotiations that reflect a strong understanding of legislative processes and intergovernmental relations.
• Experience working with the press and creating content for public audiences.
• Experience leading policy and system change or managing in a large agency or organization to advance equity initiatives.
• Strong history of engaging with disproportionately impacted and historically marginalized communities, to also include Tribal governments on natural resource management or environmental issues.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to cultivate an environment of engagement, belonging, respect, empathy, active listening, and trust.
• Demonstrated ability to create a workplace where differences are embraced; fosters a strong sense of team through diverse points of view and talents. and capabilities.
• Successful track record working with state agencies, cities, counties, and federal governments, and tribal and public entities.
• Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, and evaluate complex research using mixed methods in qualitative and quantitative measurements.
• Strong problem-solving skills, creative thinking abilities, and an innovative mindset and approach.
• Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, receive and convey ideas, thoughts, and information.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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• Washington Department of Natural Resources

• 3609720384