City of Des Moines

Civil and Human Rights Director Recruitment Brochure Plans, organizes and directs the operation and activities of the Civil & Human Rights Department.  This work is performed in the oversight of the City Manager, and in partnership with the Civil and Human Rights Commission as an advisory board. The City of Des Moines' Residency Requirement is in effect for this position. Applicant must be a resident of the City of Des Moines within seven months of appointment date and maintain residency within the City of Des Moines while employed in this position.  We will begin reviewing applications on August 30, 2021.  Resume, cover letter, and transcripts may be attached to your online application. ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required; and  Extensive experience in human and/or civil rights organizations or equivalent, with at least 2 years serving in a management or supervisory capacity.  An Advanced Degree is preferred. Advanced degree may replace 2 years of applicable experience. Educational transcripts verifying completion of degree or relevant coursework must be submitted with your application.    REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen; Possession of a valid Iowa driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY) Administrative Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the work of Department staff in implementing the expressed goals, policies and directives of the Civil & Human Rights Commission, including training and supervision, management and annual evaluations. Sets annual goals with identified performance targets for the implementation of Chapter 62 of the Des Moines Municipal Code, the goals of the Commission and the Commission’s strategic plan.  Provides essential training and advice to a volunteer Board of Commissioners appointed by members of the City Council. Assists the Commission in exercising its powers and performing its duties as set out in Chapter 62. Recommends policies and procedures designed to increase and maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of department operations and address human rights practices in employment, housing, public accommodation and municipal practices within the City of Des Moines.  Develops and implement the budget of the Department. Provides monthly status reports to City Manager and Commissioners on Commission operations and makes recommendations for any shift in policies, procedures, programs, Code changes, or future development. These status reports shall include the activities and performance of the Executive Director and department staff; Directs appropriate litigation and legal actions as necessary to ensure compliance with the City of Des Moines’ Civil & Human Rights Ordinance. Administers any existing Federal and State contracts with the Des Moines Civil & Human Rights Commission. Performs special projects for the Civil & Human Rights Commission and City Council as requested. Keeps City Manager, Commission and designated others fully, accurately and timely informed concerning any and all work progress including present and potential work. Acts as the Legislative liaison for the Commission for all matters within the purview of Chapter 62. Actively seeks grants and other types of funding consistent with the Commission’s Mission and agreed-upon goals as set by strategic plan, after presentation to and consideration by the Commission. Prepares and submits for Commission comment and approval the annual comprehensive report of the Commission’s achievements and impact on the community, including the goals achieved as stated in any strategic plan and recommendations to the City Council pursuant to Chapter 62. Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the Director as assigned. Performs any and all responsibilities set out in Chapter 62 to be performed by the executive director.   Public Relations/Outreach Attends and reports upon meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas. Serves as chief spokesperson for the Civil & Human Rights Department. Promotes the Des Moines Civil & Human Rights Commission through public relations activities as set out in a strategic plan. Investigative Trains and coordinates staff in investigative techniques used in the research of discriminatory practices in assigned areas. Analyzes case law, records and case files to determine case investigations. Reviews and acts on investigation process and ensures the laws are enforced. Personnel Supervises and manages the staff of the commission. Designs, implements and maintains an on-going training program for all staff and Commissioners with emphasis on the Commission’s mandate as stated in Municipal Code, Chapter 62, the Mission Statement, the Rules and Regulations, policies and procedures, strategic plan and the role of the Commissioners   and importance of each commissioner's participation and attendance. Plans and directs research and training relating to all areas of human relations, human/civil rights law and current trends in social action.