Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer

STRATEGY. COLLABORATION. TRANSFORMATION.

Together we can accomplish great things for Washington County!

Washington County (OR) is searching for an inspiring leader and bridge-builder with deep equity and inclusion expertise to enable the next level of growth and transformation across the County organization. 

ABOUT US

At Washington County, we deliver results for our community through innovative, human-centered and equitable practices. Our vision of One Washington County embodies our goal to unify our team, collaborating in new ways to build a leading-edge organization to support the future of Washington County. Along with our investments in equity, diversity and inclusion and human resources, this vision is igniting our growth and impact for the diverse and inspiring communities we serve. We are at an inflection point in our organization's history where unique opportunities exist to lead transformationalchange and build a legacy of service and impact for our dedicated employees.

We are the second largest county, and among the fastest growing and most diverse, in the beautiful state of Oregon, serving a community of 600,000. Located on the western side of the Portland metropolitan area, we are supported by a budget of $1.7 billion and a team of 2,391 employees.

ABOUT OUR CHIEF EQUITY & INCLUSION OFFICER

For several years, Washington County has been working to operationalize our commitment and investment in equity and inclusion. In 2020, this was demonstrated by the Board of Commissioners’ Racial Equity Resolution which directed the formation of the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement and creation of the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer position. 

Extensive foundational work accomplished over the past few years has enabled tremendous progress in  identifying priorities and needs as the County continues to expand equity and inclusion initiatives, learning and growth. This recruitment is an unparalleled opportunity for an individual with executive-level leadership experience in equity and inclusion program management, to build upon a strong foundation and ignite our vision of equitable outcomes for all members of the community. 

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the County Administrator, as part of the Executive Leadership Team. An Assistant County Administrator will serve as liaison providing day-to-day support.
• Serves as part of the County Leadership Team, as a key partner to other county leaders, departments and offices.
• Leads and supports a dedicated OEICE team.

TOP PRIORITIES

Strategic and Executive Leadership, setting a clear E&I mission, vision and services for the County. Guiding organization-wide decisions and initiatives through partnership across the executive team and community stakeholders.

Inspiring Operational and Team Leadership, building upon a strong foundation to plan and implement measurable equity & inclusion initiatives and services in aconsultative, collaborative way across a wide variety of stakeholders.

Expert Relationship Building and Transformational Change Management, create a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and partnership for equity & inclusion work, leveraging visible and transparent leadership with superlative communications and change management that considers all audiences

REQUIRED CAPABILITIES & CHARACTERISTICS FOR SUCCESS

• 4+ years of executive-level leadership experience across similarly complex, cross-functional organizations
• 6+ years of results-oriented E&I program management across breadth oforganizational EDI, employee engagement, L&D, incident resolution, public policy, civil rights, compliance, contracts, community engagement
• 6+ years of inspiring team leadership that is data-informed and human-centered with an affinity for systems thinking and accountability
• Broad stakeholder engagement with deep collaboration and partnership skills and experience
• Superlative communications and change management skills
• Authentic listening skills, humility, curiosity, empathy, and self-awareness
• An agile, flexible, resourceful, and innovative mindset
• Transparent, approachable leadership and mentorship style
• Public sector experience, e.g., with unions, elected officials, public safety, community engagement (a mix of public and private sector is preferred)
• Lived and work experience with underserved communities and socio-economic diversity; bi-lingual/ bi-cultural preferred

For additional information including how to apply, please visit www.wahlandassociatesllc.com/washington-county-ceio