City of Portland - Equity, Accessibility, & Inclusion Compliance Coordinator

This job was posted by https://joblink.maine.gov : For more information, please see: https://joblink.maine.gov/jobs/1386568 City of Portland - Equity, Accessibility, & Inclusion Compliance Coordinator Executive Department \ About the City of Portland and the City Manager's Office: The City of Portland serves more than 70,000 residents, 12,000 businesses, and many more who visit, work in, or otherwise access the City and its services. Those constituents represent a wide variety of cultures, abilities, religions, races, sexual orientation and identity, veteran status, spoken languages, socio-economic status, and other characteristics. According to the latest census, 22.5% of residents are non-white, and the Portland Public Schools reports that more than 28% of its students are English language learners, and 52% are economically disadvantaged. The City has strong organizations supporting its LGBTQIA+ constituents, citizens with disabilities, the City's immigrants, neighborhoods, and others. \ The City has a strong and long-standing commitment to equity and inclusion in its operations, and to ensuring that its services are accessible to this wide variety of constituents and their needs. At the heart of municipal operations is the City Manager's Officethe Executive Department dedicated to public service and efficient government. Working hand-in-hand with elected leadership, the executive team oversees 13 city departments and 1,400 staff members to keep the community thriving, safe, and moving forward. \ Job Summary: To further that commitment, the City is seeking an Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Compliance Coordinator to work with the City's elected officials, leadership, and staff - as well as the community - to ensure that all of its constituents can equitably access the City's services. They are responsible for guiding the City in ensuring that it embraces not just technical compliance but also embodies the inclusive spirit behind the public accessibility laws, such as the Civil Rights Act Titles I, II, III, and VI (including language access); Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to public accessibility; Maine Human Rights Act as it relates to public accommodations; and all other applicable laws, rules, and policies as they relate to public access and accommodations. \ They are also responsible for helping citizens - particularly those from traditionally underserved groups - navigate municipal government, and supporting the City Manager in initiatives designed to increase inter-cultural connection and understanding. This position reports directly to the City Manager, but has extensive involvement with Departments. \ Duties & Responsibilities: This position holds primary responsibility and initiative for: - Ensuring the City's compliance with public accessibility laws, including by analyzing and making recommendations on policies and procedures; managing the City's Language Access Program, including coordinating with departments and others; acting as the hearing officer for any complaints or grievances under the Public Accessibility Laws or implementing policies; and ensuring that City staff is fully trained in all obligations under the Public Accessibility Laws, as well as best practices around accessibility and inclusivity in public government. - Helping citizens - particularly those from traditionally underserved groups - navigate municipal government, including by building trusting relationships with historically underserved and marginalized communities; working with the Community Engagement Coordinator to proactively engage, educate, and respond to concerns of those groups and communities with respect to City services; and acting as a liaison with departments and assisting with navigating municipal government services; and assisting with addressing concerns about treatment in connection with, or accessibility of City services. - Other duties intended to increase inter-cultural connection and understanding, including managing and overseeing the Sister Cities program; and supporting the City's Naming Committee and naming initiatives. \ Required Skills & Experience:\ Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, legal compliance, community access, program development, or other relevant areas; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work. \ - Significant experience in program development and high-visibility initiatives; strong foundation in compliance, policy creation and implementation, and training.\ - Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex topics for general audiences. - Proven ability to develop and operationalize strategies to include underserved populations in government programs. - Ability to establish and foster strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external partners. - Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Google G-Suite and Microsoft Office. - Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently and with significant judgment. - Sensitivity and understanding of specific barriers that migh