Director of Community Engagement

Do not apply online. Please email resume and cover letter detailing interest and suitability for the position tohuman.rights@vermont.gov.

The State of Vermont Human Rights Commission ("HRC) is seeking a creative, mission-driven, and highly skilled communicator to fill the position of Director of Community Engagement.

The HRC protects people from unlawful discrimination in housing, places of public accommodations, and state government employment. With a mission to advance civil and human rights for all people in Vermont, the Commission provides information and education, investigates discrimination complaints, enforces anti-discrimination protections through litigation, and advises on public policy.

The HRC's Director of Community Engagement will lead and strategize community outreach and training activities, build community partnerships, and foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, to carry out the mission of the Vermont Human Rights Commission. The Director of Community Engagement will also assist the agency with fielding calls and inquiries from the public relating to discrimination they may have experienced. Additionally, the Director of Community Engagement will develop and implement communication strategies aimed at: (1) informing the public about their rights and responsibilities under the law, (2) explaining and promoting the work of the HRC and (3) gathering feedback and input from the public about the effectiveness or limitations of current anti-discrimination protections. The Director of Community Engagement will work in close collaboration with other HRC staff members and will report directly to the HRC Executive Director.

Working Conditions: Duties are performed primarily at the HRC office in Montpelier with some flexibility for hybrid work. In and out of state travel is occasionally required for training and outreach activities. Incumbents must be adaptable, able to multi-task, handle difficult callers with compassion, lead long-term projects from start to finish, and prioritize a high volume of tasks and projects.

Major responsibilities of the position include:

Communications
* Develop and execute communication strategies to engage the community
* Draft and circulate press releases, reports, and other public announcements
* Frequently respond to phone and email inquiries from community members about discrimination and provide referrals as appropriate

Relationship Building and Partnerships
* Build and maintain strong working relationships with community leaders, organizations, and policymakers
* Develop and cultivate partnerships with local businesses, non-profit organizations, advocates, and government leaders
* Represent the HRC on various task forces, committees, and coalitions

Community Outreach
* Create and distribute informational materials, such as newsletters, brochures, and social media content
* Develop and implement ongoing training opportunities to educate the public about anti-discrimination protections and the work of the HRC
* Plan and execute community events and meetings promoting the mission of the HRC

Reporting and Strategic Planning
* Establish goals and objectives for community engagement activities based on identified needs and opportunities
* Collect and analyze data on community engagement activities for quarterly and annual reports
* Evaluate the effectiveness of community engagement activities through reporting and ongoing planning

Approximately $60,000 - $70,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits package available to all State of Vermont Exempt Employees and generous paid sick/vacation leave offered by the Human Rights Commission.

* Bachelor's and graduate degree preferred but may be substituted with 5 or more years of demonstrable experience leading effective community engagement programs
* Demonstrated professional, educational, or lived experience that speaks to cultural competence, comfort with a diverse group of audiences and colleagues, and knowledge of best practices to elevate the incorporation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into all of areas of the role
* At least three years of professional experience working in the field of civil rights, fair housing, community organizing, social justice, or other HRC-related issues
* Strong commitment to advancing the HRC's values, mission, and goals with an understanding of the range of civil rights issues and their implications
* Exceptional vision, initiative and ability to develop and implement community engagement strategies that meet short- and long-term goals of the Commission
* Demonstrated experience with diverse populations and commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual, respects differences, and promotes inclusion of all identities; ability to work collaboratively and effectively with community groups and work across the political spectrum
* Demonstrated cultural competence in the delivery of education, training, and outreach activities
* Familiarity with social media platforms and website design
* Ability to produce high-quality, plain language educational and informational materials
* Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills including awareness of trauma-informed practices
* Ability to understand anti-discrimination laws and to communicate complex legal issues effectively to a variety of audiences
* Experience developing and leading training events, and organizing public events
* Competence at juggling multiple priorities, setting and maintaining deadlines, independently managing a high workload, and carrying out defined goals and projects
* Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Sharepoint, Teams), Adobe, and other commonly used applications, as well as the ability to learn and use HRC's internal case management system
* Ability to maintain confidentiality of case information as required by state law
* Ability to work effectively both autonomously and as a team member in a small office setting