Special Assistant​/Program Director

Special Assistant/Program Director - Vacancy # 206994

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Base pay range: $93,659.00/yr - $/yr.

Reporting to the DEIA Director, the Special Assistant serves as Program Director for DEIA programming and projects, including focus on the African American History (AAH) and Asian American & Pacific Islander Commissions, managing the implementation of the Commissions’ work.

• Coordinate required commission activities to facilitate successful seating of appointed members, and holding of public meetings, events, and other activities, as appropriate.
• Assist with programmatic research on history, arts, culture, and economic and social variables; monitor and analyze policy developments, identifying opportunities for commissions to engage or provide input; and prepare and present findings and materials to commission members.
• Provide data and technical assistance to commission members, as needed.
• Coordinate logistics for required public meetings, including securing physical space, setting up webcasting capabilities, coordinating public access to both in-person and virtual resources, and overseeing the conduct of meetings.
• Work with DOS Public Information Office staff on marketing and messaging of meetings, activities, and work products.
• Monitor public comments, questions and suggestions submitted via online feedback forms; answer questions and/or present to commission members, as needed; and formulate and present recommendations on commission direction and activities based on stakeholder feedback.
• Coordinate and oversee the completion and submission to the Governor and Legislature of required reports of activities, including accounting of received and expended funds, as well as findings and recommendations.
• Operationalize and implement commission report recommendations, including working with sister agencies, and DOS Fiscal Management and Executive Staff, to facilitate and support commission awarded grants to communities and nonprofit organizations for development of programs, and/or grants awarded to research and scholarly organizations to research, publish, or distribute relevant information.
• Lead agency-wide DEIA initiatives focused on the DOS expanding role in community engagement, public participation and service.
• Assist with developing and implementing DEIA programs and projects, including contribution to and attendance at Chamber-level meetings, external outreach activities, and events, and fostering strong relationships with sister-agencies and all DOS divisions on DEIA.
• Incorporate, coordinate, align and assist with planned and hosted DOS DEIA public and internal events and research.
• Use project management platforms, spreadsheets, and databases to organize information, track progress, and report on program metrics.
• Assist with special projects and assignments as may be assigned from time to time in relation to the Department’s and/or DEIA Office’s scope of work.

Bachelor’s Degree and four years of relevant specialized experience. One year must have been at a supervisory level.

• Knowledge of African American stakeholders, including cultural, historical, advocacy, academic, and community-based entities.
• Stakeholder relationship management and communications, project management, programmatic or scholarly research and report writing, cultural programming, event logistics, and meeting/workgroup facilitation.

• Exemplary command of skills in: report writing, graphic/online desktop design, project management and reporting, event coordination including interfacing with event logistics teams, other agency partners and marketing.
• High level ability to manage multiple projects with humility and openness to seek support and guidance.
• Practical experience navigating interpersonal conflict and team dynamics with a high level of readiness to improve.
• Must be willing to drive state vehicle throughout the state to ensure effective promotion and support of…