TITLE: Equal Opportunity Officer for Racial Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

DIVISION: Human Resources

REPORTS TO: Director of Human Resources

UNIT: Non-unit

Who we are:

The Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) represents over 115,000 members and nearly 400 locals across the state and employs a full-time staff of over 150. Our members are public school teachers, faculty, professional staff, and education support professionals working at public schools, colleges and universities. As a member-driven organization and the largest union in New England, our collective power makes MTA an influential voice for educators, students, and their communities. We are proud to be an advocate for social, racial and economic justice and for a public education system that provides one of the cornerstones of a democratic society.

Major Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the HR Director and Executive Director-Treasurer to develop tools and resources to a) develop recruitment and hiring practices, HR policies and procedures, staff support systems, and organizational strategies aimed at creating an anti-racist culture and a diverse and inclusive workplace environment and b) help foster a shared understanding among MTA staff of institutional forms of oppression, with race, class, and gender at the center, and strengthen staff capacity to build an MTA committed to dismantling all forms of oppression.

Essential Functions:

• Provide leadership and access resources to help equip staff at all levels of the MTA with the skills, tools, strategies, and support to a) be effective leaders and advocates for racial, economic, and gender justice in their work and b) confront all forms of oppression in the workplace and/or in the field, and c) strengthen the staff’s understanding of the impacts of systemic racial, economic, and gender injustice in public education.

• Collaborate with the HR Director on evaluating, developing, and implementing HR processes to align with MTA equal employment opportunity policies
• Help the HR Director to develop and implement recruitment strategies, both internal and external, to generate a diverse candidate pool for all positions in the organization, and assist with every step of the hiring process
• Establish relationships in community, professional, and academic networks to expand the candidate pool for all positions in the organization
• Collaborate with the HR Director and Executive Director-Treasurer to coach the Management Team on how to how to foster an inclusive work environment

• Conduct racial justice and diversity assessments and utilize data to develop and drive action plans for staff learning as well as recruitment, hiring, retention and promotional practices

• Help develop structures in the workplace for constructive conversations about how race, class, and gender and other systems of privilege impact the work environment
• Leverage external resources to provide staff with ongoing learning opportunities and professional development for understanding and undoing systemic and institutional forms of oppression
• Evaluate and develop clear and effective policies and procedures for reporting and resolving employee complaints about microaggressions and discrimination experienced on the job
• Conduct independent investigations of complaints regarding discrimination, harassment, or other actions that impact MTA’s ability to provide a welcoming and safe work environment, and partner with managers and staff to resolve issues

• Make recommendations to the HR Director and Executive Director-Treasurer on employment relations and to advance racial equality, diversity, and inclusion in the MTA

• Create support structures to foster mutual support and accountability among staff implementing racial justice and inclusion priorities in their divisions and work
• Assist appropriate Board committees to make sure that MTA policies on discrimination and equal opportunity are up to date and relevant
• Serve as the MTA Equal Employment Opportunity Officer in accordance with MTA policies
• Monitor hiring practices and advancement opportunities and report to the HR director, Executive Director-Treasurer, and Equal Opportunity Council (EOC) as appropriate

• Provide guidance to the HR Director and EOC on related employment laws such as FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and MCAD

• Participate in Joint Labor Management Committees as assigned
• Assist the HR director with implementation of divisional goals
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• A commitment to the mission of the MTA and to the organized education profession
• Experience leading racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion program or policy initiatives inside organizations
• Experience developing and implementing Human Resource policies and practices
• Experience as an HR generalist
• Knowledge of DEI organizations and professional networks, both local and national
• Strong project management and collaboration skills
• A proven track record for taking action and making a difference
• Experience managing projects across multiple divisions and stakeholders
• Experience designing and facilitating racial equity, diversity, and inclusion events and trainings for multiple audiences preferred

• Comfort and experience collaborating and coaching at all levels of an organization, including coaching and advising managers
• Strong foundational knowledge of the structures and systems that perpetuate racism, white supremacy, economic inequality, and patriarchy
• Familiarity with state and federal statutes regarding workplace equity and protections, such as FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and MCAD.
• Demonstrates a deep understanding and emotional intelligence regarding human behavior and organizational development
• Proven ability to listen, discern challenges, and identify solutions, and facilitate difficult and honest conversations
• Ability to stay positive and resilient in the face of institutional resistance to culture change
• Union or community organizing experience preferred
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and long hours when needed
• Multilingual skills a plus

For immediate consideration, please include a resume and cover letter with your ADP application!

*MTA reserves the right to waive any qualifications at its discretion*

The MTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.