11/26/2014 49870

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PENNSYLVANIA HUMAN RELATIONS
COMMISSION

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible administrative work in directing the commonwealth’s enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and promotion of equal opportunity.

The employee in this job functions as the chief executive officer for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) and is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, coordinating and directing all operations and activities of the commonwealth’s human relations program. Work involves responsibility for ensuring the timely and effective investigation, adjudication and resolution of discrimination complaints; coordinating community outreach and education programs; and effectively administrating commission resources. Work also involves directing the development and implementation of strategic plans and business process re-engineering initiatives; managing the development and implementation of agency policies; coordinating funding with federal partners; and
overseeing fiscal and human resources management functions. Supervision is exercised over Regional Directors, attorneys, and managers. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and accountability within the framework of established laws and regulations and under the broad guidance and general direction of the PHRC Commissioners.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, organizes, and directs agency management and staff in implementing the provisions of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) and Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunity Act (PFEOA).

Supervises Regional Directors and program managers in the development and operational oversight of programs to promote equal opportunity and enforce compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Directs agency administrative support functions including budgeting, fiscal control, procurement and contracting, information technology, human resources, business process management and change management.

Leads workgroups and committees of senior managers and staff in strategic planning and policy development initiatives.

Reviews and approves strategic planning and policy recommendations for presentation to the Commissioners.

Reviews and approves proposed findings and settlement agreements.

Reviews regional office and program managers’ reports for productivity, adherence to standards, progress on objectives and overall achievement of results.

Attends Commissioners meetings with senior staff to report on agency operational and programmatic activity, review significant legal issues, discuss agency plans and initiatives, review policy proposals and discuss other administrative matters.

Works closely with the Commission Chairperson on the overall strategic management and direction of the agency.

Directs the management of outreach, training, special studies and civil tension and response activities.

Ensures compliance with memoranda of understanding with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Oversees and participates in the development and maintenance of partnerships with the Community Relations and Activities Task Force, PHRC advisory councils, local human relations commissions and advocacy organizations.

Makes speeches to influential groups and organizations to promote equal opportunity in employment, education, housing, and public accommodations.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods of promoting equal opportunity.

Knowledge of human relations issues.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal legislation pertaining to civil rights.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of management methodology.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

Knowledge of research principles and practices.

Knowledge of report writing methods and techniques.

Ability to read and interpret written materials, such as laws, regulations, guidelines and administrative procedures.

Ability to analyze and interpret program effectiveness.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Seven years of managerial experience in human relations, general human resources, equal opportunity or civil rights advocacy work, which includes five years in a supervisory capacity; and a bachelor's degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.