Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  50688466

Description Activated On:  6/17/2026 3:05:29 PM


Position Purpose:
Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

Performs responsible administrative work directing and coordinating civil rights outreach and community engagement programs for the PHRC in support of the Commonwealth’s mission to eliminate unlawful discrimination. Functions with considerable independence to plan, organize, and implement community-based mediation, facilitation, training, and consultation services.

Description of Duties:
Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

The Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator (CROC) is responsible for coordinating, directing, and implementing complex civil rights outreach and community engagement activities that advance the PHRC’s mission to prevent and eliminate unlawful discrimination statewide. The incumbent serves as a “Beloved Community Peacemaker,” providing high‑level facilitation, mediation, conciliation, and conflict‑resolution services to communities experiencing tensions or conflicts related to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability status, or other protected categories.

The CROC plans, organizes, and delivers training and consultation to public officials, community organizations, and other stakeholders, equipping them with skills and strategies to prevent and resolve civil rights‑related community tensions. The position requires timely and strategic response to civil unrest, emerging incidents, rallies, high‑profile events, and periods of heightened social tension, ensuring that appropriate interventions, community supports, and PHRC resources are deployed.

The incumbent builds and sustains coalitions across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, law enforcement, and local communities to strengthen Pennsylvania’s capacity to address tension proactively and to promote equitable practices.

The CROC leads regional projects and outreach initiatives, enhancing PHRC visibility, strengthening service delivery, and improving the agency’s ability to anticipate and mitigate conflict across all 67 counties.

The position serves as the primary liaison to assigned PHRC Advisory Councils and Social Justice Ambassadors, ensuring adherence to bylaws, facilitating meetings, providing guidance, responding to inquiries, and supporting the advancement of PHRC’s civil rights initiatives.

The role also includes planning and executing public events, town halls, and community responses; preparing related reports and documentation; collaborating with internal and external partners; and performing additional duties as assigned to support the mission of the Civil Rights Outreach Division.

The position requires extensive travel, including evening and weekend work as needed, based on community needs and direction from agency leadership.

Decision Making:
Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

The incumbent exercises considerable independent judgment in determining when and how to initiate outreach, conduct community interventions, and provide training or mediation in response to emerging or ongoing civil rights‑related tensions. Decisions include evaluating the nature and urgency of community issues, selecting appropriate facilitation or mediation strategies, and coordinating with team members to ensure effective and timely responses. The Coordinator independently plans and implements outreach activities, manages regional initiatives, and determines appropriate engagement approaches based on community dynamics and agency priorities. Matters involving significant policy implications, resource allocation concerns, or sensitive community or political considerations are elevated to the Civil Rights Outreach Director for guidance. The incumbent regularly consults with leadership when circumstances require alignment with broader agency strategy, but otherwise exercises autonomy in resolving routine issues, recommending outreach actions, and carrying out program responsibilities..

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws, including the Federal Civil Rights Act and ADA.

Minimum one (1) year of specialized experience managing civil rights-related conflict resolution:

Facilitated dialogue, training, mediation, or consultation for groups addressing discrimination-based tensions or hate incidents.

Developed alliances with government and community organizations (e.g., law enforcement, faith-based groups, educational institutions).

Responded to high-level community tensions or civil disturbances.

Physical capability for extended, mobile fieldwork (with breaks).
Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to travel statewide.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supervising or directing program staff and managing substantial outreach projects.

Competence in preparing statistical and narrative program reports.

Familiarity with office management systems and public administration practices.


Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

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Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Build and maintain partnerships with public and community stakeholders.
 2. Maintain high confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy in all interactions.
 3. Analyze conflict data and apply active listening for resolution.
 4. Travel statewide, often on short notice, including evenings/weekends.
 5. Provide senior management advisement on outreach and civil rights issues.
 6. Communicate clearly in writing and verbally to diverse audiences.
 7. Assist with outreach program logistics and resource coordination.
 8. Lift up to 20 lbs (e.g., materials, equipment).
 9. Operate computer and standard office equipment.
 10. Perform all duties as assigned.