Civil Rights Director

General Description Champion Equity, Protect Rights, Transform Systems – Lead Madison’s Department of Civil Rights The City of Madison is searching for an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as the next Director of the Department of Civil Rights. This executive-level role is central to shaping the city’s civil rights strategy, strengthening equity and inclusion across government operations, and advancing justice and opportunity throughout the Madison community. The successful candidate will bring strategic insight, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to civil rights as they guide a department recognized for its leadership and impact. Employment will be governed by a five-year contract negotiated by the Mayor and approved by the Common Council. Residency within the City of Madison is required. The Role The Director provides overall vision and direction for the Department of Civil Rights and its three divisions—Equity and Social Justice; Affinity Action; and Equal Opportunities. Together, these divisions advance internal and external civil rights work, from equitable hiring and contracting practices to ensuring language access, disability rights, and equal opportunity across city services. Externally, the department leads community outreach, administers complaint investigation and resolution processes, builds strategic partnerships, and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal civil rights laws. The role oversees all managerial and administrative functions of the department, leading, coordinating, and evaluating staff, programs, and services with substantial independent judgment and discretion in planning, directing, and implementing departmental functions. What We’re Looking For A leader who turns vision into action, thrives in complex environments, balances innovation with regulatory expertise, and is committed to equity. Strong people leader who supports professional growth and fosters an inclusive workplace. Strong communicator who builds trust with staff, partners, and the community. Innovative and willing to challenge outdated processes. Skilled in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local civil rights laws. Knowledgeable in civil rights programs and policies, including AA, EO, ADA, and related areas. Deeply committed to equity with an intersectional understanding of civil rights. Grounded in values of sustainability, fairness, and long-term systems change. Examples of Duties and Responsibilities Executive Leadership Provide high-level interpretation and integration of federal and state law into city operations. Develop and direct the department’s budget, including pursuit of non‑city revenue streams and grants. Oversee and facilitate the work of the Affinity Action, Equal Opportunities, and Disability Rights Commissions. Manage all agency human resources functions with interest‑based problem solving and equity‑centered supervision. Equity and Social Justice Work with city agencies to embed equity and social justice into operations at all levels. Advise the Mayor and Common Council on budgets and procedures to eliminate systemic disparities. Lead development and implementation of the city’s Language Access Plan. Oversee programs connecting the community with city services, especially ESL and historically underserved communities. Equal Opportunities and Disability Rights Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and rules. Implement the Equal Opportunities Ordinance, including investigation and adjudication of complaints. Guide city‑wide ADA compliance and disability rights initiatives. Develop and implement processes for resolving internal allegations of discrimination or harassment. Economic Justice Manage programs to maximize participation of small, disadvantaged, and minority/ women‑owned business enterprises in the local economy. Collaborate with city partners in recruitment and retention programs to increase representation of protected classes. Oversee development of programs increasing hiring and success of underrepresented groups by city and private sector employers, including negotiation of affirmative action plans. Community Engagement Forge partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Work directly with diverse communities to overcome language, cultural, and physical obstacles to city services. Create mechanisms and coalitions for public input to keep the city responsive to emerging community needs. Minimum Qualifications Five years of progressively responsible experience in civil rights administration, equal opportunities and/or affirmative action work, including three years in a senior‑level supervisory capacity; and Bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Administration, Law, Social Work, Human Resources, or closely related field. OR four years of experience applying principles and methods of equity and social justice, interpretation and application of civil rights laws, budget formulation, and supervisory principles; and Two years of experience in conflict resolution, restorative justice techniques, and neutralization of implicit bias. Other equivalent combinations of experience, training, and education will be considered. Special Requirements Residency in the City of Madison is required. Ability to meet transportation requirements. Expected to attend meetings and provide presentations outside normal work hours, including evenings and weekends. Physical Requirements Ability to stand or sit at a computer workstation and desk for long hours. Ability to use standard office equipment, including computer, phone, copier, etc. Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non‑traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community. #J-18808-Ljbffr Next City