Equity & Inclusion Manager

Equity & Inclusion Manager

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Equity & Inclusion Manager in the City Manager's Office. This is a salaried, exempt (overtime in-eligible) non-represented position. The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.

The Equity & Inclusion Manager leads city-wide efforts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, helping the City make thoughtful, informed decisions and apply equity principles in the City's approach to policy, programs, and service delivery.

Working closely with City leadership and departments, the Equity & Inclusion Manager provides guidance, tools, and expertise to embed equity into everyday work such as policy development, decision-making, and service delivery. They support departmental equity liaisons, facilitate collaborative conversations, and help build staff capacity to apply equity principles in practical, meaningful ways.

This role also leads the City's equity and accessibility programs, manages staff, and ensures compliance with accessibility and civil rights requirements. The ideal candidate is a trusted advisor, collaborative leader, subject matter expert, and problem-solver who is passionate about public service and advancing inclusive, equitable outcomes for the community and organization. Classification Framework: Manager III

The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and not intended to be an exhaustive list.

• Build staff knowledge and skills so equity principles are consistently applied to City programs, policies, and decisions.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture that values teamwork, safety, and belonging.
• Support department equity liaisons and partnerships to embed equity expertise across the organization.
• Lead the development and implementation of citywide diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) goals and initiatives.
• Advise City leadership, City Council, and staff by providing equity tools, best practices, and analysis for decision-making.
• Provide leadership and supervise DEIA program staff, including the City's accessibility program to ensure compliance with ADA and related laws.
• Collaborate with departments and the engagement team to apply DEIA practices to projects and community engagement efforts.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, policy advisor, and strategic leader for Citywide equity efforts.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and trusted leader with strong experience applying equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles in a public-sector or complex organizational environment and leading teams. They are skilled at advising leaders, partnering across departments, and translating equity concepts into practical tools, guidance, and policies that improve how services are delivered. This person brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to complex issues, experience supervising staff and programs and ensuring compliance with accessibility and civil rights requirements and is committed to creating inclusive outcomes for the community and organization.

Highly qualified candidates with bring working knowledge from their professional and lived experience in:

• Leading and implementing equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives in a public-sector or complex organizational environment;
• Managing and delivering projects and programs through collaboration and using strong project management and organizational skills;
• Applying knowledge of civil rights, accessibility, and anti-discrimination laws to policy and program work;
• Communicating effectively and educating about equity concepts and how to put them into practice with diverse audiences;
• Collaborating across departments, using diplomacy, facilitation, and problem-solving skills;
• Providing leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day supervision to their team;
• Analyzing policies, budgets, and data while managing multiple priorities with attention to detail; and
• Working independently and as part of a team, using common office and collaboration tools to stay organized and effective.

Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application. Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Associate's degree in public administration, social work, ethnic studies, social or cultural anthropology, social science, communications, organizational development, or a related field; AND
• Experience: At least 6 years' experience in equity and inclusion focused projects and programs; AND At least 4 years' supervisory experience; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

• Current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Desired (but not required) Attributes:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university in public administration, social work, ethnic studies, social or cultural anthropology, social science, communications, organizational development, or a related field;
• Bilingual language skills in Spanish and English, including reading, writing, and speaking (includes a pay incentive of $2/hour; proficiency testing required)

Application Deadline: Applications received by Friday, May 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time will be included in an initial review and consideration for interview; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Application Requirements: To be considered for an interview, applicants must complete an online application including the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):

• Cover Letter describing how your professional and lived experience has prepared you for this role
• Resume

Veterans' Preference: Applicants seeking Veterans' Preference as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran must attach appropriate documentation to their application. For more information click here.

Equity Statement: The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend's Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.

Benefits: The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting. Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate's education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.