(NAME-MCE) The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is seeking a --Director of Equity and Civil Rights.

[Bill Howe]

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is seeking a

visionary and dynamic educator/leader to join the OSPI team as the

Director of Equity and Civil Rights.



Opens February 1, 2009 ~ Open Until Filled

Resumes will be screened upon arrival



This critical and innovative full-time position is based in Olympia,

Washington. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit OSPI's website

(www.k12.wa.us) to gain insight into the agency's mission and strategic

plan.

OSPI Mission and Vision

In collaboration with educators, students, families, local communities,

business, labor, and government partners, the Office of Superintendent

of Public Instruction leads, supports, and oversees K-12 education,

ensuring the success of all learners.  Washington's education system

prepares each student to live, learn and work as productive citizens in

the 21st century.

Overview

The equity and civil rights position combines the traditional civil

responsibilities of Federal and State nondiscrimination laws with the

broader focus of working in positive ways with LEAs to integrate equity

principles into administrative and classroom practice.



Nondiscrimination laws provide equal access, treatment and employment

opportunities and prohibit harassment on the basis of race, ethnicity,

national origin, sex, religion, sexual harassment, and sexual

orientation.



Nondiscrimination on the basis of disability is handled by another OSPI

Department.



Role

The Director of Equity and Civil Rights reports to the Deputy

Superintendent of Communications and External Relations and is

responsible for all decision-making related to the daily operations of

the equity and civil rights office of OSPI, including recruiting,

hiring, and supervising a diverse staff; section-level strategic

planning; budgeting; implementing or modifying program services; and

providing technical assistance to customers and other stakeholders.



The Director also plays an important role as a statewide expert and

strategic leader in the broad arena of equity and civil rights and the

provision of a supportive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

The functions of the Equity and Civil Rights unit include the following.





Manage and coordinate a district compliance system including

feedback on district reports and documents, providing information,

technical assistance, and training regarding Federal and State

nondiscrimination laws.



Develop, provide and coordinate equity-related training

including anti-bias, cultural competency, and culturally-relevant

teaching and administration.



Work with OSPI, regional and district staff in the integration

of nondiscrimination and equity throughout OSPI and district programs.



Provide materials, training and resources to assist teachers and

administrators to eliminate the achievement gaps.



Receive and respond to allegations of discrimination based on

federal and state nondiscrimination laws.

Desirable Qualifications

OSPI is seeking candidates who meet or exceed the following profile:



Knowledge, understanding and experience in the requirements and

applications of Federal and State nondiscrimination laws.

Knowledge, understanding, and experience in working with

teachers and administrators in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and

assessment of education programs to apply reform requirements and

improve student learning.

Knowledge and experience in managing programs related to

improving curriculum and instruction.

Knowledge and experience in developing materials and training

and implementing them in schools.

Knowledge of educational reform policies and relevant research.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and

verbally, including the ability to conduct both formal and informal

presentations to both large and small groups, including public forums,

other state agencies, the media, and testify to the legislature and its

committees regarding all programs and service of the unit.

Skills in developing community relationships, including business

and professional linkages, interagency collaboration, partnerships with

parent and advocacy groups.

Ability to work as a part of a team.

Experience in working with multiple racial/ethnic and

socioeconomic groups.

Experience and knowledge of creating culturally responsive

learning environments.

Computer skills, specifically Microsoft Word, PowerPoint,

Outlook, and Excel and Project Management.

A master's degree in education, social service, or public

administration.

Compensation

The annual compensation range for the position will depend upon

qualifications of the candidate selected.  Washington State has a

generous benefit package including health, dental and life insurance,

retirement, and an optional deferred compensation program.  You may go

to www.hca.wa.gov for health benefit information and www.drs.wa.gov for

retirement benefit information.

Application Process

Those interested in this position may apply by submitting a letter of

interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this

announcement, a current resume, a complete list of five or more personal

and professional references, and the optional affirmative action

information request below.  Please send all the application materials

to:



Kristin Collins, Human Resource Consultant

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

600 Washington Street Southeast/Post Office Box 47200

Olympia, Washington 98504-7200

Voice/Message:  (360) 725-6270; FAX: (360) 664-0567

E-mail:  Kristin.Collins at k12.wa.us    Internet:  http://www.k12.wa.us



Bill Howe
Asian Pacific American Coalition of CT http://apaact.com/
Personal Website http://www.billhowe.org
Multicultural Dimensions http://www.multiculturaldimensions.org
Travel Blog http://billhowe.org/BillBlog/
Multicultural Education Blog http://billhowe.org/MCE/