Job Description
Director of Equity, Environmental Justice and Civil Rights, Exempt
Recruitment #2025-5-7931
Full-time, Exempt, Non-represented position.
Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA.
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered.
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered.
Salary: $127,776.00 - $149,028.00 Annually
To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $127,776.00 - $156,864.00 Annually
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity to contribute to work that ensures a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive. Our mission is to protect Washington State's natural resources for current and future generations, and we’re looking for a talented, dynamic team member to carry out that mission and strengthen our strategies.
We are committed to making DNR a great place to work and serve Washington’s lands and communities. At DNR, we believe there is not just one path to success. Whoever you are or wherever you come from in the world, there is a place for you here.
We are looking for someone who values public service and understands that we must continue to innovate to fulfill our duties as public stewards and solve our state’s most pressing challenges. If you enjoy working in a collaborative environment that encourages you to think big and share your strengths, we invite you to apply!
As the
Director of Equity, Environmental Justice , and Civil Rights, you will report to the Chief of Staff and be part of the Senior and Executive Leadership Teams. You will oversee the Office of Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights, which is housed within Executive Management.
Responsibilities: As the Director of the Office of Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights at DNR, you will manage a team of subject matter experts responsible for portfolios that ensure compliance with existing state and federal laws, design programs to create measurable benefit for residents of Washington state, work across the agency to reduce adverse impacts of our work on communities, and ensure the principles and practices of environmental justice are embedded in every program of DNR.
This role is on the Executive Management team and serves as both a thought leader and collaborator to proactively align agency work products with maximum benefit to human health and DNR’s constitutionally mandated activities. The Director also serves as DNR’s representative on the WA State Environmental Justice Council and leads various internal committees, workgroups, and staff training.
Additionally, you will support the implementation of the agency’s overall DEIB strategies in cross-division collaboration with the Workplace Culture and Development Division. In this role, you will manage the compilation and production of various reports and statutorily required updates related to Equity, Environmental Justice, and Civil Rights.
You are responsible for recommending, elevating, and leading changes at the agency, state, and federal policy levels where DNR has authority and will serve as the executive responsible for documenting and assessing the impact of all environmental justice and equity actions taken by the agency.
You will lead the HEAL and Climate Commitment Act accounts for DNR, and will manage the agency’s compliance with the HEAL Act, leading the teams tasked with completing Environmental Justice assessments or significant agency actions.
You will work to protect the rights of the citizens of Washington to utilize our state lands without discrimination based on protected characteristics. The position will develop a protocol and identify responsible parties to receive complaints and investigate problems to mitigate risk and ensure the civil rights of the public are met.
Required Qualifications: - A bachelor's degree or higher in sociology, public policy, business administration, environmental science, cultural studies, or another field relevant to the position's responsibilities AND 6 years' experience;
OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent. - Strategic planning experience, including development of annual and biannual plans with demonstrated ability to conceptualize and articulate future direction and measurable goals.
- Policy development or program implementation related to natural resources or the environment.
- Experience conducting public hearings, meetings, and Town Halls in diverse communities and regions.
- Experience working for an elected official or high-level executive.
- Experience working with or applying policy decisions from the Washington Health Disparities Map, the EPA Environmental Justice Screening Tool, or other data-driven equity tools.
- Experience managing relationships with high-level, influential, elected, and appointed officials with a proven track record of consensus building, collaboration, and negotiations that reflect a strong understanding of legislative processes and intergovernmental relations.
- Experience working with the press and creating content for public audiences.
- Experience leading policy and system change or managing in a large agency or organization to advance equity initiatives.
- Strong history of engaging with disproportionately impacted and historically marginalized communities, to also include Tribal governments on natural resource management or environmental issues.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to cultivate an environment of engagement, belonging, respect, empathy, active listening, and trust.
- Demonstrated ability to create a workplace where differences are embraced; fosters a strong sense of team through diverse points of view and talents. and capabilities.
- Successful track record working with state agencies, cities, counties, and federal governments, and tribal and public entities.
- Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, and evaluate complex research using mixed methods in qualitative and quantitative measurements.
- Strong problem-solving skills, creative thinking abilities, and an innovative mindset and approach.
- Active listening skills as demonstrated by the ability to resolve conflicts, receive and convey ideas, thoughts, and information.
- Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
- Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment: - Office setting. May travel/work from other locations occasionally.
- Some travel required
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov . A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!
Application Requirements: - Apply online at (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
Questions? Please contact Diana Phibbs at diana.phibbs@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov .
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
(DNR). At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Job Tags
Full time, Remote job, Relocation,