King County Library System (KCLS) is seeking a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with extensive skill in embedding an equity lens across organizations.

The Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s focus is to build and strengthen a holistic DEI strategy that embodies KCLS’s mission and values. The Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leads a team of professionals who collaborate across all levels of the organization to support staff in collectively pursuing a shared vision of equity, and creating an environment that celebrates diverse perspectives and experiences. Reporting to the Executive Director, and as a member of the KCLS Leadership Team, the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will develop, implement and track progress against ongoing strategic and tactical initiatives that help dismantle inequities for those historically underrepresented. With focus both internal to the employee and external to the patron experience, the work of this position enhances KCLS’s inclusive environment.

Required Application Material: Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses relevant work experience, education, and training as it relates to this position.

About King County Library System (KCLS): KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, KCLS creates opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.4 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs. Approximately 1,300 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 library locations and in community engagement using direct outreach and virtual assistance. The service area of KCLS includes the cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle. The King County Library System values diverse perspectives, life experiences, and differences. KCLS encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans. We are committed to being equitable and fair in providing access to opportunities for all. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to apply for this position or to perform the essential functions of this position.

To request accommodation please call 425-369-3224.

For more information about King County and KCLS, please visit the following links:

• KCLS Stories
• KCLS Foundation
• KCLS Budget
• KCLS Capitol Bond Projects
• King County city profiles
• King County school districts
• Cost of Living calculator
• King County attractions

Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents, however, and do not include all specific tasks an incumbent may be expected to perform.

1. Lead the design and implementation of a DEI framework, by establishing goals, metrics, and   assessment criteria, as well as an action plan to attract, retain and promote a diverse workforce.
2. Develop, plan and execute DEI activities (e.g. training, education, workshops, communication and events) to engage the organization and help make KCLS’s staff, teams, and culture more inclusive, equitable, and responsive.
3. Oversee and advance KCLS’s racial equity work plan, and other initiatives that foster a culture of openness and inclusion.
4. Lead a DEI Department team to execute the DEI framework and associated work plans.
5. Collaborate with KCLS Leadership Team (KLT) colleagues to strengthen their roles as champions and advocates for DEI, both internally and externally, driving awareness, commitment and accountability.
6. Partner with HR and the KCLS Leadership Team (KLT) to embed DEI into all talent systems across the employee life cycle, including identification and development of diverse talent, succession planning, leadership development, people management and recruiting.
7. Integrate key concepts of belonging, inclusion, and equity into existing programs, policies, practices and departmental work place.
8. Create and grow an Employee Resource Group (ERG) strategy and provide leadership and support to empower and strengthen internal communities.
9. Develop a DEI dashboard and establish defined measures of success, targets and incremental goals for the short and long term.
10. Serve as an advisor and thought leader on DEI issues.
11. Increase and measure staff cultural competency through training and reviewing data on internal and external complaints related to diversity, equity and inclusion, including bans and trespasses.
12. Mediate conversations among leadership and staff on culturally sensitive issues.
13. Be a strong voice for inclusion and diversity at KCLS and in the broader community, proactively building and maintaining community partnerships.
14. Develop and administer the department’s annual budget; monitor, approve all expenditures, and assure efficient and economical utilization of all department resources.

1. Provide regular updates on diversity, equity and inclusion activities and progress across the organization, including all staff, leadership and board meetings.
2. Influence the KCLS diversity, equity and inclusion story collaboratively with Community Relations.
3. Convene and lead a DEI committee including staff from multiple classifications, cultures, and orientations for feedback about and input into DEI plans.
4. Other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years of leadership experience in the diversity field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in increasing organizational diversity.
• Proven record implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives through to execution.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Ability to serve as organizational subject matter expert and provide guidance and coaching on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Experience in affirming identities and belonging for underrepresented and marginalized people.

Job is primarily performed indoors in a typical office setting, and involves extensive close work including use of a PC monitor. Incumbent must be available for evening and early morning meetings, on an occasional basis, and able to serve on-call. Occasional to extensive travel within the service district is required.