Chief Diversity and Equity Officer

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:

$138,742.32 - $221,987.42 Annual

Department:

Non-Departmental

Job Type:

Regular Non-Represented

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

September 28, 2025

The Opportunity:

Overview

Multnomah County is looking for a seasoned, dynamic leader who has demonstrated experience and leadership skills in advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion. These qualities will be used for the operationalizing of the Workforce Equity and Strategic Plan(WESP), both internally and externally in our organization, as the Chief Diversity and Equity Officer (CDEO).

Why Join Us?

This is more than a leadership role — it’s an opportunity to be a catalyst for social justice and to foster a workplace that celebrates diversity and champions belonging at every level. You will work alongside dedicated teams and community partners, helping shape the strategies that impact the residents of Multnomah County. This is your chance to leave a lasting legacy by helping create a more equitable future for our community.

Summary

Multnomah County seeks a visionary and experienced Chief Diversity Equity Officer (CDEO) to provide leadership and strategic direction for the County’s implementation and operation of theWorkforce Equity and Strategic Plan(WESP). Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the CDEO partners with County Departments, Equity Managers, and Offices to ensure DEI goals and objectives are incorporated into the implementation of the WESP. As a key advisor to the County’s executive leadership team, the CDEO ensures that equity and inclusion are infused throughout the County’s culture, strategies, and goals through the operationalizing of the WESP.

This position also supports the effective implementation of critical equity-centered programs within the Office of Diversity and Equity, ensuring that in collaboration with youth, community members, employees and equity practitioners, the County continues making progress toward being an equitable organization.

Responsibilities in this role will include:

Leadership & Management

• Provide executive-level leadership and serve as a subject-matter expert and policy advisor to the County Chair, Elected Officials, and County Leadership.
• Lead and manage the Office of Diversity and Equity, providing direction that champions the County’s values, strategies, and objectives related to equity, diversity, and inclusion of the WESP.
• Provides leadership and guidance to committees and staff involved in the Countywide equity strategic plans for WESP implementation. Support the development and monitor key metrics based on data; track, analyze, and communicate metrics and trends.
• Set the strategy and provide oversight to the agency's employee resource groups (ERGs). Collaborate and consult with ERGs to ensure their voices and input are integrated into County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals, strategies, and practices.
• Directly coach, mentor, and supervise the Office of Diversity and Equity Leadership Team.
• Ensure the Office of Diversity and Equity’s Leadership Team is effectively coaching, mentoring, and managing their workforce equity and equity policy teams.
• Develop, administer, and manage the Diversity and Equity Office's budget, ensuring budget equity throughout the County.
• Work with County partners and the office’s Deputy Director to provide strategic direction, analysis, and long-term planning for the Office of Diversity and Equity’s goal implementation and accountability.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy & Policy

• Provide strategic direction and technical expertise to develop, implement, operationalize, and evaluate a long-term, holistic roadmap and strategic vision for the Multnomah County’s operationalizing of WESP diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
• Lead and provide countywide leadership to further operationalize theWorkforce Equity Strategic Plan.
• Leverage data and develop key metrics to ensure effective implementation and measurement. Track, analyze, and communicate key equity success metrics and demographic trends generally and within our industry and recommend programs/solutions.
• Support departments in integrating principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into strategic plans, initiatives, and workplace culture, through the implementation of the WESP.

Communication and Relationship Building

• Participate on County leadership councils (Leadership and Executive) by providing expertise and recommendations.
• Serve on the Chair's Policy Team and other leadership roles as designated by the Chief Operating Officer.
• Deliver presentations at all levels of the County (Chair, Commissioners, Executive Leadership, Management, Staff, Community Partners).
• Effectively communicate and influence at all levels of the organization by collaborating and building consensus with all Department Directors and their respective units while sharing best practices and offering viable solutions for problem-solving.
• Partner with and support Equity Managers, ensuring administrative and logistical support, and building opportunities for feedback, insight, analysis, and direction.
• Support facilitated conversations with staff and community partners to analyze, and recommend process improvements through utilization of theEquity and Empowerment Lens
• Establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships, including, but not limited to, internal staff, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public by championing and model county core values and values-based behaviors.
• Sit on or co-chair committees regarding important community issues relevant to County work.

To Qualify

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work experience
• Minimum of 6 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in government, community, or educational programs related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Developing, leading and implementing broad based equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives and changes within an organization.

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Master’s Degree
• Certification in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• More than 6 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in government, community, or educational programs related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• 8-10 Years Experience in Senior Level role focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

*Transferable skills:Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position. Be sure to describe any transferable skills on your application and clearly explain how they apply to this position.

Screening and Evaluation

The Application Packet:

• A completed online application.
• A resume covering relevant experience and education. Please be sure your resume includes the following for each employer: name of employer, location, dates of employment, your title, a brief summary of your responsibilities, the number of employees under your supervision.
• A cover letter that expands on your resume, addresses why you are interested in this position and demonstrates how your experience and skill set align with the minimum and preferred qualifications listed.

Note:The application, resume and cover letter should demonstrate your work experience/skills and how it is related to those shown in the Overview and To Qualify sections of the job announcement. Please be thorough, as these materials may be scored and determine your eligibility for an interview.

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review ouroverview of the selection processpage. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications: We may do an additional preferred review and/or send out additional supplemental questions to identify those highest qualified.
• Consideration of top candidates: We will consider qualified candidates in order of rank and score from the list of eligible candidates. This may include panel interview(s), a hiring interview, and/or additional testing to determine the best candidates for a position.
• Reference checks: All finalists must pass a thorough reference check

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be used to fill full-time, part-time, temporary, limited duration and on-call positions.

Type of Position: This is an Unclassified Executive position that is salaried, FLSA Exempt, and not eligible for overtime pay.

Multnomah County offers an exceptional benefits package, including employer-funded retirement savings; health and dental insurance at very low cost to full-time employees and their dependents; paid parental leave; wellness programs; a focus on work-life balance; and much more. Find more details on ourbenefits website.

Equal Pay Law: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience, education, seniority, training, and/or tenure. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.

Hybrid Telework: This position is designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will be working both remotely (from home) and in person at an onsite location. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. The onsite work location for this position is the Multnomah Building: 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

Work Location: This position works onsite at the Multnomah Building: 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

Questions?

Recruiter:

Cole Whitehurst

Email:

cole.whitehurst@multco.us

Phone:

+1 (971) 2713709

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Job Profile:

9760 - Chief Diversity and Equity Officer