COORDINATOR OF TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

COORDINATOR OF TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester seeks qualified applicants for a Coordinator of Training and Professional Development for the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Under the direction of the Chief Equity Officer, this position will play a key role in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) workplace. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing training programs that advance DEI goals and awareness, and promote professional development. The coordinator will conduct needs assessments, develop training materials, and ensure that training strategies align with the City’s priorities to equip employees with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become future leaders who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. In collaboration with the Human Resources Department, the Coordinator will also develop internship programs and career pathways, creating diverse talent pipelines from local high schools and higher education institutions. The role will include staying updated on DEI climate, professional development, and serving on the Professional Development Committee to provide resources for employee growth and advocating for access to key professional development opportunities. Additionally, the Coordinator will support the management of City Boards and Commissions, assisting with meeting documentation, agenda preparation, public posting, and project coordination as needed.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

Training and Development:

• • Design and implement employee training programs that support DEI goals and foster employee growth.
  • Conduct needs assessments in collaboration with department heads and employees to identify training and professional development priorities.
  • Develop and secure approval from the CEO for training strategies that align with the city’s DEI and workforce development objectives.
  • Serve as an engaging presenter who can effectively communicate complex concepts in a clear, accessible manner to a diverse audience.
  • Exhibit excellent “customer service” and people skills, with the ability to empathize and address complex issues when interacting with employees from diverse backgrounds.
  • Conduct research and develop training materials on topics related to DEI and professional development as assigned.
  • Stay updated on changes to local, state, and federal regulations related to DEI and professional development by attending relevant training and workshops, as well as conducting ongoing research to inform best practices

Partnerships and Community Engagement:

• • Collaborate with businesses, non-profits and community organizations providers to facilitate training, and support for city initiatives.
  • Partner with the Grants Department to identify funding opportunities, assist with grant applications, and manage grants related to training programs.

Employee Mobility and Career Development:

• • Develop systems to promote internal career mobility and support employee career planning and growth.
  • Administer and monitor Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and oversee related contracts.

Employee Engagement:

• • Foster Employee Engagement through Cultural Celebrations: Organize and coordinate events that celebrate cultural, ethnic, and religious holidays, creating opportunities for employees to engage with and learn about diverse traditions and values.
  • Encourage Awareness and Participation in Heritage/ identity Months: Lead initiatives to promote and celebrate various heritage months (e.g., Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Pride Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Disability Awareness month), actively engaging employees in learning and participation.
  • Create Interactive Workshops and Training for Employees: Develop and facilitate engaging workshops, lunch-and-learn sessions, and seminars focused on cultural awareness, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging employees to actively participate in shaping an inclusive workplace.
  • Curate Meaningful Speaker and Panel Discussions: Invite diverse guest speakers, performers, community leaders, and subject-matter experts to engage employees in thought-provoking conversations, fostering an open and inclusive dialogue that enriches employee experiences.

• • Develop Engaging Educational Content: Produce newsletters, posters, and digital resources that not only educate employees about cultural celebrations but also actively involve them in recognizing and participating in these important observances.
  • Enhance Employee Connections through Cultural Initiatives: Design initiatives that foster employee connection and interaction around cultural events, encouraging collaboration and camaraderie among diverse teams to build a more engaged and united workforce.
  • Measure Engagement and Program Impact: Track employee participation, feedback, and overall satisfaction with cultural programs and initiatives to ensure that they are successfully increasing engagement, raising awareness, and meeting employee needs.

Internship/Pathway Programs:

• • Collaborate with HR and other city departments to create pathways and internship programs that foster the recruitment and development of a diverse workforce.
  • Develop and implement strategies to establish internship opportunities for students from higher education institutions and high schools, particularly those focused on DEI-related fields and careers in municipal government.
  • Build partnerships with local schools, universities, and community organizations to create a pipeline for emerging talent in DEI, social justice, and public service sectors.
  • Promote and support internship opportunities that provide students with hands-on experience in city government, while enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workforce.

Professional Development:

• • Provide management-level coaching and counseling training to support best practices within the city workforce.
  • Serve on the Professional Development (PD) Committee to ensure employees have access to resources that support their participation in professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and certifications.
  • Advocate for and facilitate the allocation of resources to ensure that employees have the opportunity to advance their skills and knowledge in alignment with organizational goals and personal career development.

Boards and Commissions Support:

• • Work directly as a staff liaison with boards and commissions as assigned
  • Maintain board minutes as assigned, ensuring compliance with Open Meeting Law.
  • Develop, post, and monitor agendas, and other documents that require public posting, in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Assist with board and commission projects as assigned, which may involve event planning and occasional evening work.
  • Develop guests and topics for boards and commissions as assigned and plan meeting guests and activities

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and best practices for employee training and development.
• Comprehensive knowledge of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) practices and professional development strategies.
• Proficiency in office software, including word processing, spreadsheet applications, the internet, and social media.
• Experience in fostering a workplace and community culture where diverse perspectives are valued and embraced.
• A multicultural background that enriches the understanding and approach to inclusive practices.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations relevant to DEI and professional development programs.
• Knowledge of best practices for creating diverse talent pipelines and internship programs.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and remain composed in emotional or high-stress situations while maintaining professionalism.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to a diverse audience.
• Ability to relate to and support people from a variety of social identities and lived experiences.
• Ability to promote and support inclusivity by appreciating and respecting differences in age, race, gender, ability, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, ethnic heritage, sexual orientation, and intersectionality.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and to work with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with HR and other departments to design and implement DEI initiatives, internship pathways, and career development programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Strong customer service and problem-solving skills, with a focus on employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Proficient in time management, with the ability to organize and juggle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills, with the ability to lead training sessions and present at meetings.
• Proficient in data analysis and generating reports to assess training effectiveness and employee development.
• Strong organizational skills to manage training materials, resources, and schedules.
• Strong understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and a commitment to advancing equal rights for all individuals, regardless of social identities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Education Human Resources, Organizational Development, Social Sciences, or similar), or equivalent specialized knowledge.
  • Any equivalent combination of education, training, and five (5) years of experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in training, development, or DEI-related roles, with a focus on professional development.
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience with using computer applications, including Microsoft Suite, and/ or SharePoint.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five (5) years of experience coordinating and/or managing training programs.
• Two (2) years of experience with researching, creating and presenting training materials or informational sessions
• One (1) year of experience with internship programs
• One (1) year experience working with Boards and Commissions
• Certification in Professional Development
• Experience navigating multicultural environments and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds.

SALARY RANGE: $79,123 -$103,835 annually, full-time, exempt with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.