Access & Opportunity Officer

DeKalb County Government; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County Government in Georgia seeks a strategic leader to oversee countywide equity initiatives, drive accessible services, and align policies with community needs. The role serves as principal advisor on accessibility, equity, and related practices, integrating equity into operations and decision-making.

You will manage staff, develop accountability frameworks, and build partnerships with community organizations while reporting to executive leadership and the Board of Commissioners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Six years of progressively responsible experience in public sector administration, compliance, public policy, or related field.
• Three years of management or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership for countywide equity initiatives and advisory on accessibility, policy, and community engagement.
• Manages and develops assigned staff, schedules, and performance.
• Organizes work across departments to ensure equity is integrated into policies, budgeting, and operations.
• Develops accountability frameworks and reporting to measure equity outcomes.
• Represents the County in meetings and community events to promote equity initiatives.

Skills

Public administration knowledge

Leadership

Strategic planning

Equity and accessibility

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Job Description

Salary Range: $84,321 - $135,756 Salary Grade: 26 FLSA: Exempt

Purpose Of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to provide strategic leadership and oversight for countywide equity initiatives that promote fair and consistent access to services, opportunities, and resources; develops and implements policies, programs, and practices that support organizational effectiveness and community responsiveness; integrate principles of accessibility, compliance, and service excellence into County operations and decision-making; and serve as the County’s principal advisor on accessibility, community engagement, and related matters.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff: develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; approves employee work schedules and leave requests; addresses employee concerns and problems, and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.

Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work: prioritizes and schedules work activities to meet objectives in a fast-paced environment; ensures subordinates have proper resources needed to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with assigned staff to assist with complex situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management; assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate; and provides oversight to contractors providing services under assigned area of responsibility.

Provides leadership and guidance to County departments and employees regarding the integration of equity principles into policies, programs, services, budgeting, planning, and operational practices; promotes consistency in the application of equity-focused strategies across the organization; and facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to address systemic barriers and disparities.

Serves as the County’s subject matter expert on equity, accessibility, and related best practices; researches emerging trends, legislation, and practices; and recommends strategies to improve equitable access to services, programs, and opportunities.

Conducts organizational and employee assessments, equity audits, and analyses of policies, programs, and practices; identifies inequities, barriers, and disparities; develops recommendations for corrective action; and monitors implementation of approved improvements.

Develops accountability frameworks, performance indicators, and reporting mechanisms to measure equity outcomes; collects and analyzes data; prepares reports, presentations, and recommendations; and communicates findings to the CEO, Board of Commissioners, executive leadership, and other stakeholders.

Develops and sustains strategic partnerships with community organizations, advocacy groups, governmental agencies, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders; and serves as the County’s primary liaison on equity- and access-related matters. Advises executive leadership regarding the equity impacts of proposed policies, initiatives, programs, and legislative actions.

Collaborates with departmental leadership and employees to support training, education, and organizational development initiatives that promote organizational capacity to advance equity goals.

Represents the County at meetings, conferences, public forums, and community events; delivers presentations and briefings; and promotes awareness of County equity initiatives and accomplishments.

Monitors compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, mandates, and reporting requirements related to equity and accessibility; and recommends actions to ensure compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Human Resources, Social Sciences, Organizational Development, Law, Political Science, or a closely related field required; Master’s degree preferred; six years of progressively responsible experience in public sector administration, human resources, compliance, public policy, strategic planning, community engagement, or related field, including three years of management or supervisory experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License Or Certification Required

None