Director, Human and Civil Rights

National Education Association; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 223,995 - 239,719; Full time

Job summary

The National Education Association seeks a Director of the Human and Civil Rights Department within the Center for Racial and Social Justice. The Director will lead a dynamic department and advance equity and racial justice across NEA affiliates, member engagement, and internal teams. Salary: $223,995.00 - $239,719.00 (annual).

This DC‑based position may include a telework arrangement as approved. The role requires an advanced degree and senior management experience with a track record in policy

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in Education or Public Policy.
• Senior management experience leading a diverse unit; union experience preferred.
• Experience in policy and program development, implementation and evaluation.
• Commitment to labor-management collaboration.
• Ability to articulate a strategic vision for the HCR Department aligned with NEA’s mission.
• Data-driven, able to manage teams, projects, systems and budgets.
• Strong supervision, decision-making, communication, policy analysis, race-equity analysis, interpersonal, project management and facilitation skills.
• Willingness to travel 30-45 overnight stays per year.

Responsibilities

• Guide design, implementation and continuous improvement of programs, working with teams to develop racial justice‑centered engagement tools, frameworks and training.
• Coach and mentor staff to deepen expertise in equity frameworks, practices and program delivery.
• Ensure alignment of work across all HCR teams and with the Community Advocacy & Partnership Engagement Department.
• Supervise and guide program staff and managers, approving work plans, deliverables and resources.
• Track team performance, evaluate progress on programmatic goals and provide guidance to improve effectiveness.
• Lead design and delivery of NEA’s Annual Conference on Racial and Social Justice.
• Engage and collaborate with union representatives on issues affecting HCR staff.
• Manage the HCR Department’s budget and operations in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Implement effective project management strategies for program outcomes.
• Act strategically in changing environments, advising staff and leaders on justice‑related issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Policy development

Program evaluation

Data analysis

Budget management

Team supervision

Communication

Labor relations

Education

Advanced degree in Education/Public Policy

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Position Summary: The National Education Association seeks a Director of the Human and Civil Rights (HCR) Department within the Center for Racial and Social Justice. The Director will lead a dynamic department and advance equity and racial justice across NEA affiliates, member engagement, and internal teams. Salary: $223,995.00 - $239,719.00 (annual). This DC‑based position may include a telework arrangement as approved.

Responsibilities:

• Guide design, implementation and continuous improvement of programs, working with teams to develop racial justice‑centered engagement tools, frameworks and training.
• Coach and mentor staff to deepen expertise in equity frameworks, practices and program delivery.
• Ensure alignment of work across all HCR teams and with the Community Advocacy & Partnership Engagement Department.
• Supervise and guide program staff and managers, approving work plans, deliverables and resources.
• Track team performance, evaluate progress on programmatic goals and provide guidance to improve effectiveness.
• Lead design and delivery of NEA’s Annual Conference on Racial and Social Justice.
• Engage and collaborate with union representatives on issues affecting HCR staff.
• Manage the HCR Department’s budget and operations in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Implement effective project management strategies for program outcomes.
• Act strategically in changing environments, advising staff and leaders on justice‑related issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in Education or Public Policy preferred or equivalent experience.
• Senior management expertise with a record of leading a diverse, professional business unit; union experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with policy and program development, implementation and evaluation.
• Commitment to labor‑management collaboration.
• Ability to articulate a strategic vision for the HCR Department that is innovative, collaborative and aligns with NEA’s mission.
• Data‑driven, dynamic environment skill; manage teams, projects, systems and budgets.
• Strong supervision, decision‑making, communication, policy analysis, race‑equity analysis, interpersonal, project management and facilitation skills.
• Leadership in fostering creative work environment and collaboration across a complex organization.
• Ability to coach, mentor, motivate, delegate and supervise staff effectively.
• Advocate for and implement practices related to race, class, social and racial justice, equity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and computer proficiency, including Microsoft Teams and videoconferencing.
• Will travel 30‑45 overnight stays per year.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the position involves skill in using a computer, oral and written communication, proofreading and editing, clear and articulate speech, interpersonal relations, reasoning and problem‑solving, ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.), and ability to travel by various methods.

NEA is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative‑action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion or disability. NEA participates in E‑Verify. NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.