Whatcom Racial Equity Commission, Executive Director
The Opportunity: Being a "Road Map" Leader
The Whatcom Racial Equity Commission is ready to launch! Because the "Destination Leaders" are our Commission members, we're seeking a passionate, innovative, hands-on leader who will operationalize the Commission's mandate, that is, set its roadmap!
DESTINATION LEADERS - VISIONARIES establishing the destination.
ROAD MAP LEADERS - NAVIGATORS getting us to our destination.
Because the Commission was formed through extensive community-engagement and leadership that traveled from protest to policy advocacy to establishment in the Whatcom County Code, the ideal candidate will carry on the legacy of community-ownership. This person will be a courageous thought-partner and leader while advancing racial equity principles, policies, and programs from the Commission to local government and the community at large. The first Director will have the opportunity to support this new entity in its launch which can catalyze the advancement of the WREC's vision and publicly mandated purpose of eliminating racial inequities.
TO APPLY: Interested candidates should visit https://www.chuckanuthealthfoundation.org/apply-wrec-team. To view details about the role, application process, and compensation or review the Full Job Posting.
We're asking candidates to send us their application materials via email to WREC@ChuckanutHealthFoundation.org.
Position Summary
The Executive Director will convene the Commission with the support of the Commission Steering Committee. The Director and the Steering Committee will collaborate to develop a strategic work plan. This plan will drive the Commission's projects, products, and processes. Among other critical elements, building relationships with community partners is required.
Essential Functions of the Director
The Executive Director is charged with the overall administration of the Commission, ensuring its functionality, and the success of the Commission in meeting its public mandate. This will be accomplished through:
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP TO THE COMMISSION
Supporting the Commission in meeting its public mandate as outlined in Whatcom County Code 2.107 by "carrying out the purpose, function, and daily operations to support the Commission." (Whatcom County Code 2.107.110)
Ensuring focus on equity and anti-oppression practices, informed by the philosophy of Targeted Universalism and the Guiding Principles of the Commission as outlined in Whatcom County Code 2.107.030.
Providing flexible and adaptive strategic leadership in the operationalizing and implementing of the Commission's vision, mission, and strategic plan.
COMMISSION RELATIONS (internal: commission member relations & operations)
Supporting the development and implementation of Commission processes and procedures.
Providing leadership to and maintaining communication with all Commission members, committees, and work groups.
Ensuring that Commission meetings and processes are accessible to all members by providing or coordinating support as needed for equitable participation; including balancing differing levels of familiarity or experience with content to ensure equitable participation and access throughout all processes.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS (external: community & partner entities with the commission)
Working across a broad range of diverse perspectives to inspire collaboration and compromise to achieve shared objectives.
Representing the Commission in the community, and actively promote the mission, values, and goals of the Commission.
Serving as a liaison between the commission, local governments, and the broader community-especially those communities that have been historically or are currently unable to participate in civic spaces.
PROGRAMS
At the direction of the Commission, facilitating the design, development, and implementation of policy proposals, programs and projects that advance racial equity in Whatcom County.
Coordinating or completing research and analysis to assist in the development and implementation of best practice programs.
ADMINISTRATION, PERSONNEL, & FISCAL MANAGEMENT
Recruiting, hiring, supervising, and evaluating Commission staff, volunteers, and/or interns, as well as consultants working on Commission projects.
Ensure that the flow of funds permits the Commission to make continuous progress toward the achievement of its public charge. This is accomplished through budget development and monitoring so that funds are properly allocated to reflect present and future needs.
Identifying and pursuing private and public funding resources that could support the work of the Commission, and if awarded, ensuring compliance with any funding agreements.
For the full scope of the role please review the Detailed Job Description.
Competencies:
Bridge Building - Works across a broad range of diverse perspectives that inspire collaboration, compromise, and consensus to achieve a shared mission.
Collaboration & Adaptability - Utilizes an inclusive leadership style that prioritizes the growth, well-being, and empowerment of collaborators, by creating an environment where others shine while inspiring their partners to action and transformation.
Lifelong Learning - Models a willingness to be a perpetual learner, learn in public, and increase their own knowledge and understanding of inequity broadly and specifically as other kinds of inequity intersect with race.
Authenticity & Sustainability - Honors and celebrates their own professional and personal boundaries in advancing racial equity work to sustain vitality, resilience, and thrive in movement-making and systems change long-term. AND creates workspaces and relationships that encourage others around them to do so as well.
To Apply!
This position is open until filled, with applications submitted by May 17 given full consideration. First look at applications will be May 9; initial screening calls will begin in May. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
We're asking candidates to send us their preferred contact information, resume, and a cover letter via email to WREC@ChuckanutHealthFoundation.org. Please review the Full Job Posting for more details about what to include in your cover letter and a detailed schedule of the review process.
Cover Letter:
We wish to learn more about your experiences, qualities, and gifts you hope to bring to the role of the first Whatcom Racial Equity Commission Executive Director in addition to what is already shared in your resume. We are asking candidates to respond to the following prompts thoroughly enough to capture their message and recommend a page count of up to three pages for the letter. Whenever possible, please share specific examples that demonstrate your experience with advancing racial equity, justice, community collaboration, and systems change. We recognize these cover letters may be longer than usually expected.
Please indicate why you are interested in this position, and why this position is the next right step for you in your career.
Please share a story/situation related to systems- and/or community- level change work you've engaged in or led involving people with disparate lived experiences or perspectives.
Why do you believe it is critical to address racial equity through local policy change?