EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION) 3093

(Exempt)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

This is an administrative position involving responsibility for planning, directing, coordinating and participating in the activities and services of the Human Rights Commission of Syracuse and Onondaga County. The work is performed in accordance with the policies and goals of the Commission with emphasis placed on defining the role of the Commission within the community, setting priorities and schedules for Commission programs and projects, and supervising the professional and clerical staff.

The work involves considerable contact with representatives from community groups and agencies, local business and industry, and other government agencies; these contacts focus on efforts to increase the community's understanding of the goals and objectives of this Commission, encourage participation in Commission affairs by recruiting volunteers, and develop programs on issues of concern to the Commission.

Work is performed under the general direction of the Human Rights Commission, with considerable latitude allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in the development of contacts with community representatives, the establishment of internal procedures and schedules for Commission activities, and for the supervision and evaluation of Commission staff. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Administers programs and services of the Human Rights Commission, including directing the analysis of community needs, development of program proposals, implementation of programs and delivery of services, and evaluation of program and service effectiveness.

Supervises the professional, clerical and volunteer staff of the Commission, including establishing priorities, schedules, internal practices and procedures, planning and assigning work assignments, and monitoring and evaluating staff performance.

Confers with representatives from community groups and organizations, local business and industry, and other government agencies in an effort to increase community understanding of the goals and objectives of the Commission and to develop programs in areas of concern to the Commission; maintains effective working relationships with these representatives.

Confers with and maintains effective working relationships with the City Corporation Counsel's Office and the County Law Department for the purpose of obtaining legal advice and assistance.

Represents the Commission at meetings, workshops and seminars on topics of interest to the Commission.

Disseminates information to the public on behalf of the Commission and is responsible for public relations.

Directs Commission staff and participates in researching special issues and problems, including the collection and organization of information and support

materials, and the preparation of narrative and descriptive statistical reports and position papers on human rights issues.

Mediates disputes relating to human rights between individuals and private, non‑profit and governmental agencies.

Is available on a 24‑hour basis for emergency community dispute resolution.

Confers with staff members to review status of assigned area of responsibility and to discuss problem situations; may assume responsibility for counseling, select individuals with complex employment, housing or service problems.

Prepares annual budget for Commission, and monitors fiscal activities during the budget year.

Meets regularly with the Chair, the Executive Committee, the Commissioners and the County Legislature.

Participates in civic, community, and human relations associations to promote equal rights among all people.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Thorough knowledge of the goals and objectives of the Human Rights Commission.

Thorough knowledge of current trends, problems and developments in the field of human rights and inter-group relations.

 

Thorough knowledge of community groups and organizations, local business and industry, and other government agencies that may be able to provide assistance to the Commission in meeting its goals and objectives, or in administering its activities and programs.

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Good knowledge of the techniques of program administration and human service program delivery.

Good knowledge of public relations techniques.

Working knowledge of the principles of social psychology, particularly in the area of group tensions and conflict resolutions.

Ability to understand, interpret and Analyze written and quantitative material.

Ability to speak effectively and deliver effective oral presentations.

Ability to plan, organize, monitor and evaluate the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with volunteers, representatives from community groups and agencies, local business and industry, attorneys, and other government units and agency staff.

Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to exercise a high degree of tact and diplomacy in resolving discrimination issues.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a baccalaureate degree and three (3) years of professional level work experience, or its part‑time equivalent, in the administration of an agency responsible for the enforcement of human rights legislation, or in the investigation of complaints based upon violations of human rights, or in the administration of a contract compliance program related to equal employment opportunity; or,

 

B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a baccalaureate degree and three (3) years of professional level work experience in community, human service or educational programs, one (1) year of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity; or,

 

C. Seven (7) years of work experience in community, human service or educational programs, three (3) years of which must have been professional level work experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).

 

D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B), and (C).

 

NOTE: A Master's degree may substitute for one (1) year of non‑supervisory experience.

 

3/83 Date of Original Composition

 

Review Date: