The Village of Oak Park, Illinois (Pop. 54, 583) is seeking a visionary and collaborative leader for the position of Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. The incumbent will lead on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion and belonging in the Village by developing, reviewing and implementing policy and programming in alignment with the Village’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals. Key projects include spearheading the development of the Village’s Inaugural Racial Equity Action Plan and managing the Village’s successful cultural event programming. The Chief DEI Officer operates in a leadership capacity out of the Village Manager’s Office, serving on the Village’s executive team, and is expected to be a regional leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The successful candidate will exemplify the Village organization’s core values of community, connection, service, respect and results.

About the Position & the Department

The Chief DEI Officer reports directly to and provides complex administrative support to the Village Manager who reports to the Village Board in a Council-Manager form of municipal

 government. The position plans, directs, manages and oversees all activities and operations of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, including DEI staff and/or contractors and will work closely with a variety of internal and external stakeholders advancing Oak Park’s racial equity, community relations and other related goals through policy, programming, consulting, education, outreach and engagement. Significant productive collaboration with key operating departments will be critical to the success of the role and all DEI initiatives.

Chief DEI Officer serves as the Village’s Human Rights Ordinance Administrator, and staff liaison to the Community Relations Commission, Aging in Communities Commission and Disability Access Commission, and may provide subject- matter expertise to other inter-governmental partners and community groups both in Oak Park and throughout the region.

The Chief DEI Officer oversees 2.5 FTEs including a Collective Impact Manager, a Community Relations Coordinator and a part-time research assistant, and manages an annual budget of approximately $1 million.

The Ideal Candidate will have the following competencies:

Strategic vision and leadership

• Develop and implement a Racial Equity Action Plan in alignment with Village goals.
• Experience leading institutional change and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
• Strong decision-making skills with a focus on equitable policy development.

Deep understanding of DEI Principles

• Expertise in systematic inequities, social justice, and anti-discrimination policies.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to diversity and civil rights.
• Ability to apply equity frameworks to government services and operations.

Government and public administration knowledge

• Understanding of municipal operations, policies and governance structures within a council-manager form of government.
• Ability to integrate DEI into public safety, housing, economic development and other government services.
• Knowledge of funding opportunities and grants for DEI initiatives.

Policy and program development

• Experience in creating, implementing and assessing DEI programs.
• Ability to integrate DEI principles into hiring, procurement and engagement.
• Competence in using data to drive policy decisions and track progress.

Conflict resolution and problem solving

• Strong mediation and facilitation skills to address DEI-related challenges.
• Ability to navigate complex issues with diplomacy and cultural sensitivity.
• Experience resolving community concerns related to bias and discrimination.

Commitment to public service and social justice

• Passion for equity and inclusion in government and the broader community.
• Dedication to advocating for historically marginalized groups.
• Ethical and transparent leadership with focus on accountability.

How to Apply

To apply, candidates must submit a comprehensive resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references to Assistant Village Manager/HR Director Kira Tchang at jobs@oak-park.us First review of applicants will occur on April 25, 2025. For more information https://www.oak-park.us/Government/Village-Jobs/2025-03-20-DEI-Officer  

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: Five (5) years of diversity, equity and inclusion and/or or anti-racism work. Background in municipal government or related field is a plus. Supervisory experience is also strongly preferred.

Training:  Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in human resources management, organizational development, industrial/organizational psychology, psychology, sociology, social work, business administration, or a related field, or a combination of experience and education that is equivalent.  A master’s degree in a qualified area is preferred.

About Village of Oak Park

The Village Oak Park is a vibrant community of about 54,583 located immediately west of Chicago on a major interstate/expressway and only 20 minutes from the downtown “Loop” and “Magnificent Mile.” Oak Park is a first-ring suburb serviced by two light-rail rapid transit lines and one commuter rail line to Chicago. The Village offers miles of tree-lined streets as Illinois’s first municipal arboretum, a growing bikeway system and a thriving business community clustered into multiple business areas. This historically significant community provides a distinctive urban/suburban lifestyle that includes a mix of architecturally significant homes and buildings, high quality municipal services, excellent public and private schools, and an involved citizenry that is eager to participate in local government. As established by our residents in the comprehensive plan Envision Oak Park, the Village’s five core values are diversity, urban sustainability, respect for Oak Park’s legacy, collaboration & cooperation and thriving neighborhoods.

Connections working at Village of Oak Park