Executive Director of the American Freedman Commission in Cambridge

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: The Equity and Inclusion (E&I) Department is responsible for advancing antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion across the City through strategy, organizational culture, policy development, and service delivery. We build connections by fostering a workplace and community culture where the rights, dignity, and contributions of every employee, resident, and visitor are valued and protected. The E&I Department has multiple divisions, including the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Commission on Immigration Rights and Citizenship, the Commission on the Status of Women, the Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative, the Human Rights Commission, the LGBTQ+ Commission, and Language Justice. Together, we collaborate and engage with all City departments, community partners and businesses, other government agencies, and residents to operationalize diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and opportunity.

ABOUT THE ROLE: Reporting to the Chief of Equity and Inclusion, the Executive Director will serve as a visionary, dynamic, and dedicated leader committed to advancing the work of the American Freedmen Commission (AFC). The primary focus will be to explore historic and ongoing harms experienced by the descendants of enslaved people in Cambridge and to identify practical, sustainable legal pathways for appropriate reparations. The Executive Director will implement the AFC’s initiatives in accordance with City Council ordinances, playing a key role in shaping its strategic direction, building impactful partnerships, and leading initiatives that foster equity for Cantabrigian descendants of enslaved individuals. Success in this role requires a deep sense of curiosity, self-awareness, and empathy. A strong commitment to principles of anti-racism, equity, anti-oppression, and dignity for all is essential. Additionally, familiarity with the programs and services across various City of Cambridge departments is preferred, as this knowledge will enhance collaboration and effectiveness in achieving the AFC’s goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Articulate the American Freedmen Commission’s mission and strategy as outlined in the City ordinance and build alignment across the City organization.
• Develop a strategy to ensure active and effective community engagement and outreach.
• Provide managerial and logistical support to ensure the success of daily office operations, programs, and events.
• Coordinate with the Commission Chairperson to develop meeting agendas and tasks for the commission.
• Collaborate with appointed American Freedmen Commissioners, City Manager, and City Council to advance the Commission’s mission and goals.
• Prepare and manage annual Commission budget.
• Maintain confidentiality of documents and information.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree or 5 to 7 years of relevant experience or equivalent education, training, and/or experience required.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, developing, implementing, and managing programs, initiatives, and outreach efforts.
• Knowledge of civil rights issues, social justice, laws, and regulations.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and lead a dynamic, diverse team.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with progressively increasing management and supervisory roles.
• Proven ability to think creatively to solve systemic and challenging problems.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex messages clearly and straightforwardly.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork.
• Proven ability to utilize the talents of individuals and teams to complete projects or spearhead new initiatives.
• Demonstrated administrative, management, and organizational abilities.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Dedicated to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Since the City of Cambridge and its community are diverse, applicants should be able to work and engage effectively with people of various identities, cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work requires the ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to read and analyze large quantities of information. Ability to travel back and forth from office locations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is mainly performed in a typical office setting that features fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, computers, and other standard office tools. There may also be meetings held in different offices or locations. Position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s Telework Policy, depending on operational needs.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: Competitive benefits package including: Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance, Vacation and Sick leave eligible, Sick Incentive Pay Eligible, 3 Personal days, 14 Paid Holidays, Management Allowance, $2700 year, City employee transportation benefits (T-Pass reimbursement, Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle).

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: Resume, Cover Letter.