Associate Special Assistant (Equity and Inclusion)

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Serves as a strategic manager in the overall direction and operations of the Affirmative Action and Compliance Unit (AACU), including planning and implementing departmental and agency objectives. Directs the daily activities of the Workforce Development and Access to Contract Opportunities Programs. Provides guidance to AACU staff as needed. Assists in monitoring compliance with and enforcing the Authority's non-discrimination, harassment prevention and other related policies, and Code of Conduct. May act as the department head in the absence of the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer (CEIO).

Posting Period: 10/09/2026 - 11/02/2026
Location: Chelsea, MA
Salary: $145,622.00 - $155,188.00 annually
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Provides oversight and direction to the program managers and staff in accordance with organization policies and procedures and as directed by the CEIO. Oversees day-to-day Unit operations, represents the CEIO on administrative matters, and signs off on documents as necessary.
• Works with program managers and staff to ensure effective communication, identify problems and issues, and create and implement action plans as directed by the CEIO.
• Directs, recommends, and oversees the MWRA's action-oriented workforce planning and outreach in conjunction with Human Resources and in accordance with the MWRA's Affirmative Action Plan, ensuring outreach to a broad pool of applicants.
• Provides guidance and supports staff in outreach and engagement efforts to Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Businesses concerning participation in MWRA procurements and contracted services.
• Assists the CEIO in the role of MWRA's chief compliance officer under all applicable state and federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO/AA) laws, as well as the Authority's non-discrimination, harassment prevention and other related policies, and the Code of Conduct. May assist with requests for reasonable accommodations and participating in the interactive process to respond to such requests.
• In coordination with the CEIO or in the absence of the CEIO, updates, reviews and/or approves documents, as necessary, submitted by AACU and MWRA staff. Reviews and updates the MWRA Business Plan and other staff summaries prior to submission to the Board of Directors as needed; may appear before the Board on AACU matters.
• Maintains working knowledge of Authority EEO/AA policies, as well as current state and federal EEO/AA laws and regulations. In conjunction with the Manager, Training and Development, coordinates the design and presentation of workshops and trainings regarding MWRA nondiscrimination and harassment prevention policies, as well as other applicable policies, procedures, and state and federal EEO/AA laws.
• Investigates and/or supports investigations of any claims, complaints, allegations, reports or observances of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Prepares reports and collaborates with Human Resources, Law, and other departments to recommend remedies and remedial action, as appropriate, relating to investigations concerning claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other violations of MWRA policies, procedures, or Code of Conduct.
• Reviews personnel practices and makes recommendations to ensure compliance with MWRA policies, as well as state and federal EEO/AA laws.
• Assists in the development and enforcement of the Authority's affirmative action plan for employment, contracting, procurement and all activities, as well as policies and programs necessary to advance and maintain such plan and equal opportunity at the Authority, including assessment of staffing and M/W/DBE goals and benchmarks across the Authority.
• Assists in the development of the department's budget and monitors for adherence to Authority's policies and variance reporting.
• Maintains strong working relationships and affiliations with external state and federal agencies, professional organizations, community organizations, and groups as appropriate.
• Serves as a representative for the Authority before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and other entities as needed.
• Serves as a Unit liaison with federal and state agencies as necessary.
• Serves on selection committees for procurements on goods and services contracts as necessary.
• Provides assistance to hiring managers through participation in interviews and selection processes.
• Participates in working groups and committees as directed by the CEIO, including MWRA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Working Group, and oversees activities of DEI committees.
• Oversees the MWRA's Co-op hiring program, including developing and maintaining strong working relationships with local vocational-technical high schools and other educational institutions.
• Promotes an understanding of the MWRA's commitment to equal opportunity among its employees, those whom the MWRA serves, and those with whom it does business.
• Manages the Department in a manner that is consistent with MWRA's values of diversity, equity, inclusion, equal opportunity, and environmental justice.
• Acts as the CEIO's designee as requested.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in public administration, management, business administration, or related field; Graduate degree is preferred; and
• An understanding of state and federal employment laws and EEO/AA principles and practices, human resource administration, dispute resolution, affirmative action and operations as acquired by at least seven (7) years of related experience preferably within a public sector environment;
• Including a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory or managerial position; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or equivalent from another state.
• Completion of MCAD investigation training within 12 months of hire.
• This position has been designated as essential in instances where the MWRA Executive Director requires essential personnel to report to work such as inclement weather or other emergencies. Position may be eligible for up to 50% telework.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Excellent oral, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Experience managing in a union environment.
• Working knowledge and understanding of relevant contract compliance and M/W/DBE program development.
• Working knowledge and understanding of workforce recruitment and outreach principles and programming.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, train, and assign duties to subordinates.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office machines as normally associated with a professional office environment, including the use of telephones, personal computers, word processing and other software, email, videoconference applications, copiers, scanners and fax machines.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, including office equipment, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment.
The noise level in the work environment is usually a moderately quiet office setting.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer.
Exercises close supervision and provides functional guidance to AACU program managers and staff, including the Program Manager, Monitoring and Compliance, the Minority Business Enterprises/Women Business Enterprises (MBE/WBE) Program Manager, and administrative staff. May oversee the department in the absence of the CEIO.

Other Position Information
PCR: 8410012
Division: Affirmative Action
Department: Affirmative Action and Compliance Unit
Union/Grade: Non-Union/Grade 14

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.