Executive Director - Metro Human Relations

Executive Director - Metropolitan Human Relations Commission

Department: Metropolitan Human Relations Commission Schedule: Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Salary: $120,429.07-$168,600.47 annually

Lead the work that protects civil rights, strengthens public trust, and shapes the future of Fort Wayne. We are looking for a principled, strategic, and community-minded executive who can lead complex work, make sound decisions, and represent the Commission with credibility, courage, and integrity.

What You'll Do

As Executive Director, you will serve as the senior leader of the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission, guiding the agency responsible for enforcing civil rights laws and addressing unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations.

You will lead the agency's strategic direction, oversee investigations and legal matters, manage federal partnerships and funding, develop a highly skilled team, and serve as a trusted voice for civil rights throughout the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish the agency's strategic direction, recommend annual goals, develop programs and policies, and provide regular progress reports to the seven-member Commission.
• Direct the investigation and resolution of discrimination complaints while providing procedural, policy, investigative, and legal guidance to the Staff Attorney, investigators, and agency team.
• Manage the agency's budget, grants, reporting, and federal contracts with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with City Council, government agencies, attorneys, judicial officials, businesses, advocacy organizations, and community partners.
• Represent the Commission through public presentations, educational workshops, media and community outreach, and discussions involving complex or sensitive civil rights matters.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly leads 11-15 employees and is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and performance of the agency. This includes hiring, training, coaching, assigning work, evaluating performance, resolving employee concerns, and building a culture of accountability and professional excellence.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three to five years of closely related professional experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local civil rights and anti-discrimination laws.
• Ability to interpret complex laws and regulations and apply them fairly in high-impact or sensitive situations.
• Experience leading employees, setting organizational goals, and improving programs and operations.
• Strong executive-level communication, public speaking, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Experience with budgeting, grants, fiscal management, or federally funded programs.
• Valid Indiana Driver's License if a City vehicle is used.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Juris Doctorate.
• Education or professional experience in civil rights, administrative law, law, social work, or a related field.
• Knowledge of investigative procedures, employment practices, housing, labor relations, human resources, education, or public accommodations as they relate to civil rights.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Fair Housing Act
• Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act
• Civil rights investigations and case management
• Federal contracts, grants, and regulatory reporting
• Budget development and fiscal oversight
• Strategic planning and community outreach

Why Work for the City of Fort Wayne

This is a rare opportunity to lead an agency whose work directly protects the rights, opportunities, and quality of life of people throughout Fort Wayne. You will have the platform to influence policy, strengthen community partnerships, educate the public, and guide work that makes a lasting difference.

The City of Fort Wayne also offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, paid time off, professional growth opportunities, and a strong retirement program.

The City of Fort Wayne is an Equal Opportunity Employer.