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. Summary 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 gr…