Chief Diversity Officer

Overview

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which were visited by 88.3 million people in 2024. The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.

Description The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which were visited by 88.3 million people in 2024. The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.

Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration, the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) will lead OPRHP’s efforts to embed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) into its culture, policies, and practices. The CDO will serve as a change agent and strategic advisor, fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse communities that OPRHP serves.

• Champion and implement the agency’s DEIA Strategic Plan.
• Advise leadership on DEIA-related policy, compliance and cultural transformation.
• Lead initiatives that promote inclusive hiring, retention, and advancement practices.
• Oversee and develop employee resource groups, mentorship programs and DEIA training.
• Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership on embedding equity-centered practices in budgeting, hiring, procurement, capital planning and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with Executive Staff to integrate equity impact assessments into grantmaking and capital investment decisions.
• Monitor and report on the distribution of funding to ensure transparency and alignment with DEIA goals.
• Partner with Regional Park Directors and community organizations to create culturally responsive programming that reflects the diversity of New York’s residents.
• Partner with Executive Staff to ensure that interpretive and educational programs reflect inclusive narratives including Indigenous history, environmental justice, and the contributions of marginalized communities.
• Expand initiatives like “Connect Kids to Parks” and “Connect Kids to Swimming” to include multilingual outreach, adaptive recreation and intergenerational programming.
• Develop and maintain equity dashboards to track progress of DEIA goals across hiring, contracting, programming and public access.
• Facilitate community listening and stakeholder advisory groups to inform policy and program design.
• Publish regular DEIA impact reports that highlight successes, challenges and future commitments.
• Assist the Commissioner, Executive Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners, and other staff in developing, preparing, and coordinating internal and external communications, metrics, reports, or other projects, as directed.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and seven years of relevant experience. Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience;
Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.

Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Cultural Studies, Public Administration, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field is preferred.

New York State government experience with progressively responsible experience in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) leadership, cultural change or policy development.

Excellent organizational, administrative, and communications skills, both oral and written; experience in the…