Champion Equity, Protect Rights, Transform Systems – Lead Madison’s Department of Civil Rights
The City of Madison is launching a search for an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as the next Director of the Department of Civil Rights. This executive-level role is central to shaping the City’s civil rights strategy, strengthening equity and inclusion across government operations, and advancing justice and opportunity throughout the Madison community. The successful candidate will bring strategic insight, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to civil rights as they guide a department recognized for its leadership and impact.
For more information about the Department of Civil Rights, please visit their webpage.
The Role The Civil Rights Director provides overall vision and direction for the Department of Civil Rights and its three divisions—Equity and Social Justice; Affirmative Action; and Equal Opportunities. Together, these divisions drive the City’s internal and external civil rights work, from advancing equitable hiring and contracting practices to ensuring language access, disability rights, and equal opportunity across City services. Externally, the Department leads community outreach and education, administers complaint investigation and resolution processes, builds strategic partnerships, and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal civil rights laws.
This role oversees all managerial and administrative functions of the department, including leading, coordinating, and evaluating staff, programs, and services. The position requires substantial independent judgment and discretion in planning, directing, and implementing departmental functions, and operates under the general direction of the Mayor.
Employment will be governed by a five-year contract negotiated by the Mayor and approved by the Common Council. Residency within the City of Madison is required.
What We’re Looking For
A leader who knows how to turn vision into action. You thrive in complex environments, balancing innovation with regulatory expertise. Our ideal candidate is:
- A strong people leader who supports professional growth and fosters a healthy, inclusive workplace
- A strong communicator who builds trust with staff, partners, and the community
- Innovative and willing to challenge outdated processes in pursuit of better outcomes
- Skilled in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local civil rights laws
- Knowledgeable in civil rights programs and policies, including Affirmative Action (AA), Equal Opportunities (EO), Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and related areas
- Deeply committed to equity, with a broad, intersectional understanding of civil rights and the historical movements that shaped them
- Grounded in values of sustainability, fairness, and long-term systems change
IMPORTANT: THERE ARE TWO (2) SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY QUESTIONS ON THE JOB POSTING.
YOU MUST ATTACH YOUR RESPONSES IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION. YOU MUST ALSO ATTACH A RESUME.
(To view the questions, click on the supplemental question tab OR view the bottom section of the job bulletin)
**APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT ATTACHED ESSAY RESPONSES AND RESUME WILL BE ELIMINATED FROM CONSIDERATION.**
Our Community
The City of Madison is regularly included in lists of top places to live. A thriving food scene, more than 200 miles of trails for hiking, biking and snowshoeing, excellent healthcare, and of course great transit work together to help meet Madison’s vision to be inclusive, innovative, and thriving. Madison is actively working to become a more welcoming and inclusive community through ongoing initiatives, partnerships, and investments that support diverse populations and advance racial equity. Local organizations and spaces such as the Madison Black Business Hub, Centro Hispano of Dane County, and the The Center for Black Excellence and Culture play an important role in fostering community, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating spaces for connection and belonging.
Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community. 
