IRS headquarters in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo)
The opening for a full-time “Supervisory Diversity and Inclusion Specialist” at the agency’s national headquarters in Washington, D.C. was announced on June 11 and is open until June 24.
The Diversity Specialist will “serve as a change agent to provide strategies, solutions, training, tools, resources and thought leadership on diversity and foster inclusion” across the workplace and “build internal awareness” for diversity and inclusion throughout the agency.
Among the day-to-day job duties: Hear and resolve complaints from employees; "effect minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands"; and identify developmental and training needs of employees.
The job listing comes amid allegations that the IRS engaged in viewpoint discrimination by singling out conservative groups for extra scrutiny when they applied for tax-exempt status ahead of the 2010 and 2012 elections. The IRS subjected some conservative groups to lengthy and intrusive personal questions, which in some cases delayed their tax-exempt status for years.
The diversity specialist job has a salary range of $123,758 to $155,500 a year, plus a “very generous” benefits package.
The listing describes the specialist as providing “expertise to problem-solve, design, and deliver business-unit-wide diversity and inclusion solutions.”
“At the IRS, you will use your skills in accounting, business, finance, law enforcement, information technology, advocacy and more to help make America stronger,” the listing says.
The job listing does not specify a minimum education level, and it says “no prior federal experience is required.”
It does require “at least one year of specialized experience,” and the successful applicant will have a "thorough knowledge" of the “circumstances associated with diversity and inclusive issues” and be able to "deal tactfully and persuasively with agency management, executives, and others to resolve program issues which are often controversial and sensitive in nature..."
The candidate must also understand “the views, values, perspectives of diverse demographics including, but not limited to, generations, veterans, virtual and remote employees, mixed-race employees, religions, and internal and external employees.”
“This knowledge allows the incumbent to apply a broader, more current and more inclusive definition of diversity beyond the traditionally-recognized diversity groups,” the job listing says.
On top of the six-figure salary, the IRS says, “Our comprehensive benefits are very generous -- helping you to reach your personal goals by supporting your professional growth, health, well-being and your family needs.”
Last month, a report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration revealed that the IRS targeted Tea Party groups with names such as “patriot” in their titles, requiring them to complete lengthy personal questionnaires (often multiple times) and having their nonprofit status delayed, sometimes for more than three years.
Several IRS officials have retired or been placed on administrative leave in light of the scandal, including former IRS commissioner Steven Miller and Lois Lerner, the director of the tax-exempt organizations division, who was placed on paid leave after refusing to resign.