Director for Advancing Racial Equity and Inclusion

Pay Grade: 32E

Context of the Job:

Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice President, Institutional Equity for Student Life the Director for Advancing Racial Equity & Inclusion serves as a key member of Division of Student Life. The Director provides direct leadership and implementation strategies for advancing the Division's strategic focus on advancing antiracism, racial equity, and inclusion. Focused on influencing an affirming and positive campus racial and ethnic climate and culture for students and staff. The Director will direct and advise the Division of Student Life on how and where to embed antiracism strategies into the context of student affairs work: student advocacy, support, engagement, and success.

The Director will collaborate with Student Life and Institutional Equity departments and academic units on their antiracism practices. The Director directs data-informed strategic planning and long-range budget planning for advancing racial equity and inclusion planning and implementation in conjunction with Divisional goals, budgets, and forecasting, and they maintain a fiscal philosophy that ensures optimal utilization of resources. The Director will also lead and manage advisory boards, accountability groups, provide leadership for Student Life and University committees and coalitions, and advise on Divisional responses to campus-wide activities and plans. Serve as an advisor and member of the Student Culture & Equity portfolio and on Student Life Directors leadership team and may directly supervise full-time and/or part-time staff.

Responsibilities:

• Act as a key advisor to the Student Culture & Equity portfolio, reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Institutional Equity for Student Life, on key topics requiring special attention, initiatives, goals, and objectives beyond day-to-day operations. Work in close partnership with the Assistant Vice President to develop and execute initiatives that will positively influence the campus racial and ethnic culture for students, including but not limited to students intersecting social and personal identities.
• Manage, advance, and implement the strategic initiatives and goals related to race and racism (i.e., Advancing Racial Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan in Student Life) and the intersections of social identities (i.e., sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, class, and ability status) social justice.
• Translate a vision and strategic plans into change management and concrete methods of implementation from inception, planning, and development, to management, execution, and assessment.
• Direct, coordinate strategy, and provide regular reports related to bias response planning and execution including, but not limited to bias response forms, response procedures, communications, regular data-informed reports, and proactive strategies to mitigate biases.
• Produce and oversee regular communications, reports, and information-sharing platforms on antiracism progress via websites, newsletters, and other marketing and communication platforms.
• Oversee and directly perform the administration and direct analyses of ongoing audits, surveys, evaluations, and/or assessments of students and staff culture and climate experiences, satisfaction, and perceptions as it relates to race and racism and needs and successes of antiracism strategies.
• Actively partner within the Student Culture & Equity portfolio to develop evaluation and assessment plans, forms, and analyses on overall programs (i.e., events, trainings, workshops, etc.) related to students' satisfaction, growth, learning, and experiences.
• Bring forward and propose current topics, research, and models of success in and outside of higher education equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice and maintain strong connections with speakers and facilitators of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice work that can develop and build strong rapport with BIPOC students and staff to understand experiences and for continuous culture and climate-based improvements.
• Build and coordinate strong partnerships with Division of Student Life, Office of Institutional Equity, and additional internal and external campus stakeholders on direct racial equity and inclusion action items.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in higher education, student personnel or counseling services and six years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Terminal degree preferred.
• Strategic planning skills, including skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Expertise in translating a vision and strategy into a practical plan with concrete methods of implementation and measurable outcomes. Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and interpret policies and procedures.
• Deep understanding of and expertise with race and racism, intersections of social identities, and social justice.
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, in addition to the ability to maintain sensitive information in confidence.
• Ability to organize, compile and present information, develop rationale, and write persuasively for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work in a networked way, emphasizing collaboration in a complex environment.
• Ability to problem-solve and make independent decisions and judgments in keeping with the level of the position.
• Ability to cultivate effective working relationships within a diverse community and maintain a positive and collaborative work environment. Commitment to an organization that is diverse, equitable and inclusive.
• Proven experience exercising good judgment and making independent decisions.
• Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures, and experience in fiscal management.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office, Google products, and project management technologies
• Knowledge of student development theory and student personnel administration.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.