Chief Diversity Officer

Lawrence University • Appleton, WI

399d

About The Position

The Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) will lead the university's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional values and goals. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to foster a culture of belonging and inclusivity, overseeing the Office of Accessibility Services, and serving as a key advocate and resource for the community. The CDO will also represent the university in external engagements and ensure compliance with DEI principles across institutional policies.

Requirements

• Terminal degree with a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in leading strategic DEI initiatives and programming.
• Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to contemporary issues of inclusion, diversity, access, equity, and antiracism.
• Strong preference for experience in higher education, including supervisory experience.
• Effective presentation and training experience.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as the 504 coordinator is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the university's strategic DEI initiatives to align with institutional values and goals.
• Collaborate with leaders, faculty, and students to integrate DEI into academic and administrative operations.
• Establish benchmarks and metrics to evaluate the success of DEI programs.
• Foster a culture of belonging and inclusivity across campus by developing initiatives that promote community and respect.
• Engage in campus and student life, attending or leading cultural celebrations and student-led initiatives.
• Collaborate with departments and student organizations to support underrepresented student communities.
• Attend and spearhead major university events, including cultural celebrations and graduation ceremonies.
• Cultivate and communicate a shared vision of the university's DEI commitment among stakeholders.
• Build partnerships with local, national, and international organizations to strengthen community engagement.
• Represent the university at external conferences, workshops, and community events.
• Serve as the spokesperson for the university's DEI efforts in public forums and media engagements.
• Ensure clear communication of DEI goals to internal and external audiences.
• Oversee and align institutional policies with DEI principles, ensuring inclusivity and equity.
• Partner with the Director of D&IC and General Counsel to assess and implement DEI-related policies.
• Monitor the effectiveness of policies and recommend revisions when necessary.
• Serve on the University's Board Response Committee and key university committees focused on diversity and inclusion.
• Develop mid- and end-of-year reports for Accessibility Services and manage donor designated reports for DEI programs.
• Provide strategic oversight of the DEI office's budget, approving proposals and monitoring expenditures.
• Analyze and provide guidance on complex DEI-related administrative and management issues.
• Ensure compliance with evolving legislation and regulations related to accessibility in higher education.
• Lead the creation and implementation of DEI education programs for the campus community.
• Develop and execute DEI training for faculty, students, and staff.
• Partner with Human Resources and the Provost to enhance recruitment and retention strategies.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: No Education Listed