Vice President for Diversity Affairs and Special Advisor on Tribal Relations

Fort Lewis College•Durango, CO

6d•$145,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President for Diversity Affairs and Special Advisor on Tribal Relations is a transformational executive leader at Fort Lewis College. The position provides leadership to sustain and elevate diversity, promote a culture of support and belonging, and develop strategic initiatives that contribute to the success of all students, faculty, and staff. As the Special Advisor on Tribal Relations, this position will advise the President on important matters with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, serving as the liaison between the college and sovereign Tribal Nations.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Education, Business, Law, Organizational Development, or related field.
At least three years of leadership experience in higher education, government, or nonprofit sectors, including roles with organizational leadership, staff supervision, and strategic responsibility (director-level or equivalent).
Demonstrated track record implementing transformative initiatives in the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging space with a focus on stakeholder collaboration and impacting student success.
Experience securing outside funding to support institutional level initiatives.
At least three years of supervisory experience, providing direct oversight to faculty and/or professional staff.
External affairs experience, with a proven track record of navigating complex relationships with external stakeholders.
Thorough understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across a wide range of identities and lived experiences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, veteran status, religion, and culture.
Understanding of issues and opportunities facing students from diverse backgrounds and identities in higher education.
Ability to articulate a high-level vision for DEIB and reconciliation at Fort Lewis College and a willingness to collaborate while directly enacting meaningful initiatives.
Active listener who deeply engages with all constituents.
Ability to relate to and work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and community partners to accomplish institution-wide goals.
Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
Demonstrated experience of leading with a collaborative style focused on outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Education, Business, Law, Organizational Development, or related field.
Senior leadership in education, nonprofit, or corporate sectors.
Demonstrated success in improving student outcomes.

Responsibilities

Lead campus-wide diversity and belonging efforts in alignment with the Fort Lewis College 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.
Lead campus-wide efforts to advance the College’s Reconciliation plan.
Provide direction and leadership for the Office of Diversity Affairs, including strategic planning, program assessment, budget management (public and private dollars), grant proposal development, donor and alumni stewardship, preparation of reports and development of publications.
Supervise multiple director-level positions advancing FLC’s belonging, reconciliation, TRIO, CIRCL, and diversity programming on campus.
Lead outreach efforts that promote and support FLC’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work.
Guide and support the President on external relations and governmental affairs at the tribal, state, and federal level.
Build relationships with diverse community partners in Southwest Colorado, with a particular focus on Tribal Nations.
Collaborate with the Divisions of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Human Resources to support the faculty and staff in meeting the needs of our diverse student body and promote student success.
Contribute to creating a more inclusive environment by designing, leading, and executing initiatives that improve the overall student experience.
Serve as key advisor to the President and Board of Trustees regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Serve as a liaison between the College and Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities (at the local, regional, and national levels).
Elevate and oversee the work of the Center for Reconciliation by implementing and overseeing programs that support FLC’s reconciliation plan.
Maintain knowledge and awareness of digital accessibility including the American with Disabilities Act and Section 508.
Produce and remediate digitally accessible materials in accordance with FLC standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.