The Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) will partner with several committees, programs, and offices ensuring the Diversity and Intercultural Center (DEI) work and organizational structure are aligned to maximize impact and facilitate the recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff. Examples of impact will include creating and implementing strategies, training, and messaging on DEI for the campus community with the goal of building an empathetic community bound together by a sense of belonging. This position oversees the University’s Office of Accessibility Services and the Affinity Group Coordinator. The CDO must be the advocate as well as the trusted resource/educator for the community and a member of the President’s Cabinet.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the university’s strategic DEI initiatives to align with institutional values and goals by:
  • Collaborating with leaders, faculty, and students to integrate DEI into academic and administrative operations.
  • Establishing benchmarks and metrics to evaluate the success of DEI student-led, faculty, staff, student, and donor-funded programs.
• Lead efforts to foster a culture of belonging and inclusivity across campus by:
  • Actively engaging in developing initiatives that promote a sense of community, inclusivity, and respect among students, faculty, and staff.
  • Actively engaging in campus and student life, attending or leading cultural celebrations and student-led initiatives as assigned.
  • Collaborating with departments and student organizations to support underrepresented student communities.
  • Attending and spearheading major university events, including cultural celebrations, graduation ceremonies, and student-led initiatives as directed.
• Cultivate and communicate a shared vision of the university’s DEI commitment among internal and external stakeholders by:
  • Building partnerships with local, national, and international organizations to strengthen community engagement.
  • Representing the university at external conferences, workshops, and community events.
• Serving as the spokesperson for the university’s DEI efforts by:
  • Providing strategic advocacy in public forums, media engagements, and leadership meetings.
  • Ensuring clear and consistent communication of DEI goals to internal and external audiences and stakeholders.
• Oversee and align institutional policies with DEI principles by:
  • Ensuring policies, procedures, and practices reflect inclusivity and equity.
  • Partnering with the Director of D & IC and General Counsel to assess and implement DEI-related policies.
  • Monitoring the effectiveness of policies and recommending revisions when necessary.
  • Serve on the University’s Board Response Committee.
• Lead and contribute to key university committees focused on diversity and inclusion by:
  • Chairing the President’s Committee on Diversity Affairs.
  • Serving on faculty committees and working groups as a strategic advisor.
• Collaborate with relevant offices to ensure transparent and actionable DEI reporting by:
  • Developing mid- and end-of-year reports for Accessibility Services.
  • Creating and managing mid-year and annual donor designated reports for DEI programs.
• Provide strategic oversight of the DEI office’s budget by:
  • Approving proposals and monitor expenditures to align with strategic goals.
  • Delegating routine financial tracking to administrative staff.
• Analyze and provide guidance on complex DEI-related administrative and management issues by:
  • Offering institutional decision-making support using a DEI-focused approach.
  • Delegating preliminary research and analysis to Executive Team to support informed recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with evolving legislation and regulations by:
  • Staying informed about developments in laws related to accessibility in higher education, ensuring compliance with all procedures and safeguards required under Section 504 of the ADA.
  • Providing training and guidance to university leadership on legislative requirements.
• Lead the creation and implementation of DEI education programs for the campus community by:
  • Developing and executing DEI training for the campus: faculty, students and staff
  • Serving as a subject matter expert for DEI training initiatives.
  • Overseeing programs for major orientation events, such as Welcome Week and New Faculty Orientation.
• Lead and support efforts to attract and retain a diverse workforce by:
  • Partnering with Human Resources and the Provost to assess and enhance recruitment and retention strategies.
  • Overseeing recruitment policies to ensure equity and inclusion.
  • Spearheading and supporting DEI-related Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Affinity Groups.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, awareness of and commitment to contemporary issues of inclusion, diversity, access, equity, and specific emphasis on antiracism, including the current research and pedagogical approaches.
• Demonstrated strategic vision and insight with the ability to conceptualize and analyze organizational issues, develop strategic plans, lead major institutional change initiatives.
• Exhibited openness to exploring different ideas, creating solutions where all parties can see success, and engaging colleagues.
• Effective presentation and training experience.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence, transparent disposition, and habit of collaboration; strong interpersonal skills and diplomacy; superb listening and influencing skills; flexibility and an ability to embrace ambiguity; ability to cultivate and sustain trust and credibility with faculty, staff, and students.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment in the development, implementation and evaluation of education programs and initiatives which address the needs of diverse constituencies.
• Ability to recommend appropriate interventions, make referrals and provide information regarding university policies and procedures.

Education & Experience:

• Terminal degree with a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience with leading strategic DEI initiatives and programming.
• Some experience as the 504 coordinator a plus but not required
• Strong preference in higher education including supervisory experience.

Apply Here: lawrence.peopleadmin.com/postings/1824

Lawrence University is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals of all backgrounds. Additional Information can be found on our Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment page.