Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

OVERVIEW:

About Latin:

A nationally recognized leader in independent school education, Latin School of Chicago is seeking an experienced and collaborative Diversity,  Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”)  leader to become our next Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Latin is a coeducational day school, serving 1,190 students in junior kindergarten through twelfth grades. Latin boasts a vibrant community that comprises 179 faculty, 114 staff, and approximately 6,000 living and active alums. Founded in 1888, Latin is one of the oldest independent schools in the city of Chicago, and provides its students with a rigorous and innovative liberal arts educational program. Latin inspires its students to pursue their passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence.

Latin's shared values of excellence, community, and integrity affirm and define our community. They serve as guideposts for all that the school does, and connect us - students, teachers, parents and alumni - to each other and to Latin. Additionally, the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Latin School of Chicago play a crucial role in fulfilling the key aspect of our strategic plan that is focused on cultivating “...a more inclusive and supportive climate for all constituents.” These efforts are aligned with our goal of empowering all individuals within the school community—especially those who have been historically marginalized—to have a voice and thrive.

Latin is committed to cultivating a culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and promotes a strong sense of belonging. We are also committed to advancing this important goal through our curriculum. We accomplish this by providing our students with opportunities for observation and self-reflection, exposure to diverse perspectives, and access to immersive learning experiences that enable them to better understand themselves, each other, and the world around them.

The School is seeking a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The position reports to the Assistant Head of School and will provide leadership to foster an inclusive and equitable school community. This position features a blend of direct responsibilities and well as shared ownership with other constituents that are part of our community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Create and implement a mission-aligned vision for community and educational experiences related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Lead the development and partner on the implementation of policies, procedures and programs around cultural competency, with an emphasis on inclusion and belonging.
• Oversee faculty and staff professional development efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Advise and help cultivate cross-cultural and identity based student programming such as affinity groups for students, employees and parents/guardians.
• Develop systems and programs that affirm students’ identities and empower them as community members.
• Partner with the Enrollment Management Office on the recruitment of a diverse and inclusive study and family body.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, and retention of faculty and staff in support of a diverse and inclusive school community.
• Strengthen engagement with families and other community members, fostering an inclusive atmosphere, and providing educational opportunities to increase understanding across diverse backgrounds.
• Be an active, visible, and engaged presence within the overall life of the school by supporting an inclusive environment that welcomes and celebrates our students, faculty, staff, families and alumni.
• Work with faculty to develop and implement anti-bias and social justice practices in the classroom and throughout the school.
• Oversee and manage the DEI budget on behalf of the school.
• Direct initiatives that create and sustain a climate of respect for all constituencies
• Lead and collaborate with divisional DEI Coordinators on the implementation of school-wide DEI initiatives.
• Lead Latin’s Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Lead Latin’s MLK programming
• Coordinate with Parent’s Association DEI Liaison-for affinity parent programming
• Develop structures for Affinity groups in all divisions
• Manage Latin’s efforts about educating the community regarding difficult dialogues
• Partner with faculty to integrate DEI principles into curriculum and pedagogy across all grade levels.
• Other duties as assigned.

Latin School of Chicago is an independent, day school with a vibrant and diverse community. When we are at our best, we are engaging with our students both in and out of the classroom. Therefore, applicants should be deeply committed to embracing and supporting the diversity of our entire community.

COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to work with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Strong leadership ability, presentation skill
• Respect for diversity of identities and experiences, with an orientation toward equity, inclusion, and cultural competence.
• Demonstrated expertise in DEI work, preferably in a K-12 setting
• Collaborative mindset with a talent for fostering relationships across multiple constituencies.
• Proven ability to lead institutional change efforts and build meaningful community partnerships.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on engagement.
• Passionate advocate and experienced practitioner for diversity, equity and inclusions.
• Creative and flexible problem-solver.
• Strategic thinker and empathetic problem solver.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• A Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field required such as DEI practitioner certification as well as ongoing professional development; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years experience with leading significant DEI initiatives or programming; School-wide experience preferred.

ABOUT LATIN SCHOOL OF CHICAGO:

Mission: Latin School of Chicago provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program in a community that embraces diversity of people, cultures and ideas. Latin inspires its students to pursue their passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence.

Latin School achieves its mission by:

• Encouraging excellence in all academic and personal pursuits;
• Creating an educational environment that fosters and supports the moral, physical, psychological and aesthetic growth and development of each student;
• Recruiting and retaining excellent faculty and staff;
• Sustaining a diverse, inclusive and multicultural community that affirms and values each individual;
• Attracting dedicated families committed to the mission of the school;
• Promoting programs in all divisions that help our students make connections and become active citizens in our school and city; and
• Developing the financial and physical resources to support the school's needs.

Vision: Our vision for educational excellence is to reinforce the value of an exemplary liberal arts education that makes learning inquiry-based, personal and inclusive. Our approach expands each Latin Learner’s capacity for purposeful learning—whether in our school, our city, or our world.

Values: Excellence, Community and Integrity

FOR ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION:

Latin School of Chicago is committed to bringing together a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. We encourage candidates who represent the broad, diverse community to which we aspire.

Latin School of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive school experience for all.

The salary range for this position is $140,000 to $150,000, not including a comprehensive insurance and benefits package.