Position Summary
The Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ( VPEDI ) is the Chief Diversity Officer responsible for the executive leadership, strategic planning and administrative oversight for institutional equity and diversity. Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the primary purpose of the position is to fulfill the educational mission of the institution by developing, coordinating, implementing, and assessing operational and strategic goals related to equity, diversity and inclusion. This VPEDI is uniquely positioned to identify and implement an organizational office structure that best aligns available resources with university and legislative initiatives. As SOU seeks to strengthen its commitment to racial and social justice and to make the university a better and stronger environment for members across all spectrums of identity, the VPEDI will promote deep, structural institutional reforms and foster a culture of self-examination, healing, and constant improvement to achieve an understanding of institutional equity and diversity integral to the institution’s culture and values. The role will build internal and external bridges and provide strong, creative, collaborative, and energetic leadership to support and sustain a diverse and welcoming campus community. The VPEDI works alongside Cabinet members who embrace shared responsibility in cultivating, sustaining, and continuously developing an environment in which equity is sought intentionally and inclusiveness is practiced actively. More information about the Office for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion can be found at edi.sou.edu.
Physical Demands
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Duties
Strategic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Planning Plan, guide and advise the President and executives on diversity, equity, and inclusion matters. Serve as a primary resource for the University on best practices, trends, and campus community needs in the areas identified which include development, access and inclusion, intercultural issues, diversity and social equity. Engage the campus community in developing and implementing a University-wide diversity plan and inclusive excellence model. Research, develop, recommend, administer and evaluate policies, procedures, and technology applications to facilitate the University’s goals and to ensure effectiveness and compliance with all legal requirements. Analyze and implement the educational benefits of diversity and institutional effectiveness through academic achievement gaps, academic remediation, STEM participation, honors enrollment, recruitment and retention of students, graduation rates, etc. Chair the Committee on Equity and Diversity and its sub-committees comprised of students, faculty, and staff to develop and manage diversity and inclusion plan and initiatives. Implement and coordinate institutional employee training to promote cultural understanding and competency, and a climate of equity and inclusion. Develop and implement diversity and social justice trainings, programs, and events that promote pluralism and connections within our inclusive campus community. Provide presentations, workshops, seminars, focus group sessions, difficult dialogues, and community outreach, etc. to enhance the diversity mission of SOU . Conduct qualitative and quantitative studies to monitor campus climate. Promote a commitment to diversity through interactions with individuals and external agencies including the Board of Trustees, Cabinet, administrators, staff, employees, students, and the general community. Collaborate with Human Resources, Admissions, and Enrollment in developing strategies focused on recruiting and retaining faculty, staff, and students from underrepresented groups. Discuss strategies and results with a variety of constituents and spearhead new initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional equity and diversity efforts in the recruitment and retention of student and employees. Develop and prepare an annual budget; monitor and analyze operations, activities, and programs to determine educational and financial effectiveness and operational efficiency. Oversee the implementation of the strategic direction to create a diverse, equitable, inclusive community where learners flourish. Use metrics and analyses to drive planning; Identify valuable indicators through planning and active management; Develop a culture of clean, reliable data available at predictable intervals; Construct key performance indicators and use of metrics for decision-making. Analyze needs, evaluate effectiveness of services, and identify emerging trends in higher education as inputs for institutional planning. Actively participate in system audits, accreditation processes, and other University-wide evaluation processes.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate degree in higher education leadership or a field related to the duties performed. Diversity training certification. Experience with traditional and adult learners. Experience seeking external funding. Active in state and national equity and diversity organizations.