Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

 University of Texas at Arlington

Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This inaugural senior leader will serve as a catalyst and a capacity-builder to further advance the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the University.

The Vice President will build the new Office of DEI that will act as an administrative, intellectual, and community-oriented hub. In this capacity, the Vice President will synthesize the University’s efforts into a comprehensive strategic DEI plan by partnering with the Provost, the Senior Leadership Council, Deans, Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni and Community Members. The Vice President will also collaborate with the Center for African American Studies, Center for Mexican American Studies, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Student Access and Resource Center, Women’s and Gender Studies Program, and other appropriate groups. This new Office of DEI will capitalize on its partnerships and collaborations to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment and retention of underrepresented faculty, staff, and students to foster a campus culture that embraces belonging.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has a scope of responsibilities that includes:

• Working directly with the President, Provost, and other campus administrators and in consultation with the University’s DEI Committee and others, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni to develop a vision and a plan for ensuring that the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in the culture and operations of the University.
• Serving as the principal spokesperson and representative for the President on all DEI issues and facilitating internal and external communication strategies.
• Working with the Provost, Deans, and faculty on academic programs promoting DEI.
• Providing relevant DEI professional development and education regularly.
• Supporting and promoting the hiring, retention, and promotion of under-represented faculty and staff.
• Directly leading the Culture and Talent Engagement Team and their portfolio of existing educational programs and services, including research on best practices and the development of the Affirmative Action plan and goals.
• Recommending diversity-related budget and staffing enhancements and/or limits to the President, Provost, and President’s Leadership Council.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The strongest candidates will hold a terminal degree with relevant academic experience and deep knowledge of the scholarship in this burgeoning field and have at least five years in a leadership position with a demonstrated history of success in developing and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. They also will have demonstrated the ability to build partnerships and influence positive change in a complex, decentralized university accompanied by strong assessment and analytical skills to evaluate programs and progress.

Arlington, Texas is one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation and largest “mid” city in America. Located between Dallas and Fort Worth in Tarrant County, the city is home to more than 398,000 residents spread across 100 square miles. It is also home to three professional sports teams: the Texas Rangers baseball team, Dallas Cowboys football team, and the Dallas Wings women’s NBA basketball team. The Dallas Wings play their home games at UTA’s College Park Center while the Rangers and Cowboys facilities are located just north of campus.

For more about The University of Texas at Arlington and this role, please visit the UTA website at https://www.uta.edu/leadershipsearches/ 

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Korn Ferry is assisting The University of Texas at Arlington in this search. This position will remain open until filled. For fullest consideration, the candidate materials should be received by November 30, 2020.

Applications should include (as separate documents) a CV or resume as well as a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. Application materials should be submitted to UTAVPDEI@kornferry.com.  Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Louis Montgomery, Sharyn Selby, and Camille Jackson.

UTA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, disabilities, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation.