Assistant or Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Position Summary

The College of Natural Science (NatSci) (https://www.natsci.msu.edu/) at Michigan State University (MSU) is pleased to invite applications for the position of Assistant or Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The Assistant/Associate Dean will provide leadership in building and supporting initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout all areas of the College, with a broad vision of diversity in achieving institutional and inclusive excellence. The Assistant/Associate Dean will coordinate integrated approaches to increase diversity and inclusivity; create a multicultural environment for faculty, staff, and students; and identify and address unequal access and outcomes for groups historically excluded from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The Assistant/Associate Dean will report to the Dean and will be part of the NatSci senior administrative leadership team. This is a full-time, 12-month, 100% appointment.

This position is a key part of broader efforts in the college and across the university to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. NatSci recently established a standing DEI advisory committee, conducted a college-wide climate survey, and created a team of workshop facilitators who lead training programs on cultural competency for personal, organizational, and community change.

The NatSci Assistant/Associate Dean will also work with diversity partners across MSU including, but not limited to, the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, the Council on Racial and Ethnic Minorities (CoREM), the Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions (OCAT), the LBGT Resource Center, the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, and the Office for International Students and Scholars.

The Assistant/Associate Dean will become an integral part of these communities by providing strategic and intellectual leadership in NatSci and by serving as liaison between NatSci and the rest of the university in collaborative efforts to develop and adopt equity-based policies and programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing, and assessing programs that create and sustain inclusive and equitable environments. Programs will address recruitment, retention and promotion of faculty and academic staff; college climate; college-wide DEI training; and creating inclusive environments that promote learning and success for a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs. The Assistant/Associate Dean will promote social justice and diversity as fundamental aspects of academic excellence for faculty, staff, and students.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

• PhD or terminal degree
• Minimum of three years of demonstrated leadership developing, implementing, and evaluating successful DEI efforts. Commitment to advocate for these initiatives when faced with challenges
• Strong analytical skills, experience establishing metrics, and assessing outcomes
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to build rapport and collaborate with diverse constituents, both internally and externally
• Experience developing and leading DEI training and workshops
• Deep knowledge of and experience with issues of multiculturalism in higher education
• Deep knowledge of the scholarship of diversity and inclusion, including structural understanding of power, privilege, and difference; systemic racism and sexism in academia; and the educational impact of diversity
• Proven champion of inclusivity who will further MSU’s goal of fostering a culture of opportunity for all scholars to bring their passion and talent to join a vibrant intellectual community built on mutual respect

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in conflict resolution
• Familiarity with restorative justice practices
• Familiarity with Discipline Based Education Research (DBER) and/or the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) related to STEM disciplines
• Though not the primary focus, research or scholarly work related to DEI in STEM is welcome and partial appointments with other colleges may be considered.

Required Application Materials

Online application through careers.msu.edu is required. Please see posting #675550 A completed application must include: 

• A curriculum vitae
• Letter of Interest - Should describe the candidate’s interest in a leadership role in DEI, philosophical approach(es) for achieving a culture of diversity and inclusion, and past experiences and accomplishments relevant to the position, including specific examples of DEI initiatives that the candidate has been part of.
• 3 Reference Letters - Names and contact information for 3 individuals who can provide letters of reference on candidate's record of leadership and building a diverse and inclusive community.

Website

https://www.natsci.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Job applicants are considered for employment opportunities and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. MSU is also proactive in exploring employment opportunities for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms.