Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Texas Lutheran University seeks an inaugural Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (VPDEI) who will lead comprehensive institutional efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, ethical, and inclusive campus.  Reporting to the President of the University, the VPDEI will serve on the President’s Cabinet and will be responsible for executive leadership, education, and coordination on all matters relating to diversity, equal access, and the prevention of discrimination and harassment.  The VPDEI will work with faculty, staff, and students to further a culture of inclusive learning, living, and working at Texas Lutheran.  This is a full-time, 12-month exempt administrative position, with an anticipated start date of January 2021.

This role is highly visible and requires strong planning, execution, and collaborative skills as well as demonstrated experience in bringing about institutional change.  This position will be critical as Texas Lutheran University strengthens its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, utilizing and aligning with the new institutional strategic plan, the action plan for racial justice prepared by the President’s Cabinet, and the strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion prepared by the University’s Diversity Committee.       

The VPDEI will serve as the Chief Diversity Officer for TLU as well as the Title IX Coordinator.  In order to create cohesive efforts around diversity, harassment and discrimination prevention; compliance with applicable state and federal civil rights laws; and equal opportunity, the VPDEI will oversee a structure that includes the Office of Human Resources and the Title IX/Compliance Office. 

Key Responsibilities

As a key leader and content expert on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the University, the VPDEI’s responsibilities will include the following priorities:

• Monitoring, tracking, and utilizing national trends and internal data including climate studies, demographic data, policy analyses, and benchmarks for success
• Chairing the institution’s Diversity Committee and serving on other relevant committees.
• Managing the university’s compliance process, including bias incident report system and Title IX investigation process.
• Ensuring compliance with EEO and other local, state, and federal laws regarding all aspects of employment, hiring, training, benefits, and compensation.
• Providing strategic, integrated direction and consultation to senior administrators on major institutional issues regarding diversity, inclusion, equity initiatives, and cultural understanding and competency.
• Partnering across campus to develop resources and training in diversity recruitment, retention, programming, policy development, mentoring, and student success.
• Serving as a catalyst for curricular and co-curricular efforts related to diversity, inclusion, and student success, including initiatives on pedagogy and professional development for faculty and staff.
• Serving as a mentor and advocate for students, faculty, and staff from historically underrepresented groups and working with internal and external communities to enhance the campus climate for students and employees.
• Partnering with Campus Ministries and other campus stakeholders to identify opportunities to promote and advance interfaith efforts on campus.
• Partnering with other student organizations such as Black Student Union and Mexican-American Student Association to promote and advance their efforts on campus.
• Participating in ongoing professional development and engagement with relevant networks on equity, diversity, and inclusion issues in higher education.
• Performing related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader, skilled administrator, and community builder who has experience advancing inclusive excellence and positive change in an academic setting.  Specific required qualifications for the position include:

• A progressive record of at least five years of experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in a higher education setting, or equivalent combination of administrative experience and proven leadership experience promoting collaboration, creativity, and engagement among faculty, students, and staff.
• Master’s degree or higher in appropriate field, with demonstrated experience in diversity and inclusion efforts, human resources processes, and compliance regulations in the higher education sector or equivalent accomplishments in other sectors, which are transferable to higher education.
• Knowledge of laws requiring equal opportunity and affirmative action and prohibiting unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, including working knowledge of the legal landscape of Title II, Title VII, Title IX, and other federal legislation concerning equity in education.
• A commitment to the mission of Texas Lutheran University as a community of faith and learning, empowering a diverse student body through an education centered on the liberal arts and professional programs.
• Ability to engage effectively with students, staff, faculty, administrators, board members, and external constituents, demonstrating excellent interpersonal and communication skills, along with strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Project and time management skills that enable the accomplishment of multiple priorities on a concurrent basis.
• Ability to learn and use technologically current applications.
• Understanding of evolving issues and demographic trends impacting higher education institutions.

Texas Lutheran University

Texas Lutheran University is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  In accordance with its affiliation, TLU, a Hispanic Serving Institution, seeks applicants who are eager to join a culturally diverse community of learning.  Our student body, reflective of the diversity of the State of Texas, is over 40% Hispanic, with a strong Black presence as well.  The University is located in Seguin, Texas, approximately 35 miles east of San Antonio.  TLU has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education and is also on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.  The University is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and also is subject to the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA).  TLU is committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion across all levels of the University.  Salary is competitive with excellent benefits.  For more information, please consult our website at http://www.tlu.edu. 

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a letter of application demonstrating appropriate qualifications and experience to fulfill the responsibilities outlined, along with a resume or curriculum vita, and contact information for three professional references (names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers).  Materials should be submitted electronically to humanresources@tlu.edu.