Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The University of Virginia’s School of Data Science (SDS) seeks an Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (AD-DEI). A unique opportunity to establish a culture and new way of thinking in a new discipline and school that is just emerging as part of the digital transformation of society. As a newly created role, the AD-DEI will lead the development and implementation of strategies to align the School of Data Science with UVA’s Inclusive Excellence framework. Working closely with partners in the school and the university-wide Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the AD-DEI will provide a pathway to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce and student body in a rapidly expanding school. In collaboration with the Dean and the leaders of the Areas, Centers and Collaboratories (SDS has no departments), the AD-DEI is charged with developing and implementing the School’s approach to addressing the underrepresentation of women and marginalized groups in Data Science and related fields (e.g., Computer Science, Applied Statistics, Machine Learning) and to ensuring a climate that is respectful, equitable, and fosters a sense of belonging for all throughout their time with the School.

The AD-DEI serves as a member of the Dean's Cabinet and leads the SDS DEI Council, integrating an equity orientation into all the school's policies, planning and operations, including hiring, budgeting and strategy. They develop policies as well as devise and monitor metrics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. In collaboration with Admissions they monitor and support diversity, equity and inclusion in the application and matriculation process. They develop supportive programs and retention strategies for students and faculty/staff from underrepresented groups through mentorship and professional development. They provide and/or support training opportunities for faculty and staff to develop capacity for equity literacy and offer training opportunities to support inclusive practices in teaching and best practices to create an inclusive learning environment.

They work collaboratively with the university’s Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights to ensure the school is in compliance with ADA, Discrimination and title IX regulations. They represent SDS on university and community DEI councils and initiatives. In summary, as SDS grows, they maintain the sense of team/community and inclusivity regardless of religion, ability, race, gender, and sexual orientation.

About the School: The School of Data Science (SDS) – UVA’s 12th school and the first established since 2007 – is positioning the University as a global leader in efforts to improve society through teaching and research based on the powerful, emerging field of data science. It builds on a foundation set in place at UVA by the Data Science Institute (DSI), a pan-University institute established in 2013 that granted graduate degrees and had a dual mission in education and research. SDS is a school without walls and seeks to establish new and exciting types of relationships inside and outside the university. SDS helps to meet the soaring demand for qualified data science professionals in a field that plays a key role in the global information-based economy. The work crosses disciplines, departments, schools and colleges to leverage UVA’s combined capabilities in data science, and to create meaningful partnerships with government, corporate, and community partners committed to responsible, collaborative, open, and inclusive data science.

The School of Data Science currently offers residential and online Master’s degrees in Data Science and is developing curricula to begin offering an undergraduate minor and major as well as PhD degrees. Joint MS degree programs are offered with the Darden School of Business.

Required Qualifications: 

• A Master’s degree or higher
• Subject matter expertise and at least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in an academic or nonprofit setting, although candidates from outside of higher education with relevant, transferable skills and experience will be considered and are encouraged to apply
• Outstanding communication skills; exceptional ability to convey complex issues and objectives through quantitative, qualitative, and visual means; proven ability to be persuasive and persistent in a collegial setting
• Capacity to build relationships of trust with diverse stakeholders (incl. senior leadership, faculty, and staff) and work effectively with them; strong track-record of collaboration that produces results
• Evidence of engagement with relevant professional communities (publication, conference participation, speaking/training engagements)
• Demonstrated familiarity with relevant issues and legal frameworks, including Affirmative Action, Titles VI and IX, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), etc.
• A high level of individual initiative and drive; strong problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion

Desired Qualifications: 

• Understanding of online learning and DEI issues that might arise in online classes/communities
• Experience in international contexts
• Working knowledge in languages other than English

While this role is envisioned to be a full-time executive position, a faculty appointment is also available depending on the qualifications and preferences of the successful candidate. To be considered for a faculty appointment the candidate must have a PhD with a research area that complements current SDS focus areas, notably value – the equitable application of data science to benefit all members of society equally in a consistent and non-biased manner. The primary and secondary appointments for these positions will be determined by the candidate's areas of expertise.  Rank, tenure-status, and compensation are contingent upon experience.

Applicant review will begin January 4, 2021, this position will be open until filled.

TO APPLY:

PROCESS FOR INTERNAL UVA APPLICANTS: Please apply through your Workday Home page, search "Find Jobs", and search for "R0019847".   Complete an application online and see below for documents to attach.

PROCESS FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS: Please visit UVA job board https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs, (R0019847) complete the application and see below for documents to attach.  

Please note that ALL documents MUST be uploaded in the CV/resume box or you can combine them into one PDF.

Complete an application online and attach:

• CV
• Cover letter – 2 pages or less outlining your vision for the position
• Contact information for 3 references
• Diversity statement reflective of past accomplishments and future intent

***Applications that do not contain all of the required documents will not receive full consideration.***

For questions about the application process please contact Rhiannon O’Coin at rmo2r@virginia.edu

The selected candidate will be required to complete a background check at time of offer per University Policy.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.