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

University of Texas at Dallas

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

The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This 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 lead the University in ensuring that elements of equity, diversity and inclusion are embedded as imperatives in the University’s mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. These imperatives will enhance the value of the faculty, staff, and students and will progress and champion a truly diverse and inclusive culture. We seek a strategic leader, collaborative campus partner, and administrator with an innovative spirit and a proven track record of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The vice president will oversee the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to be renamed from the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement (established in 2007). 

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:

• Serve as the strategic leader and advisor on matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to the president, provost, other executive leaders and to the university as a whole.
• Provide expert guidance, direction, and advice on existing and developing state and national laws, and UT System rules concerning DEI.
• Develops policies and procedures for improving and strengthening efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Partners with external constituencies, as well as internal constituencies, to advance UT Dallas’ progress and success with DEI initiatives.
• Use best practices and metrics for decision-making around diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to support a culture of accountability, ownership, dignity, and respect.
• Provide DEI guidance on UT Dallas strategic plans.
• Serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.
• Maintain and build upon successful institutional diversity initiatives already developed in the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement.

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

The successful candidate will hold a terminal degree with relevant academic experience and a minimum of 10 years’ related experience. Deep knowledge in diversity leadership and demonstrated experience in successfully advancing equitable and inclusive organizational culture. They also will have demonstrated a clear commitment toward supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion of students, faculty, and staff from differing backgrounds. Demonstrated knowledge, skills, awareness, and commitment to championing actionable solutions to contemporary issues of inclusion, social justice, diversity, access, and equity, including the current scholarship and pedagogical approaches that inform and address these issues. Proven Track record of successful leadership in promoting diversity and engaging in activities that support equity and respect in the work environment. Experience with antiracist/anti-bias and culturally responsive pedagogy or other equivalent expertise.

In 2020, The University of Texas at Dallas was named one of the nation’s best colleges for LGBTQ+ students and the only university in Texas and the Southwest to make the top 25 list by BestColleges in partnership with Campus Pride. UT Dallas has a 5-star rating, the highest possible, from Campus Pride for its commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices.

For more information about The University of Texas at Dallas, please visit the UTD website at http://www.utdallas.edu.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Korn Ferry is assisting The University of Texas at Dallas in this search. This position will remain open until filled. For fullest consideration, the candidate materials should be received by February 28, 2021.

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 UTDallasVPDEI@kornferry.com.  Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:  Camille Jackson, Sharyn Selby and Louis Montgomery.

UTD 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.