Assistant Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU or Carnegie Mellon) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of assistant vice provost for diversity, equity, and inclusion (AVP-DEI).

CMU is a private, global, research-intensive university ranked #26 in 2021 by U.S. News & World Report among national universities, and many of its programs are among the top ranked in the world. In addition to its main campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon has campuses in California’s Silicon Valley and Qatar, and programs in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, California, New York City, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and Mexico. Its program areas ranging from science, technology and business to public policy, the humanities, and the arts are supported by approximately 6,300 faculty and staff. Nearly 14,800 students in the university’s seven schools and colleges benefit from a small student-to-faculty ratio and an education characterized by its focus on creating and implementing solutions for real problems, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation.

Reporting to the vice provost for DEI and chief diversity officer (vice provost), the AVP-DEI is a new position that will serve as a strategic partner and leader within the vice provost’s office, working with the entire campus community—students, faculty, staff, and administration—to support Carnegie Mellon’s mission and prioritize DEI strategies. The AVP-DEI will be a visible, accessible, knowledgeable, and compelling advocate for DEI and will serve the university as a trusted and responsive DEI subject matter expert.

The AVP-DEI will serve as an intellectual partner to the vice provost and support the university’s DEI strategies in partnership with DEI leads and committees within academic and administrative units. The AVP-DEI will oversee the central DEI training function within the vice provost’s office, including the supervision of staff responsible for establishing DEI programs and professional development around social justice, institutional racism, and cultural and ethnic identity. The AVP-DEI will support the vice provost through a combination of project management, writing and editing, research, and high-level administrative management as well as relationship support functions.

Carnegie Mellon seeks candidates who have a master’s degree and at least eight years of experience with DEI initiatives, programs, and communications. The ideal candidate will have experience with developing or assisting in creating a comprehensive DEI plan, advancing DEI efforts across an organization, conducting climate surveys and assessments, reporting on metrics and trends, and serving as a strategic adviser to senior leadership. Experience with curriculum transformation is preferred, as is some supervisory experience.

The AVP-DEI position requires demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and influencing skills; excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including written, oral, listening, and presentation skills; strong analytical skills with ability to synthesize information and data; familiarity with different DEI resource tools and technical solutions to aid in assessments; and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with deadlines and multiple partner viewpoints.

Carnegie Mellon has retained Spelman Johnson to assist with this search. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled; complete applications received by June 30, 2021 will be assured full consideration. A resume or curriculum vitae with a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the position specification may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions.

Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to Jim Norfleet, Practice Leader and Senior Consultant, at jmn@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

You may apply for this position by visiting https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/ and searching for position 2016059.” at the top of the job description. Change the link to apply to https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/

Visit the Carnegie Mellon University website at www.cmu.edu

Carnegie Mellon University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.