Diversity Officer

Located along Florida’s I-4 High Tech Corridor, Florida Poly opened its doors in August 2014 as the state’s 12th university and the only one dedicated to core subjects in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM education). The non-traditional academic environment focuses on applied learning, specifically in technology and engineering. Small class sizes give faculty the opportunity to work closely with high-caliber students, and the most advanced technology, including a Supercomputer, 3D printing lab, media lab and nanotechnology lab, sets Florida Poly apart from other state universities. Florida Poly’s innovative approach to higher education allows students to learn strong fundamentals within a traditional university department structure, while giving them opportunities to apply their learning through research and projects in emerging high-tech concentrations like Cyber Security, Big Data Analytics, Machine Intelligence and more. The University partners closely with industry leading firms, and faculty members are rewarded for more than just publishing. Industry involvement, problem solving, and the commercialization of technology and research through start-ups and small businesses are encouraged.

Job Title

Diversity Officer

Job Description Summary

The Diversity Officer (DO) serves as of the university’s chief Diversity and EEO Officer and reports directly to the President, with close working relationships with other members of the president’s cabinet. The selected candidate has the strategic responsibility for promoting and enabling inclusive excellence for faculty, students, and staff. The position will provide vision and leadership to facilitate an integrated approach and shared responsibilities that will advance a culture of inclusive excellence across the institution.
DO also develops, implements, and administers Equal Opportunity programs for faculty, staff, and students, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Job Description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The DO reports to the University President and will also be responsible for running the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI).
• The DO will be responsible for developing, leading, and sometimes securing funding for programs that make diversity and inclusion visible with critical elements that permeate the life and values of the Florida Poly community.
• The position will organize institutional accountability for advancing and measuring the success and sustainability of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, projects, initiatives, offices, and activities with attention to measurable outcomes and impact.
• Develop, implement, and administer Equal Opportunity Programs (EOP), Affirmative Action (AA), and other Diversity programming for faculty, staff, and students.
• Serve as the Affirmative Action coordinator to help ensure that equity and good faith efforts to achieve affirmative action goals are taken as part of the employment process.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action. Prepare the annual Affirmative Action Plan, Diversity Plan and any related reports which may be required.
• Serve in the advisory role for search and screen processes for faculty and staff positions.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to develop a clear vision and strategy consistent with the university’s mission and best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership skills that result in the production of high-quality services and exceptional standards.
• Strategic thinking with the capability of contributing at the senior administrative level.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills that reflect effective listening, humility, and authentic engagement with individuals at all levels.
• Understanding of laws, regulations, and policies related to equity and diversity in higher education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field; master’s or terminal degree is preferred; and
• At least 8 years of demonstrated progressive leadership in developing and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and programs in an academic setting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Documented history of professional and transformative success as a catalyst, convener, and innovator in leading institutional and community stakeholders toward an ambitious and comprehensive DEI vision and strategy.
• Demonstrated understanding of the opportunities and challenges surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion within higher education.
• Experience facilitating inclusive enterprise-wide strategic planning and communications around equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Experience with community relations and strategic communications in the context of DEI.
• Commitment to high standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability.
• Experience working with external entities to identify mutually beneficial partnerships that will advance the University’s focus on inclusive excellence.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• This position requires a criminal background check, which may include a Level II screening as required by Florida Statute §435.04.
• This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: This position is salary exempt. The normal work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., however, occasional overtime (weekends and evenings) may be required. Travel between campus locations may be required.

TARGET HIRING SALARY: $100,000 - $120,000, commensurate with experience.
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: The position is open until filled; however, review of applications will commence immediately.

APPLICATION PROCESS: In addition to completing the online application, all Applicants are required to upload the following as an attachment to the application (preferably in PDF format):
• Cover Letter
• Resume

Diversity Statement:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.

Special Instructions Regarding Attachments:

Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered.

An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.

Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04.