Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Bradley University seeks a dynamic and transformative leader, skilled administrator, and collaborative campus partner to serve as its inaugural vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer.

Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students opportunities, choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions that remake the world around them. The university’s comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs includes business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.

Reporting to President Stephen Standifird, who joined Bradley as its 12th president in May 2020, the vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer (vice president) will serve as principal advisor to the president on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), be a valued member of the university’s senior leadership team, and provide strategic and programmatic leadership for initiatives—including student, faculty, and staff recruitment, retention, and pipeline initiatives—that advance inclusive excellence as a part of Bradley’s core values.

The vice president will: (1) establish and oversee the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; (2) lead the development of a unifying strategic vision for DEI at Bradley; (3) guide the development and implementation of an overarching DEI strategic plan; (4) expand pathways for assessing, understanding, and improving Bradley’s climate; (5) establish and maintain a culture of assessment and evaluation in relation to DEI; and (6) serve as an ambassador for the university and its commitment to DEI externally in Peoria, central Illinois, and beyond.

While the role has a campus-spanning sphere of influence over many aspects throughout the Bradley community, there is acknowledgement that creating a more inclusive environment is not the responsibility of one person or one office alone. The vice president will collaborate with campus leaders and internal and external stakeholders, and establish a DEI advisory committee, to envision and pave the way toward a future for Bradley that is more diverse and inclusive, and actively working to eradicate racism and exploring intersections with gender, class, and other aspects of identity and positionality.

Bradley University seeks candidates whose professional, educational, and lived experiences have prepared them to serve as an effective and collaborative leader of the university’s efforts to create a community that is actively committed to DEI and anti-racism. Requirements include a master’s degree and at least five years of experience advancing DEI and positive change in complex communities and/or mission-driven organizations.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to communicate and work effectively with internal and external constituencies; expertise in the areas of strategic planning, assessment, and evidence-based decision making; knowledge of best practices in diversity education and training; a deep understanding of the dynamics of difference, privilege, and power; and the vision, emotional intelligence, fortitude, and gravitas necessary to effect change and achieve ambitious goals.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled; complete applications received by September 17, 2021, will be assured full consideration. A resume with a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and requirements outlined 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.

Visit the Bradley University website at www.bradley.edu

Bradley University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The administration, faculty, and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.