Chief Diversity Officer

Position:  Chief Diversity Officer

Spring Hill College is seeking an experienced and engaging professional to serve as Chief Diversity Officer. Spring Hill College is the oldest college in Alabama and the only Catholic institution in the state. Its commitment to the Jesuit tradition of educational excellence prepares students to not only excel professionally but to live lives committed to pursuing justice in their personal and professional lives. Spring Hill College is committed to the Jesuit tradition of “cura personalis,” that is, a care for the spiritual, social and intellectual growth of each person.

The Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) provides broad strategic oversight of and leadership for the College’s efforts to create a diverse and welcoming environment for all members of the Spring Hill College community. The CDO will provide vision, leadership, management, direction, and strategic planning for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that support Spring Hill College’s mission, Jesuit Catholic tradition, and long term strategic goals. As a Cabinet officer reporting to the President, the CDO will actively engage students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members in the process of building a more diverse and inclusive community.

 Description of Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Lead an institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee to assist in fostering a culture of inclusivity in all areas of the Spring Hill College community.
2. Develop and oversee a strategic plan that will guide institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
3. Facilitate the administration of a regular campus climate survey.
4. Provide logistical support and training to the Bias Incident Response Team.
5. Assist in the recruiting and retention of underrepresented students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
6. Work with the Cabinet, Staff Assembly, and Faculty Assembly to lead, facilitate, and collaborate on professional development opportunities for faculty, staff, administration, and the Board of Trustees on areas related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
7. Collaborate with other College offices on institutional strategies to improve the quality of life for underrepresented students, including but not limited to: Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, and Mission and Identity.
8. Gather and analyze data to make recommendations on strategic decisions.

• Collaborate with the Office of Marketing and Communications to optimize and align internal and external communications strategies related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Institute a culture of continuous improvement and accountability through planning and assessment for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 
• Contribute to the fundraising strategy, advocate for, allocate, and manage necessary financial resources to invest in and sustain effective diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and programs.
• Lead changes in policy, process, practice, and campus climate where necessary in an effort to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and prompt positive systemic change.
• Utilize data and research to inform analysis leading to the development of measurable goals and systems of accountability.
• Serve on the President’s Cabinet and advise the President on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Other duties as assigned (e.g., committee and task force assignments).  Desired Qualifications:

   

  • Master’s degree required; Doctoral degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years' experience in the development, implementation, and assessment of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and practices, preferably in the higher education environment. Experience working in a higher education setting with multiple constituencies (e.g., students, faculty, staff, administrators). Knowledge of emerging best practices of diversity, equity, & inclusion in higher education. Knowledge and understanding of the Jesuit, Catholic mission, identity, and values of Spring Hill College. Broad, nuanced understanding of how diversity, equity and inclusion theory and practice apply to the Jesuit, Catholic mission of Spring Hill College specifically. Ability to build trusting and mutually respectful relationships with students, administrators, faculty, staff, alumni as well as the surrounding community. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to build rapport and collaborate with diverse constituents both internally and externally. Experience in budget preparation, management, and fiscally sound decision-making. Demonstrated ability to establish effective partnerships with campus community members including student, faculty and staff organizations, academic units and departments, and community and alumni constituents. General understanding of laws relating to equal opportunity, affirmative action, and claims of discrimination and harassment (e.g., Title IX). Demonstrated ability to prepare, analyze, and interpret reports.
  Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

   

  • Ability and willingness to work weekend and evening hours. Ability to move around campus.