Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Manager

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) Manager, reporting directly to the Associate Dean of DEIB, is entrusted with developing and executing initiatives, educational programs, training, and support services that address the needs and experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. These include, but are not limited to, communities of color, international students, LGBTQIAAP+ individuals, those with disabilities, and neurodiverse members within the University of Bridgeport.

Collaborating closely with faculty, student affairs, and other administrative departments, the DEIB Manager and Associate Dean work together to design and implement strategic initiatives aimed at enriching the student experience. Their efforts focus on fostering deeper community connections, celebrating diverse cultures, and preparing graduates for a workforce characterized by a wide range of cultural backgrounds and lived experiences.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities :

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Represent the Office of DEIB: Act as an ambassador for the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB), ensuring it is recognized as a vital resource that connects departments with relevant services and supports programs and strategic initiatives responsive to the evolving needs of the University of Bridgeport community.
• Provide Support and Advocacy: Offer comprehensive support, advocacy services, and educational programming across the University of Bridgeport campus. This includes delivering training and organizing social and educational events that address the needs of diverse constituencies.
• Build and Foster Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, leaders, and stakeholders across the campus and within the broader Bridgeport community.
• Serve on University Committees: Contribute to various University committees, providing insights and support on DEIB-related matters.
• Collaborate Across the University: Partner with faculty, academic leaders, and administrative offices to implement and coordinate programming and initiatives. Focus on enhancing the experiences of faculty and staff and supporting university-wide efforts to improve retention, matriculation, and graduation rates among underrepresented student groups.
• Support Belonging and Representation Initiatives: Assist in the development and execution of programs and initiatives aimed at fostering a sense of belonging, community, and representation for faculty, staff, and students.
• Collaborate on Program Creation: Partner in developing educational, support, and identity-based programs and services. Lead the implementation of new programmatic initiatives to ensure effective rollout and impact.
• Develop Social Justice Training : Co-create and deliver presentations and training curricula focused on social justice, aiming to enhance community-wide understanding of the experiences and needs of underrepresented and marginalized student populations.
• Engage with Faith-Based Organizations: Collaborate with local and student faith-based organizations to address and support the spiritual needs of the University of Bridgeport community.
• Organize Diversity and Inclusion Activities: Work with campus departments to design and implement a comprehensive calendar of programs and activities that promote diversity and inclusion for students, staff, and faculty.
• Support Celebratory Programs: Support efforts across the University community in the coordination of programs and services related to month-long celebrations, ensuring they effectively highlight and support diversity and inclusion

Note: This position does not entail supervisory responsibilities.

Other Functions :

• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill :

• Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships across diverse groups.
• Strong understanding and practical application of concepts related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) and social justice.
• Evident dedication to social justice issues and culturally relevant teaching practices.
• Proven commitment to fostering an environment that values and prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Outstanding proficiency in English, both verbal and written, with excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and capable of learning new software to enhance effectiveness and productivity.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating trainings, meetings, and seminars on diversity and inclusion for senior leadership, administrative staff, and students.
• Proven track record working with historically underserved and underrepresented populations, including experience in developing relevant, professional development, programming and initiatives.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Required qualifications:

• Master's degree required
• Minimum 3-5 years of work-related experience

Preferred qualifications:

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects efficiently, independently, demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills while adhering to strict deadlines.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in higher education settings.
• Experience with restorative justice practices and their application within educational or community settings.
• Background in working with adults and/or college students in both programmatic and advisory roles.
• Experience in developing and implementing goals, learning outcomes, and assessment programs.

Special Requirements :

• Valid driver license & insured vehicle
• Occasional evening and weekend work are required.

Physical and Mental Requirements :

Work Environment

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Outdoor Weather Conditions

X

Work with fumes or airborne particles

X

Work near moving mechanical parts

X

Risk of electrical shock

X

Vibration

X

Physical Activity

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Talking & Hearing

X

Using hands/fingers to handle/feel

X

Climbing or balancing

X

Bending, pulling, pushing

X

Driving

X

Lifting Requirements

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Up to 10 pounds

X

Up to 25 pounds

X

Up to 50 pounds

X

Up to 75 pounds

X

Up to 100 pounds

X

Over 100 pounds

X

Vision requirements:

_X_ Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

___ Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

___ Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

___ Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

___ Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

spatial relationships)

___ No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules / work from home opportunities

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.