Executive Director, ICEO (MIT)

Title: Executive Director, ICEO

Department: Office of the Provost

Reports to: Vice President for Equity and Inclusion

Position Overview:

MIT is seeking an experienced professional in diversity, organizational development, and operations to serve as the inaugural Executive Director of the Institute Community and Equity Office (ICEO). Reporting to the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion (VPEI), the Executive Director, ICEO will be a systems thinker capable of effectively implementing strategies within a complex environment.  The role requires the ability to manage multiple tasks, inspire and lead a team, and navigate ambiguity with ease.

The Executive Director will think and plan strategically, executing plans effectively while overseeing programs and initiatives that have a measurable impact on the strategic vision and mission of the Institute. In addition to having overall organizational and operational responsibility for the ICEO, the Executive Director will collaborate with senior leadership, a network of diversity professionals, faculty, staff, and students across the Institute to foster community and advance the vision for inclusive excellence.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The Executive Director, ICEO extends the reach of the ICEO by:

Collaborating with the VPEI in planning and implementing organizational strategies.

Overseeing day-to-day operations and programs that fulfill the ICEO mission.

Leading the continuous advancement of the Strategic Action Plan for Belonging, Achievement, and Composition (SAPBAC) at both the Institute and local levels.

Supervising staff leadership in planning, budgeting, executing, and assessing ICEO programs.

Determining and monitoring key performance indicators on team performance and overall impact on strategy outcomes.

Developing and/or recommending mid- to long-term operational plans and strategies for the ICEO that have a significant impact on every administrative unit, school, and college.

Managing, cultivating, and growing a deep pool of key internal and external partnerships for ICEO programs and projects.

Leading the staff hiring and performance management strategy.

Additionally, the Executive Director, ICEO will coordinate the efforts of DEI professionals, committees, and units across the Institute to:

Research, develop, implement, and lead projects that support and extend beyond the SAPBAC.

Partner with Institutional Research to develop and implement (ongoing) mechanisms, dashboards, and/or reports for sharing progress against both the commitments articulated in the SAPBAC and the action plans developed by administrative, academic, and research units.

Oversee the implementation and review of local actions articulated in the SAPBAC.

Oversee the development and utilization of a database of evidence-based practices that support BAC broadly and the stated commitments of the SAPBAC specifically.

Provide recommendations for internal growth among ICEO staff and DEI practitioners at MIT as opportunities present themselves. Assist with developing a research agenda and output that highlights diversity, equity, and inclusion work at MIT.

Coordinate and support the efforts undertaken by Assistant Deans of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

In conjunction with the VPEI, serve as a key strategic, senior administrative liaison between schools (and the college), DLCIs, external stakeholders, and central administration.

Research and identify current and emerging issues, trends, and opportunities. Keep current through professional associations, educational groups, and professional development skills.

Other duties as required.

About the ICEO

The Institute Community and Equity Office (ICEO) builds community through care, education, restorative practices, and programming that embraces, celebrates, and actively increases diversity in all its forms at MIT—making the Institute an ever-greater magnet for talent from around the world. 

By stewarding MIT’s values and their interconnections, the ICEO helps create the conditions for every individual to do their best work and an environment where each member of the community has a strong sense they belong at MIT. The ICEO is a coordinating hub for inclusive excellence and community building at MIT.

Supervision Received:

Supervision is provided by the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion.

Supervision Exercised:

The Executive Director, ICEO will have managerial oversight of ICEO staff.

Qualifications & Skills:

A bachelor’s degree in an associated field and a minimum of ten years of related experience are required. Advanced degree and knowledge of university environment preferred. Proven track record in building and implementing innovative, effective cultural change initiatives promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, well-being, and community building. Ability to conceptualize and lead programs. Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to cultivate partnerships in MIT’s diverse community of students, staff, and faculty. Exceptional communication skills. Ability to assess programs as well as analyze data and use data to influence action. Demonstrated competency to work across organizational lines as well as multiple disciplines and cultures. Experience managing a team or leading projects, programs, and functions is required.

The selected candidate must be available to fully engage in campus life activities, including occasional extended work hours. The role requires strong speaking, reading, and listening abilities. Incumbent must work effectively with diverse constituencies within the MIT community. The ability to handle confidential information and/or issues using discretion and sound judgment is essential.