Vice President for Inclusivity Position:

Position:
Western Colorado University invites applications for the Vice President for Inclusivity (VPI) who will lead the new Office of Inclusivity with vision, creativity, and strategic purpose, collaborating across the campus to create an environment of inclusive excellence for all students, faculty, and staff. The VPI is responsible for educating the campus community regarding best practices and evidence-based initiatives to diversify the campus, build equity within the campus, and create a more inviting, inclusive and safe culture at Western. The VPI has the ability to empathetically listen, build trust, and reconcile competing interests, leading change among diverse stakeholders. As a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity committee, the VPI will consult with leaders across campus operations, including Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and shared governance structures including the Student Government Association, using institutional data to assess programs, policies, and services. This includes providing expert support and contributions for departmental and divisional leaders on matters such as faculty, staff, and student development efforts; student, faculty, and staff retention and recruitment, on-boarding/orientation; job search and appointment processes. The new Office of Inclusivity includes leadership over the areas of Disability Services, Equal Opportunity Employment, Multicultural Center, and Title IX. The VPI will demonstrate leadership and a commitment to inclusivity across the entirety of Western’s portfolio, and the broader mission of public higher education as key contributors to the greater public good.
For more information about Western’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity, please visit our website at https://western.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusivity/

Duties:
Duties will include engaging as a highly collaborative and visionary senior leader at an institution of higher education. The Vice President for Inclusivity will report directly to the President and collaborate with the cabinet and campus community to create strategic initiatives that will build an environment of inclusivity and equity for all students, faculty, and staff. The VPI will provide supervision and leadership over the Office of Inclusivity including Disability Services, Equal Opportunity Employment, Multicultural Center, and Title IX Office. The VPI will lead efforts to gather and analyze appropriate data and develop campus metrics for assessment of DEI-related programs and services to address potential systemic injustices and promote equity within the university. The VPI will disseminate DEI-related communication and develop training and educational programming to advance the campus strategic plan and Board of Trustees’ Diversity Statement and Values. The VPI will provide expert guidance for diverse and inclusive recruitment and retention of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff in collaboration with the Director of Student Retention and Completion, Director of Human Resources, and the Equal Opportunity Employment Officer. Partner with Academic and Student Affairs to develop inclusive practices and improve campus climate; also partner with
faculty to develop curricula and pedagogies that offers opportunity for students to learn about diversity, inclusion, and equity. Collaborate with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Committee to raise concerns and uplift work of the committee to serve campus inclusion. Finally, The VPI will work with the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Office of Advancement to conceive and pursue grant opportunities and develop gift prospects to advance student-centered DEI initiatives.

Qualifications:
• Advanced degree in an appropriate area, with 7-10 years of demonstrably successful executive level leadership and program building with initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity required. Requires up-to-date knowledge and willingness and excitement to continue learning about DEI-related policies, compliance, and scholarship.
• Demonstrated record of exceptionally strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication, and conflict-resolution skills for various audiences, including campus-wide communication, interpersonal communication with colleagues and students, and assessment-related communication.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high quality, evidence-based assessment of DEI-related issues in a complex organization (e.g., higher education, healthcare, human/social services, corporate); this includes an ability to use data responsibly and ethically in assessing and responding to campus climate issues and communicating results in an inclusive and accessible manner.
• Commitment to collaboration and demonstrated ability to build productive and sustainable partnerships.
• A track record of successful change management.
• Knowledge of, and appreciation for the culture of higher education, including an understanding of shared governance and tenure systems.
• Demonstrated success in implementing recruitment and retention strategies focused on building a diverse student body and workforce.
• Strong working knowledge of laws, regulations, and guidelines related to diversity, inclusion, and nondiscrimination including, affirmative action, ADAAA, ADEA, Title VI, Title VII and Title IX of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Clery Act and others, in employment and educational contexts.
• Appreciation for and demonstrated commitment to transparency with ability to address concerns promptly while keeping stakeholders informed of processes and updates on campus-wide issues being addressed.
• Certifications and/or trainings in areas related to diversity, equity, and inclusion with ability to facilitate trainings and outreach to various departments and to develop and offer trainings to advance DEI across campus.
• Understanding and appreciation for rural communities with knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the outdoor industries, including those related to Western programs, to advance inclusion in the outdoors.
• Ability to work with individuals from varying levels of understanding related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and commitment to serving all stakeholders of the campus community.

Additional Application Information:
Compensation: Salary: $95,000.00 - $110,000.00 annually, dependent upon experience and
qualifications. Full employee benefits package including shared contribution medical and dental
insurance, defined contribution retirement plan, employer paid life and long term disability
insurance, voluntary insurance plans, and undergraduate tuition remission for dependents (after one year of service.)

Start Date: As soon as possible upon offer acceptance.

Application deadline: February 15, 2022

Apply online at http://www.western.edu/jobs

Required attachments to the application include: a letter of application detailing interest and qualifications, curriculum vitae, and a copy of transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during screening. Official transcripts are required prior to issuing contract. Three letters of recommendation are also required and these must be submitted via email to Matt Aronson, Chair, VPI Search Committee, at maronson@western.edu 

Western is a residential, four-year public university with an enrollment of 3,000 students who come from across Colorado and all fifty states. Faculty members share a strong commitment to personalized education with the liberal arts as its core. They are student-oriented, collegial, energetic, and engaged in the campus and community. The curriculum provides professional flexibility that values experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches. Western supports diversity, equity, and inclusivity of all types including ability (physical, mental), social class, racial/ethnic, linguistic, religion, sexual orientation, age, experience, gender, and cultural.

Please see our diversity statement: https://western.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusivity/ 

Please see our DEI Committee charge: https://western.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusivity/dei-committee-charge/)

The university is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison valley provides significant year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. Professionals have chosen Western because of the quality of life combined with rewarding careers. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about Western.

Western Colorado University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus.