Executive Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Executive Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

About the Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Inclusion Officer, the Executive Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) is a systems thinker who can adroitly operationalize strategy in a complex environment, be able to manage multiple tasks, inspire a team and a university community and be comfortable with ambiguity. The Executive Director will at once think and plan strategically while efficiently execute plans, programs, and initiatives that have measurable impact on the strategic vision and mission of the university. In addition to having overall organizational and operational responsibility for ODEI, the Executive Director will work collaboratively with university partners to develop and monitor staff and supplier diversity strategies for the global university system. The Executive Director will work collaboratively to bring these ideals to fruition with the following experience, skills, and abilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Expertise in the areas of DEI initiatives, employee engagement, employee recruitment, and/or employee relations. Ability to lead complex, large projects, and partnerships, working with a diverse team and stakeholders across functional disciplines. Ability to build and manage a team as well as facilitate DEI workshops or trainings. Strong financial analysis, budget planning and business management experience. Excellent interpersonal abilities, and the ability to build trust, relationships, and influence across the organizational matrix among stakeholders. Outstanding project management skills and experience. Exceptional time management skills, customer service focus and attention to detail. Agility with quantitative analysis, especially with defining and managing metrics and using data to inform strategy. Superior written and oral communication skills. Ability to manage confidential information and demonstrate good judgment; politically adroit. Possess a willingness to “pitch in” where required without respect to role. Knowledge and skills required are normally obtained through a bachelor's degree and at least 7 years' experience, including a minimum of four to five years in a similar or related role, or one with heavy organizational operations duties.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

1) Directing organizational operations:

• In collaboration with the Chief Inclusion Officer, determine and prioritize DEI strategies; lead and implement strategic planning processes across the organization.
• Support the senior leader in implementing the organization's day-to-day operations that fulfill the organizational DEI strategy.
• Assist with organizational program management and program/project implementation, in conjunction with the senior leader.
• Maintain a solid understanding of the Office's programming and lead the planning and budgeting process to ensure that resources are appropriately allocated to support the strategic objectives.
• Determine key performance indicators and how to measure team performance and strategy outcomes.
• Lead through ambiguity and independently direct project and organizational operations.
• Set and execute deadlines to meet organizational goals.
• Function as the facilitator to streamline efficiency and communication between team-members and leadership activities.
• Lead the hiring strategy and manage staff.
• Function as a central point of contact for the coordination of the senior leader's initiatives and communications.
• Work closely with the ODEI leadership team to implement and report on goals and strategies.
• Other activities as defined by the Chief Inclusion Officer.

2) Overall Diversity Leadership

• Contribute to the development and manage the implementation of DEI programs and operational support functions for the Office. As a key member of the leadership team, the Executive Director provides strategic guidance to achieve the function's goals and objectives.
• Develop metrics for measuring department performance on DEI key performance indicators; oversee metrics collection; evaluate results quarterly; and provide intervention recommendations.
• Work with Director of Communications on external and internal communication across the global university system to engage all employees in DEI initiatives.
• Lead DEI workshops and training as needed.

In addition to providing overall diversity and operational leadership, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership in the following areas:

3) Staff Diversity Strategy

• Working in collaboration with Human Resources (HR), co-create and monitor key strategies to expand the recruitment, retention, and development of a diverse staff across the university system.
• Provide input to HR on workforce development, including diversity outreach, equity and inclusion training, and internal policy and practice review.
• Partner with HR to develop best practices and integrate initiatives to improve the employee experience that promote and reward inclusion including in performance management, leadership development, succession planning and retention.
• In conjunction with HR, design and implement strategies that facilitate employees' ability to work effectively, respectfully, and equitably across race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender orientation and expression and other social identities and diversity segments.
• Serve as key point of contact to educate, engage and coach as subject matter expert for leaders on employee matters related to DEI.
• Provide leadership in developing and advancing initiatives throughout the global university system that support strategic DEI initiatives.

4) Supplier Diversity Strategy

• In collaboration with Procurement Services, perform analysis and reporting related to the university's diverse vendor database, and supplier diversity program.

• Ensure equal opportunity in the university's daily and strategic procurement activities, in conjunction with Procurement Services.
• Study and recommend changes to procurement procedures and policies which affect minority and participation of women-owned businesses.
• Manage the activities of the Office to provide efficient support to the business functions as they pursue their DEI objectives, and to ensure adherence to policies and procedures.

About the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

ODEI is building a TRUE community, emphasizing core values of trust, respect, understanding and empathy, which works collaboratively with internal and external partners to advance our mission to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive global university system.

Position Type

Legal and Regulatory Administration

Additional Information

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.


To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Executive-Director-of-the-Office-of-Diversity--Equity--and-Inclusion_R104805 jeid-fcfb5dcefd4a8f4c8047a401618c16ea