Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (3-year Term)

Department: NITMB - Theory and Math
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary:

The Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) at National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology is a pivotal leadership role responsible for advancing the institution's commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and supportive environment across all facets of its community. Reporting directly to the Associate Faculty Director for DEIA, and to NITMB senior leadership, the Associate Director will oversee strategic initiatives, programs, and policies that promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging within the Institute.

This is a term position ending on June 30, 2028. Opportunity for renewal will be based on performance and available funding.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Oversight:

• Together with the Faculty Director develop and implement a comprehensive strategic vision and operational plan for DEIA efforts, aligned with institutional goals and priorities.
• Together with the Faculty Director provide leadership and oversight for NITMB, ensuring alignment with the institution's mission and values.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students to integrate DEIA principles into all aspects of institutional life.
• Coordinate the DEIA Committee meetings and oversight, including actively monitoring concerns about discriminatory, exclusionary, or harassing behaviors,

Policy Development and Compliance:

• Collaborate with Institute leaders to develop and implement policies and practices that advance diversity, equity and inclusivity.
• Provide day-to-day oversight of NITMB program recruitment, application and selection processes. Including, but not limited to, development of criteria, rubrics, and bias mitigation for each program application cycle.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Program Development and Management:

• Together with the Faculty Director develop, implement, and assess DEIA programs, initiatives, and educational resources.
• Coordinate outreach activities with NITMB Assistant Director for Operations and Outreach.
• Manage the DEIA budget effectively, allocating resources to maximize impact and sustainability of initiatives.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Foster a culture of belonging and engagement through outreach to diverse communities, including students, postdoctoral scholars and fellows, faculty, staff, visitors, program participants, alumni, and external partners.
• Cultivate relationships with external organizations and community stakeholders to enhance DEIA efforts and collaboration.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Utilize data-driven insights to assess the effectiveness of DEIA initiatives and programs, making data-informed decisions for continuous improvement.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations on DEIA metrics, progress, and challenges for institutional leadership and stakeholders.
• Thought-partner with Evaluation Team in evaluation practices around programs, participants, and stakeholders, including development and implementation of annual climate survey.

Educational Programming and Training:

• Organize educational programs, workshops, and training sessions to promote awareness and understanding of DEIA issues for NITMB stakeholders, including faculty, trainees, faculty, staff, and longer-term visitors.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Master's degree required; additional DE&I coursework preferred
• Experience: Minimum of 3-6 years of progressively responsible experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, or a related field including program and/or department management, preferably within higher education.
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program development, and managing complex initiatives related to DEIA.
• Data Analysis: Proficiency in data analysis, assessment, and evaluation methodologies to measure impact and outcomes of DEIA initiatives.
• Compliance: Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

Minimum Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Successful candidates will bring emotional intelligence and conflict-resolution skills to charged issues in order to move the department forward in its ambitions.
• Cultural competence, resourcefulness, creativity, and perseverance.
• Demonstrated ability to interact and influence at all levels of an organization and to work collaboratively across functions and departments toward shared objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD/EdD in a related field (e.g., higher education administration, social sciences)

Additional Information:

• This position requires occasional morning, evening, and weekend availability.
• Work from home policy for NITMB is 4 days in-person and 1 day remote.
• The Director of DEIA will be expected to maintain a professional and inclusive demeanor in all interactions and uphold confidentiality at all times.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $86,000-$98,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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