Full-Time Vice President for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
Job Description
Southern Illinois University System (SIU) invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the inaugural position of Vice President for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer (CDO).
Chartered in 1869 as Southern Illinois Normal for the preparation of teachers, and expanded in 1949 into a university, SIU celebrates a rich history of teaching, research and civic engagement, including significant contributions to economic development and a longstanding commitment to people of color and individuals with little or no access to a college education.
Reporting to President Dr. Daniel F. Mahony, the new vice president will be based in Springfield, Illinois and serve as a member of the president’s cabinet. The CDO will provide leadership for the System’s antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion vision and be responsible for operation of the newly formed SIU System Office for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (OADEI).
This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, experienced diversity leader to work with President Mahony, trustees, cabinet colleagues, and the community to supervise system initiatives for SIU to become an antiracist organization. Early in their tenure, the CDO will be expected to advance a system-level diversity strategic plan; work with the chancellors and collaborate with campus CDOs to determine diversity metrics and provide support in developing campus-level plans to achieve goals; develop an infrastructure for communication of diversity initiatives both internally and externally; and implement outreach strategies for diverse communities.
The CDO must have a firm, evidence-based understanding of the effectiveness and appropriateness of differing approaches to antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the context of higher education systems. This individual will work to understand academic and departmental diversity initiatives already in place on each campus and offer advice, support, and guidance to strengthen them, and promote the continual development of them.
SIU seeks a CDO who has substantial (minimum of five years) leadership experience in higher education advancing equity, enhancing inclusiveness and multiculturalism and fluency with the scholarship around antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion and related disciplines.
A terminal degree is preferred. Candidates who do not have a terminal degree but have extensive experience in the field will be considered. A faculty appointment is possible based on the experience of the candidate of choice.
WittKieffer is assisting Southern Illinois University in this recruitment. A comprehensive leadership profile can be found at www.wittkieffer.com. Application materials should include a letter of interest addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the leadership profile and a current CV. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by March 1, 2021.
How to Apply
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to the university's consultants, Charlene Aguilar and Christine Pendleton at SIUS-VPADEICDO@wittkieffer.com.In accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois and the United States, the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and is committed to taking affirmative steps aimed at overcoming historical patterns of discrimination in our society. The Board of Trustees directs that all elements of Southern Illinois University adhere to procedures which promote this policy in all phases of university activities including employment, educational programs, choice of contractors, and relationships with employee organizations.
Values Statement. The Southern Illinois University (SIU) System is an anti-racist community that opposes racism, discrimination and inequity in any form, and embraces diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice for all people.
867 total views, 0 today