University of Minnesota Seeks Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Posted on August 9, 2022
Position Title:
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Position Summary:
This is a full-time academic administrative appointment, reporting to the Dean and serving on the college’s leadership team. The Assistant Dean will work closely with college leaders across all areas of the organization to effectively leverage initiatives, resources, and tools and track progress against ongoing strategic initiatives. This position requires strong and dynamic leadership, exceptional judgment, superb communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse individuals, constituencies, and communities.
The Assistant Dean will work collaboratively with the University’s Office of Equity and Diversity (UMN OED) to ensure that CFANS efforts are aligned with University-wide policies, programs, and strategic initiatives (see https://president.umn.edu/mpact-2025). Responsibilities The Assistant Dean will lead efforts to promote an inclusive climate for all students, faculty, and staff. This will include implementing the newly adopted CFANS DEI strategic plan which has an emphasis on centering BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Strategic Leadership and Planning
● Partner with the leadership team and the CFANS Committee on Diversity and Inclusion to set the direction, manage and coordinate the DEI goals, actions, and strategies.
● Recommend policy, procedure, and structural improvements that remove barriers to faculty, staff, and students success of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and underserved communities.
● Track the progress of DEI strategies against key metrics.
● Provide recommendations to focus activities and strengthen key deliverables such as recruitment, DEI development, retention, and engagement.
Collaboration
● Work together with the Associate Deans of Research, Graduate Programs, Academic Programs and Faculty Affairs to build a welcoming, diverse and inclusive community and climate where students can thrive.
● Identify, manage, and negotiate relationships with internal and external partners, including but not limited to Minnesota’s Tribal Nations, communities of color, and other minoritized communities.
● Work collaboratively with the University’s Office of Equity and Diversity to ensure that CFANS efforts are aligned with University-wide policies, programs, and strategic initiatives (MPACT 2025).
● Partner with CFANS’ Human Resources to integrate DEI best practices into HR policies and processes.
● Serve as the college liaison for campus diversity initiatives. Build strong connections with related campus representatives and offices. Engage in cooperative efforts with faculty, staff, and units across the University to enhance diversity efforts.
● Collaborate with the CFANS Communications Office to ensure DEI topics are included in appropriate internal and external communications.
● Collaborate with CFANS Student Services which includes advising and admissions for the college. Program Development and Management
● Lead the engagement of the college community in learning opportunities regarding intercultural competency and diversity, including co-leading the Diversity Enriched Curriculum.
● Identify, clarify, and resolve program issues and concerns requiring independent judgment, using advanced technical and professional knowledge. Mediate complex and sensitive issues.
● Assess ongoing activities in the areas of diversity and inclusion. Recommend and implement changes to current activities and develop and prioritize new initiatives
Supervision
● Evaluate employee performance and provide on-going training, development, feedback and coaching to the CFANS ODEI staff.
● Ensure that CFANS ODEI staff have the continued resources, training, and knowledge needed to deliver professional diversity and inclusion services and consultation.
Required Qualifications:
● Master's degree and five years of professional experience that includes diversity, equity, and inclusion work.
● Demonstrated understanding of social justice and anti-racist principles and practices.
● Proven track record of developing diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and programs. ● Experience developing training and development or change initiatives, consulting or related business experience.
● Demonstrated experience and commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and effectively with individuals with diverse identities and underrepresented groups.
● Experience working within and engaging employees across all levels throughout a complex organization.
● Experience with organizational change and culture.
● Demonstrated success in project management, including organizational and planning skills.
● Demonstrated leadership ability and an ability to influence others directly and indirectly.
● Demonstrated ability to be proactive, stay abreast with DEI topics, take initiative, and take action.
Preferred Qualifications:
● Experience working in an academic environment with students, faculty, and staff. ● Experience with recruitment of diverse faculty, students, or staff.
● Experience leading a team of professionals.
● Experience leading and managing curricular efforts and programs.
● Experience working with Tribal Nations and Indigenous groups.
● Knowledge of the issues that women, persons of color, LGBTQIA+ and Indigenous students face throughout the academic pipeline.
● Knowledge of EEO/AA data collection and experience in gathering, assessing, and communicating information about a given climate and environment.
Salary/Benefits:
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
● Competitive wages, paid holidays
● Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
● Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
● Excellent retirement plans with generous employer contribution and immediate vesting
● Employer paid disability and life insurance
● Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
● Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75% of eligible tuition
● Opportunities for growth and promotion
● Employee Assistance Program For more information regarding benefits, see https://z.umn.edu/COSsummaryofbenefits.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online at http://employment.umn.edu/ (search for Job Opening ID 350485).
To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). For questions regarding this position, please contact Anna Lee at leex6681@umn.edu.
Required application materials:
● A cover letter clearly indicating how the applicant addresses the required and preferred qualifications
● Resume or CurriculumVitae
● Statement of leadership philosophy and experience
● Diversity Statement* (please see instructions below)
*Instructions for Diversity Statement (include with application materials*
Applicants are required to submit a diversity statement for this position. CFANS values and is actively invested in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all of our academic programs. Please review the CFANS definition of diversity and the DEI strategic plan for the college. Please provide a diversity statement that details your professional experiences in DEI. Experiences may include:
● Working with diverse communities or local organizations
● Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into the curriculum
● Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your work
● Your own educational experiences, such as courses or workshops you have participated in and how you anticipate incorporating what you have learned in your future work
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). For questions regarding this position, please contact Anna Lee at leex6681@umn.edu.