Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer

at  Harvard University

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty, the Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer will serve as a knowledgeable and thoughtful advisor, catalyst for change, and institutional resource for improving equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging at the School. The Chief will work with the Associate Dean of Student Services to create a more vibrant and supportive campus climate for underrepresented students and an inclusive student experience; collaborate with Associate Director of Faculty Affairs and the faculty to expand and deepen discussions about equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and related issues in the curriculum; coach and support underrepresented faculty and academic appointees; collaborate with the Chief Human Resources Officer on EDIB issues related to staff; interact readily and effectively with student affinity groups and students who are from underrepresented groups or who are especially committed to EDIB issues and topics; and help to identify policies and practices that would lead to hiring, promotion, and retention of more faculty, academic appointees and staff from historically marginalized communities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Specifically, the Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer will work closely with other senior leaders across the School and University to:

• Demonstrate an overarching vision, develop strategic plans, propose specific changes to policies and practices, and provide day-to-day management oversight for initiatives to increase the diversity within the school community, strengthen the inclusion of members of its diverse community in all activities; and improve the sense of belonging by those members
• Ensure that initiatives are prioritized and operationalized, especially regarding student recruiting and admissions, curriculum, faculty and academic appointee recruiting and retention, staff recruiting and retention, and visiting speakers and events all in collaboration with senior leaders with oversight of students, faculty, academic appointees and staff
• Devote particular attention to the experiences of students both in and out of the classroom, including advising students individually in response to their concerns and needs
• Report to the SPH community on progress and challenges in enhancing equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging by assessing the effectiveness of new initiatives
• Develop, implement and increase access to EDIB content, resources, tools and training/learning and development offerings
• Contribute to strategic institutional discussions and planning
• Participate/convene in the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and collaborate and work across Harvard to learn and share best practices
• Oversight of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) budget
• Management, development, and mentorship of a staff of professional and union employees
• Other related duties as assigned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required
• 15+ years of related experience, with progressively responsible experience in the field of diversity, inclusion and belonging, required
• Prior supervisory experience required

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Master’s Degree
• Experience in higher education or research setting strongly preferred
• Experience garnering the trust and respect of senior colleagues and students
• Significant successful experience with creating and implementing institutional diversity programs in a collaborative way
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills, as well as strong communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and flexibility
• Demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining relationships
• Experience effectively communicating with staff, faculty, and students and at all levels, working as a team and work with confidential data

The following cultural competencies are also preferred:

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity
• Experience fostering and reinforcing an environment that values unique experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and goals

Please refer the Job description for details