Executive Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access

Another Source’s client, The Chicago School, is recruiting an Executive Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) to join their leadership team remotely.

About the University:

The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 40 years.

As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of an inclusive community committed to excellence. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.

To learn more about the Chicago School: https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/

About the Position:

As the Executive Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) at The Chicago School, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact by driving the University's commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. You will lead the development and implementation of comprehensive IDEA strategies, programming, and initiatives that span employee and student recruitment and retention.

In this role, you will establish and lead the Office of IDEA, collaborating with University leadership to ensure IDEA is integrated into all aspects of University life. You'll have the chance to create a community-oriented atmosphere where employees and students feel valued and connected, implementing initiatives that encourage interaction and collaboration across different groups.

As a strategic leader, you will develop and execute plans that support the University's mission and goals, while also staying abreast of current IDEA research, best practices, and emerging trends. You'll have the opportunity to develop new policies, assess IDEA-related competencies, and create robust training and development programs.

If you're passionate about making a difference and driving organizational change, this is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the future of IDEA at The Chicago School.

Anticipated Salary: $110,000 - $150,000

Benefits:

https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/in-the-community/careers/

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Communication

• Through establishing an Office of IDEA for the University and leading its Diversity Action Board (DAB), develop comprehensive IDEA strategies, programming, and initiatives across the University that span employee and student recruitment and retention.
• Develop and lead the implementation of a strategic IDEA plan to support the University’s mission and goals.
• Advise and support University leadership in being visible advocates, change-makers, and spokespersons for IDEA matters within the University.
• Communicate regularly with stakeholders about IDEA initiatives, progress, and challenges.
• Collaborate with the University’s communications team to prepare University responses to critical national and global IDEA events impacting the school community.

Employee and Student Relationship Management and Community Building

• Actively foster a community-oriented atmosphere where employees and students feel valued and connected. Implement initiatives that encourage interaction and collaboration across different groups, enhancing sense of belonging and community within the University.
• Equip managers and supervisors with the tools and training necessary to nurture an inclusive community and effectively respond to the IDEA-related needs of employees and students. Facilitate forums that promote community-building skills among leadership.
• Support managers’ and supervisors’ responses to the IDEA-related needs of employees and students.
• Regularly solicit and incorporate employee and student feedback to improve and tailor the University’s IDEA strategy, programs, initiatives, and community-building efforts. Use this feedback to create more engaging and inclusive community events and activities.
• Help direct matters requiring escalation to the appropriate University process.

Training and Development

• Continually assess IDEA-related competencies of University employees and students to identify opportunities for training and development.
• Develop and lead the implementation and continuous improvement of robust training and development programming to enhance IDEA competencies for employees and students.

Assessment, Policy Development, and Innovation

• Stay abreast of current IDEA research, best practices, and emerging trends to inform the University’s approach.
• Ensure existing university policies and procedures incorporate best practices related to IDEA.
• Lead the development of new policies that advance the University’s objective of being a leader in higher education regarding IDEA.
• Serve on the University’s Co-Curricular Effectiveness Review Committee (CCRC).
• Through the CCRC, develop formal outcome measures for the Office of IDEA and use assessment data to refine strategies and demonstrate IDEA-related outcomes to stakeholders. Additionally, support other University departments in advancing their respective outcomes related to IDEA.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent education and training.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience leading and managing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, preferably in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Formal education beyond a bachelor’s degree, including advanced degrees in relevant subjects.
• Professional certifications related to IDEA.
• Demonstrated expertise in IDEA programming, social justice, cultural competence, and intersectionality.
• Experience with evaluation and refinement of instructional methods, incorporating evidence-based pedagogies that promote active learning, critical thinking, and collaboration among a diverse student body.
• Experience in developing and implementing diversity recruitment and retention strategies for employees and students.
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Experience developing and executing strategic plans that drive organizational change and impact.
• Knowledge of legal regulations and compliance related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
• Experience developing and leading training programs.
• Proven ability to engage in public advocacy and represent an institution on IDEA matters.
• Grant development experience.

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.