Executive Director For Institutional Diversity, Equity & Compliance

Description

Overview:

The Executive Director for Institutional Diversity, Equity and Compliance is a pivotal role at the College, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus environment. Reporting directly to the President, this role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive strategies and programs that promote diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and compliance throughout the institution. The Executive Director will lead efforts to ensure adherence to Title VI, VII, IX, ADA/504, and other relevant regulations, while also enhancing the recruitment, retention, and success of historically underrepresented populations.

Key Responsibilities:

1.Strategic Leadership and Vision:

• Implement and build upon the College's DEI Strategic Plan in alignment with the College's mission and overall strategic goals.

• Establish and monitor institutional DEI goals in collaboration with the Executive team and other stakeholders.

• Lead the Diversity Committee and engage the community in DEI activities, serving as an external ambassador locally and regionally.

2.Compliance and Organizational Infrastructure:

• Serve as the College's Compliance Coordinator, overseeing all compliance matters involving Title VI, VII, IX, ADA/504.

• Manage and train deputy coordinators/investigators, document incidents, and ensure the College's adherence to federal and state regulations.

• Work with People Operations to monitor and enforce compliance with DEI-applicable laws and regulations.

3.Education, Programming, and Culture Enhancement:

• Develop and maintain robust data collection, analysis, benchmarking, and reporting systems to track progress and adapt strategies.

• Oversee educational and professional development opportunities in DEI and compliance for faculty, staff, and administrators.

• Foster an institutional environment of respect, civility, and intercultural learning through diverse interactions and community dialogue.

• Partner with academic and administrative departments to enhance equity and inclusion within the classroom and throughout the campus community.

4.Community Engagement and Support:

• Identify and implement strategies to create a more inclusive and diverse campus environment.

• Provide resources and training to encourage and support the development of curricula and pedagogies that are inclusive in content and method.

• Expand cultural competencies and develop tools to assess the outcomes of educational programs.

Requirements

Education and Experience Required:

• Master's Degree from an accredited institution required; a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree preferred.

• Minimum of five to seven years of experience with a documented track record of effective diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

• Extensive knowledge and experience with compliance matters involving Title VI, VII, IX, ADA/504.

• Experience in leading organizational change, strategic planning, and community engagement in higher education or similar complex organizations.

• High emotional intelligence and excellent communication skills to navigate difficult dialogues and build knowledge opportunities for various stakeholders.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to perform typical office duties and actively engage with the community across campus.

Stephens College is a women's college proudly located in downtown Columbia, MO, home to the University of Missouri and two private colleges with a total student population of about 40,000. Since our founding in 1833, we've been offering innovative, career-focused programs sound in the liberal arts with a focus on creative arts and sciences. We take a hands-on, experiential approach to education, making sure our students get both quality classroom instruction and external work experiences that complement their coursework. Stephens College prepares students to become leaders and innovators in a rapidly changing world. Graduate, online, and certificate programs are available to women and men as part of our commitment to lifelong learning.

The college prides itself on fostering a close-knit faculty community and on providing a welcoming, learning-centered environment for students. The learning community is distinguished by small classes, close engagement with faculty, intellectual rigor, and dynamic programs of study that reflect the College's mission of lifelong learning. Stephens College contributes to the vibrant social and cultural climate which makes Columbia such a desirable place to live.

Stephens College offers excellent benefits, including vacation/holiday/sick pay, health/dental/life insurance, tuition waiver and college-matched retirement plan. Ask about our 36-hour work week!!

Stephens College does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age, color, disability, gender expression and identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status and all other classifications protected by law. Stephens College also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX or disability accommodations, any other concerns related to equity or noncompliance, or requests for a complete copy of the College's policy should be directed to the Stephens College Equity Compliance Team at equity@stephens.edu, www.stephens.edu/equity or (573) 876-2321 or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at http://www.ed.gov/ocr