Vice Provost for Diversity, Access, and Equity
Position Description
Ohio University invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice Provost for Diversity, Access, and Equity. This senior position will serve as the chief diversity officer of the Athens and regional campuses and will report to the provost.
The Vice Provost for Diversity, Access, and Equity will serve on the leadership team that will expand and strengthen diversity initiatives and programs to advance the mission of Ohio University. Ohio University is strongly committed to academic excellence, diversity, inclusiveness and the assurance that every community member has the opportunity to develop to his or her fullest potential.
The University embraces a global perspective and is an increasingly diverse community serving students from all 50 states and nearly 100 nations; with approximately 20,000 students on the Athens campus and more than 8,500 on the five regional campuses. There are more than 3,000 graduate students and over 400 medical students enrolled at the University.
The Vice Provost for Diversity, Access, and Equity will have an opportunity to create a unique environment for manifesting a commitment to cultural diversity; promoting university wide diversity initiatives; accommodating those with disabilities; and highlighting the value of diversity throughout the University as it relates to under represented populations. The Vice Provost for Diversity, Access, and Equity will have responsibility and resources for enhancing the university environment by facilitating a process that will provide a welcoming and supportive community for students, faculty and staff, regardless of personal experiences and world views that arise from differences of perspective, race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, or veteran status. Success will be measured based on advancements in campus climate as well as the recruitment and retention of a diverse student body, faculty, and staff.
Responsibilities:
1. Lead and direct the units and centers that offer diversity and access programs and provide equity services: Scholarships and Retention, Institutional Equity, Disability Services, LGBT Programs, Multicultural Programs, and the Women’s Center.
2. Advise and collaborate with the president, provost, executive staff, academic deans, and other campus leadership groups regarding the development, communication, and implementation of Ohio University’s diversity vision and plan.
3. Advance a campus climate that respects, values, and supports the academic, social, and personal development of all students, faculty, and staff.
4. Create, develop, and implement a university wide comprehensive diversity plan consistent with Vision Ohio (http://www.ohio.edu/vision/). This plan should include outcomes and accountability metrics that are based on cultural competence.
5. Establish and maintain relationships between the university community and underserved populations, leadership groups, and K-12 school systems throughout the state of Ohio and the nation to advance diversity initiatives and access opportunities within higher education.
6. Provide leadership, strategic planning, and thoughtful development of procedures and policies to ensure that institutional processes are in keeping with a goal of equity and access for all as well as responsive to institutional goals for affirmative action and equal employment opportunities.
7. Provide leadership in fostering an inclusive, discrimination/ harassment-free environment for the campus community.
8. Actively solicit and manage new funding to support diversity, access, and equity initiatives.
9. Provide strategic direction in recruiting and attracting diverse students, faculty, and staff.
10. Collaborate with campus academic departments in developing initiatives to assist with the recruitment and retention of all students.
11. Collaborate with campus academic departments to support diversification of the curriculum and educational research related to diversity, access and equity.
Qualifications:
- Proven success as a dynamic senior leader in higher education - Extensive experience in the field of diversity and equity and demonstrated ability to mobilize that expertise into highly effective practical applications and outcome achievements
- Visionary leader with an entrepreneurial approach to program development and establishing dynamic relationships with students, faculty, university staff, corporations, government officials, foundations, and community leaders
- Experience and understanding of the structure, history and dynamics of higher education and the complex resultant challenges
- Results oriented with an in-depth understanding of organizational change and transformational leadership
- Extensive experience in monitoring compliance with federal and state compliance regulations and legislation as well as institutional policies that promote equal opportunity and affirmative action
- Demonstrated experience in investigating and resolving grievances related to discrimination, including harassment
- Proven experience in meeting the specific needs of populations that are chronically under represented in higher education
- Exceptional communication skills and facility in understanding a wide variety of constituent groups for building consensus and support for innovative solutions
- Terminal degree required with academic experience that would qualify the candidate for appointment to the tenured faculty
- Demonstrated budgetary management ability and a record of grant writing success
- Proven results in fostering an inclusive, diverse environment
- Demonstrated record of effective community service and promotion of social justice initiatives
Application Process Ohio University invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice Provost for Diversity, Access, and Equity to be submitted to:
Ayers & Associates, Inc.
Ohio University Vice Provost for Diversity, Access and Equity Search
2001 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Suite 503
Arlington, VA 22202
Telephone: 703-418-2815
Fax: 703-418-2814
Email: contactus@ayersandassoc.com
Nominators should send a letter of nomination, including the name, address, and telephone number of nominee. Applications should include:
A letter addressing how the candidate’s vision for institutional diversity and experience match the position requirements;
A complete curriculum vitae; and
Five professional references, including contact information.
Materials may be submitted in hard copy or electronically, preferably in Microsoft Word format.
Ohio University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
