Job Description:

Reporting to the Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (VPDIB), the Senior Director of Diversity Initiatives works to create welcoming and inclusive spaces where individuals of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences can thrive, have a keen sense of belonging, and achieve academic and professional success. The position will assist the VPDIB with operationalizing the university’s DEIB action plans and administration, management, and implementation of a campus-wide program to support an institutional culture that values, supports, grows, and sustains DEIB at Fairfield University. The incumbent assists with collaborative leadership to ensure that DEIB is embedded in all aspects of university life to support learning, persistence, success, and well-being for students, staff, and faculty.

Support the VP DIB in establishing a diverse, welcoming, inclusive, and socially just university climate.

• Under the direction of the VPDIB, support the creation and execution of DEIB strategic plans and establish metrics and tools to track progress. These duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Track progress on DEI strategic planning documents and support departments in achieving stated goals.

• Support/coordinate University DEIB climate initiatives.

• Support data collection activities on specified diversity issues as directed.

• Proactively identify, plan, and implement DEIB initiatives and report progress toward meeting stated goals.

• Ensures progress on DEIB-related projects and initiatives across the University.

• Works with stakeholders to develop practical tools and strategies to embed performance measures and other forms of accountability related to DEIB.

• Monitors project tasks and timelines; coordinates data collection; and develops and delivers progress reports and updates as needed.

• Assists VPDIB in building racial and social justice awareness across the university by creating and providing learning opportunities, inclusive engagement strategies, training, tools, and resources.

• Oversee the development and implementation of diversity programs for the campus community, including but not limited to Heritage Month celebrations, DEIB learning days, and training and orientation in partnership with Human Resources and other stakeholders.

• Maintain knowledge and awareness of university-wide diversity issues and assist with managing concerns as a member of the bias-incident response team.

• Direct DEIB learning opportunities for the University; design, facilitate, and conduct training/learning opportunities.

• Partners with Human Resources, the Center for Academic Excellence, University stakeholders, and subject matter experts to transform the university through learning and inclusive engagement strategies.

• Assist VPDIB with periodic reviews of campus policies through a DEIB and social justice lens.

• Serve as subject matter expert and an educational resource to students, faculty, and staff on issues related to DEIB.

• Provide a safe space for students, faculty, and staff to discuss DEI concerns.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to organize and interpret data and records related to DEIB and other university metrics.

• Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion, tact, and confidentiality.

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices around DEIB in higher education.

Working knowledge of traditional and modern training methods and techniques.

• Proficiency in Excel (e.g., graphs, pivots, linkages between tabs, macros).

• Excellent communication skills, including writing, editing, speaking/facilitating, and interpersonal skills.

• Intermediate to advanced user of Microsoft Office Suite

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced degree (Master's degree or higher equivalent knowledge and skills.)

• 5 - 7 years of position-related experience.

Category:

President - Admin

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.

*Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Load a resume or CV first, then upload supporting documents including a cover letter at the bottom of the third page under the "My Experience" section where it says to upload a Resume/CV . You will be able to upload up to 5 other documents in this section. You will be unable to edit your application, so please have all documents available before applying.

Faculty Positions : If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email the additional documents to the applicable contact in the job description.

Staff positions : If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email them to hr@fairfield.edu

Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. With campuses located in Fairfield, CT Bridgeport, CT, and Austin, TX, we strive to create a workforce that is rich in skill, knowledge, and pride in our work. Members of the Fairfield University community exhibit mutual respect, compassion, and inclusivity, aspiring to be a welcoming environment representative of an ever-changing and diverse global populace. As our University rises in national prominence, we are committed to fostering a healthy workplace and lifestyle for our employees. At Fairfield, the future is filled with opportunities as limitless as your potential, and they all begin with you.