Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois seeks a dynamic, experienced diversity officer to serve full time as part of the school’s senior leadership team. Reporting to the Dean of the Law School, the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will promote an institutional culture that values and supports diversity through work in five main areas: institutional strategic planning; diversity programming and training; current student support; recruitment; and community partnerships.

The Law School is in the process of being acquired by the University of Illinois at Chicago; that transaction is expected to close in August 2019. Therefore, this will become a college-level position that will operate within a greater University context.

The John Marshall Law School, finding any invidious discrimination inconsistent with the mission of free academic inquiry, does not discriminate in admission, services, or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Duties and Responsibilities

Institutional Strategic Planning

o Work with the Faculty Diversity Committee and Associate Dean for SCALES & Institutional Excellence to develop and implement a school-wide strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

o Identify instruments to monitor and measure the impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives quantitatively and qualitatively on a consistent basis.

o Serve as Administration Liaison to Faculty Diversity Committee.

o Serve as a college liaison to University committees and working groups relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

o Helps ensure compliance with ABA Standards, AALS Bylaws, and HLC regulations.

Diversity Programming and Training

o Develop and deliver student education and training programs on diversity, equity, and inclusion, including unconscious bias, cultural competency, and civil discourse.

o Develop and help provide school-wide opportunities to celebrate diversity and discuss issues of equity and inclusion.

o Within appropriate University structures, collect and respond to reports of bias within the community or associated school activities.

Current Student Support

o Plan and implement Diversity Week/Live Law in Color.

o Actively participate in the Student Support and Emergency Team.

o Mentor and support students across a spectrum of diverse backgrounds, with a special focus on historically underrepresented groups.

o Provide advocacy and referrals to students on issues concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion.

o Collaborate with the Office of Student Life to monitor and support the success of all diversity-focused student groups.

o Collaborate with the Office of Career Services on programs and projects relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

o Participate in campus activities such as new student orientation, returning student orientation, Dinners with the Deans, etc.

Recruitment

o Collaborate with Admissions on plans to recruit students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

o Participate in several student recruiting trips each year.

o Be available to meet with prospective students.

Community Partnerships

o Develop and oversee pipeline programs to college, high school, and elementary school students to consider a legal career.

o Maintain close working relationships with local bar associations focused on diverse populations so as to increase student resources and support.

o Design initiatives to expand diversity and inclusion in the local legal community and increase job placement for diverse law school graduates.

o Contribute to positive name recognition of John Marshall in the community.

Qualifications

*Master’s degree required; JD or other terminal degree preferred.

• At least three years’ experience in higher education administration required, with at least five preferred, with a preference for previous experience in a Diversity, Student Affairs, Admissions, Academic Achievement, or Institutional Assessment role. Experience in law firm diversity positions or equivalent positions may be considered and counted toward the minimum requirement.

• A high level of judgment and discretion and the ability to keep matters confidential.

• Excellent listening and oral/written communication skills.

• Comfort working with a range of competing interests and constituencies and an ability to influence others.

• Ability to work independently, as a member of a team, and collaboratively with other departments.

• Advanced computer skills and excitement/aptitude for learning new technology platforms.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.

• Attention to detail.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Some evening and weekend work will be required. Some travel will be required.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please send a CV or resume, a cover letter summarizing qualifications and interest in the position, plus contact information for at least three professional references to Sharon Y. Cannon, Chief of Staff, Office of the Dean, OfficeoftheDean@jmls.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Individual selected as finalists will be invited to visit campus for a full day. The successful candidate may start at any time on or before July 1, 2019.