Vice President-Exec Mgt

Job no: 637795
Work type: Executive Management
Major Administrative Unit / College: Provost And Academic Affairs
Department: Ofc For Inclusion Intercult Initiatives 10050434
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Full Time (90-100%), Executive Management, Administrative/Business/Professional, Education/Training, Human Resources, Student Services/Student Affairs
Working/Functional Title

Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Position Summary

Michigan State University (MSU), a leading global research university, seeks a dynamic and strategic individual to serve as its Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). The CDO will join the institution at a transformative time as MSU furthers its commitment to excellence by making diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) a top institutional priority. Under the leadership of MSU’s 21^st president, Dr. Samuel L. Stanley Jr., MSU is committed to adopting a comprehensive framework for advancing DEI at the University centrally and within academic and support units in a sustainable way that fosters change, promotes the University’s core values, and transforms the University’s culture. The ideal individual will have proven leadership experience driving and supporting initiatives for Title III and Title VI. This individual will lead an office responsible for leading and supporting efforts to advance a diverse, equitable and inclusive campus community, consistent with MSU's core values and critical to its commitment to creating a culture of high-performance, and will oversee the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives and partner with The Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance.

The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives is responsible for leading and supporting efforts to advance a diverse and inclusive campus community, consistent with MSU's core values. The office collaborates with campus and community partners to:

• Design and deliver education and training for students, faculty, and staff
• Coordinate programs to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar E. Chavez
• Coordinate grants to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion on campus
• Coordinate scholarships for community-involved students
• Recognize through awards the efforts of Spartans to support an inclusive campus
• Conduct and support research on inclusion-related topics
• Oversee the MSU Affirmative Action program for employment

The CDO will report directly to the President and work collaboratively with other University senior executives, deans, faculty, staff, and students to develop and implement a comprehensive DEI strategic plan. This individual will also partner with the Associate Vice President for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance on compliance and investigations. The CDO will work closely with offices across MSU's campus including, but not limited to: academic affairs; student affairs; human resources; residential and hospitality services; financial aid; and admissions to elevate inclusiveness and implement best practices related to diversity, equity and inclusion in areas such as leadership, access, retention and advancement (faculty, staff and students), research, curriculum, campus climate and community engagement. Work in these areas will involve: designing and delivering education and training programs; coordinating grant programs to promote and enhance DEI on campus; coordinating scholarships for community-involved students; supporting and facilitating the success of unit-level DEI efforts; conducting and supporting research on DEI-related topics; monitoring faculty and staff recruitment and hiring practices, and organizing celebratory and recognition/awards programs. The CDO works with many local and regional community groups and represents Michigan State University, when appropriate.

Desired Degree

Masters

Minimum Requirements

The CDO must have extensive knowledge of existing research and best practices to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. This role also requires the demonstrated ability to apply and contribute to national best practices, and a demonstrated appreciation for the values associated with diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. The CDO must have well-developed skills in facilitating inclusive dialogues that enable positive growth, the capacity to translate strategic goals into actionable implementation plans, and experience in institutional change management. The CDO must be able to work effectively with people at all different levels, including central and collegiate administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the surrounding community.

The successful candidate will bring many of the following skills and qualities:

• A strong, detail-oriented leader with a demonstrated ability to manage complex and sensitive matters with cross-functional teams in a timely manner;
• A track record of, and deep commitment to, developing effective diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for faculty, staff and students;
• Proven ability to provide visionary strategic leadership; experience guiding the implementation of a strategic plan, establishing metrics, measuring progress and adapting as necessary;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to listen, inspire and influence others;
• Cultural awareness, agility and emotional intelligence; ability to build trust and credibility, collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders and provide leadership to a vibrant environment;
• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion best practices and policies, and Title III, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX and other federal legislation concerning equity;
• Analytical skills and data-driven focus; ability to use data with deep knowledge of their contexts and leverage analytics to drive strategic planning and change management;
• Crisis management experience and the ability to provide intellectual and emotional leadership, bringing communities together during challenging and sometimes high profile circumstances;
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead teams and effectively prioritize multiple projects;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering and advancing a diverse and inclusive work force;
• Commitment to the highest ethical and integrity standards.

Desired Qualifications

A master's degree in a related discipline or a post-graduate terminal degree preferred

Required Application Materials

Amendment note added 4/9/2020: this search is on “pause” but interested parties should still reach out to Isaacson, Miller for additional information

Michigan State University has retained the services of Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist the Search Committee in its identification and review of candidates. Confidential inquiries, nominations, referrals, and curriculum vitae with cover letters should be directed in confidence to:

Rebecca Kennedy, Partner

Alycia Johnson, Senior Associate

Sydney Giller, Senior Associate

Isaacson, Miller

263 Summer Street

Boston, MA 02210

www.imsearch.com/7263

Review of Applications Begins On

03/19/2020

Department Statement

Michigan State University is committed to cultivating a safe and inclusive campus community characterized by caring and respect for others. Michigan State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: Feb 19, 2020 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 19, 2022 Eastern Standard Time