Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity stands with ethics, integrity, and academic excellence as a cornerstone of the culture at the University of Virginia.  UVA Engineering is committed to fostering diversity through a welcoming and supportive environment for its students, staff, faculty and other constituents. We believe in nurturing a working and learning environment that respects and values differences in culture, age, gender, race, ethnicity, economic background, ability, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation, among others. We believe in the strategic value of diversity in creating knowledge and preparing future engineering leaders. The Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will lead our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which encompasses the Center for Diversity in Engineering, and will report to the Dean of UVA Engineering. The position will also work closely with the University’s Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with dotted-line reporting to the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Partnerships, as well as regular meetings with the other ADDIs within UVA.

With the highest four-year graduation rates among public universities in the country for undergraduate engineering students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in engineering, and one of the highest percentages of women engineering students, UVA Engineering is fundamentally committed to increasing diversity in all its forms among students, faculty and staff. UVA is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.  We welcome nominations of and applications from women, members of under-represented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We also welcome others who would bring additional dimensions of diversity to the University’s research and teaching mission. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences.

The Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will engage and excite students, staff, faculty and others to foster an inclusive and affirming community within and outside of UVA Engineering.  The position will work collaboratively with associate deans, department chairs, faculty, staff, students, and other partners to develop and implement the Inclusive Excellence plan for the school. 

We seek a thought leader and facilitator with a vision for ensuring that our core value of excellence through diversity pervades all we do and shapes our learning and research environment. The associate dean also should possess the knowledge, skills and experience to turn the vision into strategies and actions that will enable the school to:

• Create a diverse and inclusive UVA Engineering community where all people are valued.
• Communicate research and evidence-based best practices for engineering education that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
• Support the success of diverse faculty, staff, and students, particularly from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in engineering, such as people of color and women.
• Collaborate with department chairs and faculty to implement inclusive learning practices that give all students opportunities to achieve academic success.
• Build supportive, effective relationships with faculty, staff, and peers in UVA Engineering and with colleagues across Grounds, as well as people in the broader community.

The associate dean will also partner with relevant UVA Engineering colleagues, including the Office of Advancement, Office of Research, and the director of corporate relations, as well as colleagues across Grounds to seek external funding through grants and gifts for future expansion of programs and services that promote a diverse and inclusive community.

Minimum qualifications include a masters degree, subject matter expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and five years of relevant experience. DEI experience in an academic environment is preferred; candidates from outside of higher education with relevant, transferable skills and experience will be considered and are encouraged to apply. Experience in fundraising is preferred. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, specifically as it relates to communicating to a variety of internal and external stakeholders about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

While this role is envisioned to be a full-time executive position, a faculty appointment is also available depending on the qualifications and preferences of the successful candidate. To be considered for a faculty appointment the candidate must have a PhD with a research area that complements current UVA Engineering focus areas. The primary and secondary appointments for these positions will be determined by the candidate's areas of expertise.  Rank, tenure-status, and compensation are contingent upon experience.

Priority applicant review will begin January 4, 2021. This position will remain open until filled. The selected candidate will be required to complete a background check per University policy prior to their first day of employment.  

For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Ashley Cochran, Senior Recruiter at alc6dk@virginia.edu.  

For additional information regarding the position, please contact Pam Norris, Executive Dean and Professor at pmn3d@virginia.edu.

TO APPLY: Please note that ALL requested documents MUST be uploaded into the resume/cv section of the application.

EXTERNAL APPLICANTS: please apply through Workday at the following URL, https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs , and search for requisition R0019495.  Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, address). The cover letter should clearly relate the applicant’s experience to the responsibilities and requirements outlined in the position specification and describe their vision for making UVA Engineering a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

INTERNAL UVA APPLICANTS: please apply through your Workday Home page, search “Find Jobs”, and search for requisition R0019495.  Complete an application online and attach a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, address). The cover letter should clearly relate the applicant’s experience to the responsibilities and requirements outlined in the position specification and describe their vision for making UVA Engineering a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion.