The College of Public Health at the University of Kentucky (UK-CPH) seeks an experienced, creative academic leader to serve as Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (AD-DEI) and Chief Diversity Officer. DEI and social justice are core values central to the work of the college and maintaining a focus on health equity enables our work to improve the health of individuals and populations. We seek a skilled, committed AD-DEI to both develop strategies to facilitate the success of and address concerns of individuals who have been historically underrepresented, underserved, and/or marginalized in higher education. In addition to the administrative appointment as AD-DEI, the successful candidate will be appointed as a Full Professor (preferred) or Associate Professor in one of the College's academic departments.

Position Description

As AD-DEI, the successful candidate for this position will develop and champion initiatives to proactively build and sustain a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive UK- CPH across all areas of college activities, enabling UK-CPH to become a leader in DEI among schools and programs of public health. The AD-DEI will advance equity and inclusiveness across students, staff, faculty, and administrative stakeholders; promulgate values of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice; and provide strategic direction to the UK-CPH senior leadership team on incorporating DEI perspectives across college activities. The AD-DEI will advocate for structures that ensure that UK- CPH is an inclusive, welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff, and community partners across (but not limited to) race/ethnicity, gender, LGBTQIA+, national origin, (dis)ability, and age. The AD-DEI will report to the UK-CPH Dean and will be a member of the College’s senior leadership team.

Specific duties include:

• Collaborate with the Dean and Department Chairs to develop, implement, and evaluate strategic planning for DEI in order to incorporate high impact, promising practices for DEI efforts across UK-CPH, including research, education, outreach, and administration;
• Collaborate with the Dean and Department Chairs to develop and promote strategies for successfully hiring, retaining, and promoting talented faculty and staff from groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education;
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs and faculty to incorporate inclusion, equity, diversity, and justice in educational programs and individual courses across UK-CPH;
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Research to encourage research initiatives to address DEI and social determinants of health in the UK-CPH research portfolio;
• Develop sustainable pipeline programs to increase the pools for recruiting highly talented students, staff, and faculty from underrepresented groups;
• Serve as an advocate for staff, faculty, and students from underrepresented and underserved groups in DEI concerns;
• Serve as a resource for faculty, students, staff, and administrators about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion;
• Develop and monitor metrics for assessing the effectiveness of DEI initiatives in UK- CPH;
• Serve as a liaison between UK-CPH and university-wide DEI offices and efforts to align UK-CPH efforts with broader UK goals;
• Develop educational programming for faculty, staff, and students to promote and enhance understanding of DEI issues and skills for working effectively to address DEI in public health settings;
• Pursue external funding, when appropriate, to finance UK-CPH DEI initiatives.

Qualifications For Position

• Doctoral degree (i.e., PhD, DrPH EdD, MD, JD, etc.) in Public Health or a related discipline;
• Professional accomplishments commensurate with eligibility for appointment at the Full Professor (preferred) or Associate Professor rank in one of the college's academic departments;
• Demonstrated knowledge of DEI concerns and best practices for promoting DEI in higher education;
• Demonstrated accomplishments in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and justice through experience in DEI activities and leadership roles and/or through scholarly activities;
• Demonstrated experience leading and collaborating with diverse faculty, staff, student, and community stakeholders.

The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. The University is responsive to the needs of dual career couples. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with (dis)abilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Applicants must apply for the position through the university’s Integrated Employment System at https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/341824 . Applicants should submit a letter of interest that includes information about the applicant’s accomplishments in leadership in DEI as well as the applicant’s accomplishments in research, teaching, and service; a current curriculum vitae; a statement of leadership philosophy and summary of leadership experience; a diversity statement outlining the applicant’s approach to DEI; and the names/contact information of three individuals who can serve as professional references. Inquiries may be directed to the search committee chair Marc T. Kiviniemi, PhD CPH, Search Committee Chair, Marc.Kiviniemi@uky.edu.