Director

The experience expected from applicants, as well as additional skills and qualifications needed for this job are listed below.

The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Rhode Island College will join the team during an exciting time at the College and will have the chance to provide transformational leadership for the Office of DEI and for the wider campus.

The College is experiencing new energy and momentum, fueled by a dynamic new President, a fresh leadership team, and a bold new strategic plan.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, the DEI Director will lead both student and employee facing DEI efforts.

An important part of the Director’s portfolio of work will be related to RIC’s designation as an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI).

This designation affirms the College’s commitment to addressing the needs and expectations of all students, while intentionally and systematically including Hispanic and other historically underserved students in its efforts.

Primary Purpose

The role of the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is to lead the development, planning, coordination, and implementation of the DEI strategic priorities of Rhode Island College.

The person in this role will also develop and advance initiatives in accordance with the College’s status as an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI).

Essential Duties

• Lead efforts to create and implement vision and strategy / action plan to elevate, enhance, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
• Provide leadership and support for the creation and maintenance of diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus culture.
• Oversee initiatives designed to dismantle systemic barriers to equity. Act as thought partner / leader / collaborator with executives and campus stakeholders to identify DEI gaps and provide solutions to close gaps and create effective policy and practices to advance DEI goals and values.
• Provide strategic leadership, organizational development, and program management for DEI and HSI / MSI matters.
• Assist in the development and execution of programs for undergraduate and graduate students, employees, alumni, and other stakeholders, aligning with strategic priorities and objectives.
• Recognized expert on campus for multicultural issues; serve as trusted advisor to leaders on DEI matters.
• Plan and implement strategies regarding employee engagement / resource groups.
• Identify and communicate challenges related to DEI practices, policies, leadership, and goals.
• Research and analyze data regarding DEI metrics and provide solutions for gaps.
• Build and sustain campus, regional, system partnerships with student organizations, college departments, campus / system communities, and stakeholders to support the college’s DEI and HSI / MSI portfolio of work.
• Represent ODEI on regional, campus, administrative committees.
• Be a champion of and model commitment to and leadership for DEI.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

The College requires that all applicants and employees be able to perform the above essential duties of the job and will explore reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities in accordance with ADA requirements.

Occasional Duties

N / A

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Demonstrated commitment to equity and anti-racism.
• Ability to design and execute strategy and programs in collaboration with senior leadership and other campus stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills with ability to prioritize multiple projects under stringent deadlines and respond to changing priorities.
• Ability to work with culturally, linguistically, ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, diplomacy, and interpersonal skills.

Required Qualifications

Education : Bachelor’s Degree

Experience : A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with complex organization on strategic efforts to advance DEI, three years preferred.
• Bilingual in English / Spanish (fluent in speaking and writing) highly preferred.
• Relevant experience in higher education.

Environmental Conditions

The employee is not exposed to known adverse environmental conditions.

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