Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Rockhurst University, a Catholic and Jesuit university located in Kansas City, Missouri, seeks applicants for its Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Founded in 1910, Rockhurst is a comprehensive university of nearly 3,500 students that offers more than fifty undergraduate, masters, and doctoral programs taught by nationally recognized faculty. Rooted in the liberal arts tradition, the University emphasizes academic rigor grounded in critical thinking, leadership, and service rooted in a faith that does justice to form compassionate leaders who will engage the worlds complexities.

The Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leads Rockhurst University’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI). ODEI is essential to Rockhurst’s ongoing mission to celebrate and incorporate the rich diversity of our world to revere the inherent dignity of each person. The Office promotes justice as it fuels collaborative efforts to invite, welcome, retain, and support students, staff, and faculty with particular emphasis on inclusion of individuals from historically marginalized populations. Additionally, ODEI drives formative offerings that facilitate individuals growth in self-awareness, understanding of others, and knowledge of structures that inhibit and foster true belonging, opportunity, and justice. Through these efforts, the Associate Vice-President plays a vital role in Rockhurst’s dynamic embodiment of our Catholic, Jesuit mission and inherent desire to create a more just world through authentically inclusive, innovative, and transformative education.

Responsibilities:

• Guide, promote, and advance inclusivity as the community’s mission-informed way of proceeding.
• In collaboration with staff in the Mission & Ministry Division create a shared campus understanding of how diversity, equity, and inclusion flows from our Catholic and Jesuit mission.
• Develop and implement a Diversity and Inclusion Plan grounded in the University’s core values, identity, and mission informed by Jesuit principles, Catholic social teaching, and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
• Promote and enable inclusive excellence for all members of the campus community by enacting strategies, policies, and guidelines that foster inclusion, equity, and diversity in its many forms.
• In collaboration with Human Resources and the Vice-President for Mission & Ministry establish formal recruitment and retention plan for faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.
• Support faculty and academic leadership with integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the University’s curriculum.
• Lead and/or design inclusion programming that fosters dialogue, promotes cultural competency, and fosters a culture of respect, encounter, and justice.
• Assisted by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, lead the continual assessment of the University’s diversity, equity, and inclusion needs and strategic priorities.
• Chair the University’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee (or successor structure to be established by the AVP)
• Partner with the Office of Advancement to pursue external funding to support inclusion efforts.
• Actively participate in the collaborative efforts and annual gathering of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and University’s (AJCU) Chief Diversity Officers Conference.
• Direct individuals bringing forward concerns and complaints of discrimination and bias to appropriate institutional and communal resources.
• Encourage and support projects and scholarly activities that address topics pertaining to diversity, equity and inclusion in the Catholic/Jesuit tradition.
• Facilitate the sharing of best practices and identify opportunities for greater alignment and more unified efforts across campus.

Supervision Given & Received

• The Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion dually reports to the Vice President for Mission and Ministry and the President.

• Supervise the work of the Director of Multicultural Belonging and Engagement.

Qualifications:

• Deep understanding and commitment to the Catholic and Jesuit identity of Rockhurst University.
• Understanding of Catholic social teaching and the Catholic intellectual tradition
• A minimum of a masters degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education in related field or a combination of education and work experience deemed equivalent required.
• Minimum of five years experience with strategic diversity and inclusion leadership in higher education.
• Demonstrated commitment and success to inclusive excellence and success in effectively fostering community.
• A minimum of five years of supervisory experience with strong leadership skills marked by proven ability to collaborate with, inspire and mobilize individuals and groups for a common purpose.
• Ability to fulfill the National Association of Diversity Officers Higher Educations 12 standards for knowledge and practice.
• Knowledge regarding theory and practice of organizational diversity and inclusion, training, change management, oppression, and social justice.
• Proven track record of integrating mission, vision, strategy, tactics, and activities to advance institution-wide initiatives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively navigate difficult conversations, listen well, resolve conflict, and build consensus.

Full-time Rockhurst employees enjoy an excellent benefits package including:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Short- and long-term disability
Life insurance
125 Tax Savings Plan
Free undergraduate and graduate classes for employees – 6 credit hour limit per semester
Free undergraduate classes for spouses and dependent children
Vacation and sick time along with 15 paid holidays
Positive work environment
Leadership and development opportunities.

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Lindsey Coker at lindsey.coker@rockhurst.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received with a priority deadline of April 7, 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Application process requires a cover letter, salary requirements, curriculum vitae or resume, and contact information for three references. All applications and application materials must be submitted through our online application system at https://apptrkr.com/3921110.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Rockhurst University is committed to creating a diverse working environment. The University recruits and employs successful candidates without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and/or disability in employment, educational programs, or activities that it operates. Rockhurst University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and uses E-Verify.