Job Summary

Columbus State University seeks a dynamic individual to serve as the University's Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer. This position will report to the University President and will be responsible for the overall leadership of the programs and initiatives that promote Columbus State's strategic vision for inclusion. The Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer will participate, as necessary, in all aspects of institutional planning in support of the mission and goals of Columbus State University, including meeting the needs of our diverse faculty, staff, and student populations.

Responsibilities

The Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer will provide vision, leadership, management, and strategic planning for inclusion initiatives, and guide work toward the assessment, development, and implementation of an inclusion strategic plan. This position will collaborate with various university departments, committees, and the Columbus State University Diversity and Inclusion Committee to develop plans and practices that support recruitment and retention efforts for underrepresented students, faculty, and staff; develop educational opportunities for the university community; and in collaboration with institutional leaders, proactively address institutional issues related to equity and inclusion. The selected candidate will also assess campus climate progress through analyzing and synthesizing data from benchmarks, national surveys, campus climate surveys, and annual reports; working with university leaders, will provide subject-matter expertise related to emerging inclusion issues throughout the university and local communities; identify, develop, and maintain active partnerships with university community groups, alumni affinity groups, and various civic and professional organizations as required; and remain current on best practices and emerging trends in inclusion and engagement, and apply that knowledge to inform program and policy development.

The Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer may represent the President and the University in local, state, national, and international activities intended to advance inclusion efforts. As a member of the President's Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Inclusion Officer will serve as an advisor to the President, Provost, and senior University administrators on issues related to inclusion. The Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer will collaborate with University leadership to focus and develop recruitment and retention programs to increase diversity of faculty, staff, and students.

Required Qualifications

Terminal degree preferred. Minimum requirements include a Master's degree; extensive executive leadership experience may be considered as a substitute. The successful candidate must possess five to seven years' of administrative diversity and inclusion experience and leadership in higher education or in similarly complex corporate or large non-profit organizations; competence in utilizing data-driven strategies to assess and evaluate programs and services, focusing on improvement; excellent communication skills, including the ability to facilitate difficult dialogues, effectively listen to all points of view, build consensus on initiatives and issues, and inform others of polices and plans; demonstrate a capacity to understand and work with various entities within higher education, i.e. recruitment and retention, athletics, curriculum, and student life; provide evidence of membership and active involvement in organizations related to diversity and inclusion; demonstrate a proven ability to fulfill the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education's "Standards of Professional Practice for CDOs". Successful grant-writing experience is a plus.

Proposed Salary

The salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Required Documents to Attach

For fullest consideration, please submit your application immediately. Columbus State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, Committed to Diversity in Hiring.

Required Documents to Submit with Online Application:

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Resume / CV
• Other Document 1 - Contact information for 3 professional references.

All applications and required documents must be submitted using the Columbus State University's online employment site.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Office at 706-507-8920 or e-mail to hr@columbusstate.edu.

Conditions of Employment

A successful criminal background check will be required as a condition of employment.