Executive Director of Diversity Initiatives - Student Belonging

APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and to one another.

The Executive Director of Diversity Initiatives will play an integral role in advancing institutional/ divisional strategic priorities contained in the DEI Strategic Plan. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Belonging/Chief Diversity Officer, the Executive Director of Diversity Initiatives gives direction to the mission and vision of Diversity Initiatives at Azusa Pacific University, assuring that it provides a challenging and supportive environment while meeting the established philosophical and developmental objectives for Student Belonging divisions. The Executive Director is responsible in establishing campus-wide programming efforts and in establishing strategic internal and external partnerships to cultivate diversity, equity, inclusion for the institution’s administrators, faculty, staff, and students.

Required Education

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution with an emphasis in higher education, student affairs/development, organizational/change leadership, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated co-curricular and curricular experience in higher education.
  
  

Required Experience

• 7 to 10 years of higher education service with distinct experience with diversity training, multicultural/ intercultural programming, student development/programming, faculty development, and mentorship.
• Demonstrated competence in program development and implementation, staff development and strong interpersonal skills.
• A thorough understanding of and commitment to the spiritual mission of Azusa Pacific University, specifically as this relates to diversity as a faith-informed priority.
• Demonstrated competency as a supervisor, manager, collaborator, and leader.
• Understanding of issues related to student development in a university environment.
  
  

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

• Assist the CDO and administrative leadership in shaping a shared vision that elevates diversity, equity, and inclusion as Kingdom distinctives and institutional values at APU. Also, co-author related outcomes and methods of assessment to determine progress and impact.
• Provide oversight, coaching, and supervision for the Student Center for Reconciliation and Diversity and Office of Military and Veteran Services’ operation, staff, and budget; demonstrate stewardship of budgetary funds and resources.
• Advance strategic efforts and initiatives to support APU’s identity as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American Native American, Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
• Serve as an integral member of DEI Collaboration Committee to advance APU’s DEI Strategic Plan and provide representation on other applicable bodies that require a DEI lens and expertise.
• Serve as a member of the team to execute the Bias Incident Reporting (BIR) process.
• Offer consultative support to administrative and academic leadership needing guidance on DEI interests, issues, and concerns.
• Co-lead campus climate study campaigns in collaboration with CDO, HR leadership, OIRA, and other institutional bodies.
• Work closely with the Chief Diversity Officer to coordinate diversity programming, education, resourcing, and outreach for the university community and beyond.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Advancement, HR, Academic Affairs, Student Belonging, Campus Safety, Strategic Communications and Engagement, and other divisions to integrate DEI as a value within campaigns, operational efforts, etc.
• Oversee select university-wide campaigns, forums, and/or conferences with a DEI emphasis.
• Oversee all DEI scholarship programming processes and associated budgets; campus life.
• Collects, analyzes, and reviews data in developing progress reports and evaluations for making data-guided decisions and recommendations regarding the various student engagement programs and services.
• Complete other duties as assigned/delegated by the VP/CDO.
  
  

Skills

• Able to multitask: outstanding organizational skills and flexibility.
• Excellent communication skills, including strong command of grammar and writing skills.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing outstanding customer and personal service.
• Bilingual Spanish speaking ability preferred but not required.
• Ability to work in a busy student environment and to positively impact the lives of students.
• Able to think abstractly, solve problems and effectively balance managing people and tasks.
• Ability to understand and relate well to students and others of diverse ethnic backgrounds.
• Possess a vision and commitment to the specific needs of ethnic minority students with the ability to disseminate that knowledge to the campus community.
  
  

Mental Demands

• Ability to work under pressure, exuding a mature demeanor while multi-tasking in a deadline-oriented environment with accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team, as well as an independent contributor.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretionary skills in determining when to act independently and when to consult management prior to taking action.
• Self-starter with a positive attitude.
• In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Requires repetitive motions and sitting at a computer keyboard.
• Hearing and speaking on the telephone.
• Able to conduct business at other offices on campus.
• Ability to lift, pull, grasp, bend and reach.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• May require walking and/or driving to various locations.
  
  

Visual Demands

• Computer monitor and reading.
  
  

Environment

• Pleasant office, comfortable temperatures.
  
  

Technologies

• Proficient in Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel.
  
  

Compensation

• Grade 17: $91,587 to $105,325 is the annual salary for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package.
  
  

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Please click the links to learn more about 'what we believe', our 'mission statement', and our 'statement of faith'.

You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills

Required Experience