Chief Diversity Officer

Chief Diversity Officer Salary Range: $130,000+ depending on experience Salary Determination Starting salary rates are based on multiple factors which may include the position's major responsibilities, the applicant's background including education, work experience, and key competencies, the university's strategic priorities, internal peer equity and external market analyses, applicable federal, state, and local laws and negotiated labor contracts. Is this a temporary position? No Position Summary This full‑time management confidential position reports to the president of SUNY Cortland, and is responsible for leading collaborative, strategic and results‑oriented implementation of SUNY Cortland's strategic plan for diversity and inclusion. As a key member of the administration and the President's Cabinet, the CDO will establish collaborative partnerships across campus to evaluate inclusiveness, implement best practices related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and influence policy to reflect our commitment to inclusive excellence. Benefits Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency. Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long‑term disability, and tuition reimbursement. SUNY Cortland prioritizes work‑life balance and well‑being in all forms. The university's state‑of‑the‑art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. SUNY Cortland's Child Care Center welcomes the children of employees and community members, as space allows. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor's approval. Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding. Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region's offerings. Major Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Institutional Alignment Responsible for the implementation and ongoing assessment and evaluation of the University's strategic diversity and inclusion plan consistent with the goals and objectives set by SUNY System and the University. Confer with members of President's Cabinet to most effectively meet identified goals and objectives. Oversee the design and implementation of initiatives that lead to new policies, procedures, and programs with university-wide impact, addressing both internal and external issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) advising on institutional DEIB policy related to all aspects of university governance and administration. Collaborate with Institutional Research and Analysis to identify DEIB surveys and assessment tools to ensure ongoing assessment of DEIB related matters. Administer the Campus Climate Survey and develop actionable recommendations to enhance inclusion and belonging. Prepare an annual report highlighting activities and outcomes in support of faculty, staff, and student DEIB results. Governance, Committees & Stakeholder Engagement Coordinate development, implementation, and monitoring of DEIB efforts. Co‑chair the President's Council on Inclusive Excellence (PCIE) and work with subcommittees. Foster an environment of shared governance for organizational DEIB goals working with governance groups such as Faculty Senate, the Student Government Association and the Alumni Association Board. Talent, Equity, Campus Climate, Culture & Inclusion Initiatives Partner with university leadership to advance institution‑wide strategies that promote equitable and inclusive employee recruitment and retention practices across the University. Collaborate with the deans and faculty to strengthen campus‑wide capacity for inclusive teaching, learning, and engagement by promoting equitable pedagogical practices and culturally responsive learning environments. Embed DEIB principles into student access, recruitment, and belonging initiatives to support an inclusive educational pipeline. Provide leadership on DEIB‑informed professional development that builds institutional capacity and strengthens a culture of equity and inclusion. Cultivate and promote inclusive work and learning environments that encourage and support cultural competency initiatives, such as trainings, multicultural events, and affinity groups. Communications, Community Partnerships & External Representation Utilize network of established experts and organizations involved in the national discussion of DEIB to advise leaders on innovative ideas and program concepts. Serve on committees, councils and boards including but not limited to the President's Cabinet, President's Advisory Council, SUNY Cortland Center for Gender and Intercultural Studies (CGIS) Board, and SUNY Cortland PRODiG Committee. Serve as liaison to the SUNY System Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) and as part of the SUNY system‑wide network of CDIOs. Identify opportunities to integrate DEIB initiatives and build community partnerships. Collaborate with communications staff to develop DEIB-related materials. Leadership and Supervision Articulate a vision that unites staff and define departmental objectives and goals to establish a common purpose. Assign duties to staff based on their roles and adjust assignments as needed. Plan, organize and monitor the progress of work and goal completion. Hire, onboard, and train staff. Provide clear instructions, regular feedback, and coaching. Communicate performance expectations and goals, complete performance programs and evaluations in a timely manner. Nurture the development of staff by identifying opportunities for training and career development. Confirm staff complete required training to maintain compliance with university policies and state and federal laws. Act as a liaison between staff and senior management, relaying information in both directions. Facilitate open communication and collaboration within the office. Address and help resolve staff issues and workplace concerns. Functional and Supervisory Relationships Reports to the University President Confers and collaborates with the members of President's Cabinet and the President's Advisory Council Serves as the campus liaison to the SUNY Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) Works closely with campus academic and administrative leadership; SUNY Diversity Equity and Inclusion leadership; SUNY system-wide network of Chief Diversity Officers Collaborate with faculty and staff across the campus to promote an inclusive and supportive environment Required Qualifications Master's degree Minimum of five years of experience advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in a complex organization. Minimum of five years' experience in a university or similar organizational setting. Demonstrated experience mediating and resolving complex and sensitive situations. Preferred Qualifications Doctorate degree Certificates in DEIB practices Experience developing comprehensive high impact diversity plans. Experience using data/metrics to track DEIB progress. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Demonstrated administrative leadership skills in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Demonstrated cross-cultural competencies, including strong emotional intelligence and the ability to engage and build relationships with university constituencies and underrepresented or minoritized communities. Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines related to affirmative action and civil rights enforcement. Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information. Ability to lead and cultivate a common vision and collaborative culture to achieve institutional goals. Ability to effectively solve problems and lead others through transformational change. Ability to communicate effectively, through written as well as interpersonal and group communication skills, at all levels of the university, with administration, faculty, staff, students, and external constituents including alumni and potential donors. Ability to promote productive collaboration across multiple groups of stakeholders involved in diversity and equity efforts. Knowledge of and commitment to contemporary issues of inclusion, social justice, diversity, access, and equity, including the current scholarship and pedagogical approaches that inform and address these matters. Ability to lead professional development associated with diversity and equity topics. EEO Statement SUNY Cortland is an AA/EEO/ADA employer and encourages applications from women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of underrepresented groups. #J-18808-Ljbffr