University of Virginia - School of Engineering and Applied Science - Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion

INSTITUTION: University of Virginia
DEPARTMENT: School of Engineering and Applied Science
POSITION: Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
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Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion

School of Engineering and Applied Science

The University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion.   Freedom from bias and the appreciation of people with different life experiences stand with ethics, integrity, and academic excellence as a cornerstone of the culture at the University of Virginia (UVa). The leadership in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at UVa is committed to these ideals and to fostering diversity of thought and inclusion of each individual through an enabling, safe, and supportive environment, and to nurturing a working and learning environment that respects individual lifetime experiences and the richness of human difference. In order to further realize these ideals in our community, SEAS is creating a new position: The Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion (ADDI).

The ADDI will engage and excite students, staff, faculty and others to foster an inclusive and affirming community within and outside of the SEAS. The ADDI reports to the Dean and works collaboratively with the associate deans, department chairs, faculty, staff, students, and other partners to develop and implement a strategic plan for diversity and inclusion of all people for SEAS. The ADDI will work closely with the UVa Office for Diversity and Equity, and serve as SEAS’ representative to the UVa Diversity Council.

To ensure that our values permeate all levels of the SEAS community, the ADDI will serve as a consultant to the SEAS Promotion and Tenure Committee, will be responsible for establishing priorities and direction for the SEAS’ Center for Diversity in Engineering, and will work with the SEAS Director of Human Resources and SEAS department chairs to ensure staff and faculty members receive training on diversity and inclusivity.

The Position:

As the thought leader and chief enabler for diversity and inclusion within SEAS, the ADDI will directly work with others to:

• Create a vision and strategy supporting SEAS’ commitment to being a diverse, welcoming, safe, and inclusive learning, teaching, and working environment. The office of the ADDI will implement systems, processes, and other infrastructure to support, encourage, and promote all SEAS diversity and inclusion strategies and goals.

• Collaborate with university academic and administrative units such as the Equal Opportunities Program Office, Women’s Center, LGBT Resource Center, Office of African American Affairs, Office of Diversity, and Student Disability Access Center to sponsor joint programs and advocacy activities.

• Advise and assist associate deans, department chairs, human resources, and others to build awareness, knowledge, and skills that lead to a safe and supportive learning environment and to develop actions that address issues of marginalization, inequity and discrimination at all levels within SEAS.

• Develop, implement, and manage initiatives that enhance the recruitment, retention, and success of faculty and staff, with emphasis on opportunities for women and underrepresented groups.

• Develop and initiate strategies to enhance student success that leverages the natural differences between people, with the goal of building a culture where all students feel safe, valued and included.

• Develop relationships in the broader community that align with the school’s vision for equity, safety, and inclusion.

• Manage the Office of the Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion for SEAS, including personnel, processes, reporting, and budget planning and management.

• Seek external funding through grants and gifts for programs and services that promote a diverse and inclusive community.

• Identify and develop key questions for collection and analysis of the SEAS’ diversity data.

Competencies for Success:

Uncommon Integrity- Trusted, authentic, self-aware, above reproach. Operates by and adheres to the University’s core values and holds others accountable for them. Interacts with others in a way that gives confidence of self and in the organization. Acts in the University’s best interests and employs absolute objectivity in institutional assessments.


Builds Partnerships- Invests in the development of strategic internal and external partnerships: collaborates to reach productive agreements and foster goodwill.

Interpersonal Versatility- Succeeds in understanding others. Is open and skilled in using one’s interpersonal style to meaningfully interact with others, including empathy, humility and patience. Demonstrates tolerance and civility when engaging with employees, colleagues and students.

Commitment to Diversity and Equity- Demonstrates a commitment to equity and diversity in one’s work. Collaborates with and involves others with divergent viewpoints, as well as diverse people and groups, contributing to developing an environment that is equitable, inclusive, respective and cooperative.

Organization:

Founded in 1836, SEAS is the third oldest engineering school in a public university in the United States today. SEAS offers 10 undergraduate degree programs and 10 graduate degree programs. It has almost 2700 undergraduates (33% female) and almost 600 graduate students (24% female and 10% under-represented minorities). The School has nine departments: biomedical; chemical; civil and environmental; computer science; electrical and computer; engineering and society; materials; mechanical and aerospace; and systems and information. SEAS is home to 38 laboratories, consortia, and centers focused on innovative research and housed in 166,000 square feet of research laboratory space. Further information about the school can be found at http://www.seas.virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing leaders who are prepared to shape the future of the nation. The University is public, while nourished by the strong support of its alumni. The students who attend have been chosen because they show exceptional promise. Since U.S. News and World Report began ranking public universities as a separate category, UVA has always ranked in the top three.


Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. or a master’s degree with extensive experience in promoting diversity and inclusion.

Candidates must have a record of demonstrated success in the creation of a safe and diverse learning and working environment.

This position has an initial appointment of three years ending on 12/31/19.

To Apply:

To express interest in this opportunity, please visit https://jobs.virginia.edu and search job posting #0617529. Prepare and upload a candidate profile, a cover letter stating your interest in the position, a one-page vision statement, a one-page statement on your contribution to diversity, and a CV. If nominating an individual for this opportunity, please include the nominee’s contact information and send electronically to Susan Talbert, Senior Search Consultant (sht2n@virginia.edu). This search will be carried out with full confidentiality.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to developing diversity in faculty and welcomes applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.