Director of Diversity, Excellence and Belonging

The University of Pikeville seeks to hire an innovative Director of Diversity and Belonging to provide leadership in developing and implementing strategic diversity and belonging initiatives that engage all faculty, staff, and students. Outreach areas include but are not limited to student services programming; administrative program support for diversity and belonging-oriented student clubs and organizations; general student contact and referral for diverse and international student populations; and professional and student staff development activities. The Director of Diversity and Belonging leads the development and implementation of proactive initiatives in support of the University of Pikeville’s strategic plan to create a learning and working environment where everyone has an opportunity to succeed. The position serves within the Division of Student Affairs and Student Success and as a member of the President’s Executive Staff. The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) strives to serve students – 35% of whom are first-generation, 99% of whom receive some form of financial aid, and 18% of whom are non-white at the undergraduate level – by making learning accessible and affordable. One of the University’s signature initiatives is Open Educational Resources, which offers no-cost course materials and reduces the economic burden on students and families. The academic programs at the institution utilize flexible delivery modes, including face-to face, hybrid, and online course offerings and programs.

Job Responsibilities

1. Guide the university in implementing strategic initiatives aimed at building a culture that supports diverse points of view.
2. Support data-driven recruitment and retention efforts at the institution with a focus on diverse student populations.
3. Mentor and support diversity-oriented student groups in the Undergraduate College, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO), and the College of Dental Medicine (CDM).
4. Serve as a liaison within the Athletics Department to support our diverse students.
5. Plan and implement annual, student-facing educational programming events that promote diversity, such as but not limited to Martin Luther King, Black History Month, Women's History Month, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Months ,and Appalachian Cultural Events.
6. Design and deliver learning experiences, presentations, and workshops and provide consultation and support of efforts that promote diversity and belonging for individuals and groups within the University of Pikeville community.
7. Collaborate with university stakeholders to assess potential barriers and develop strategies to recruit and retain a diverse workforce.
8. Collaborate with the office of the president and public relations to craft public statements regarding issues of diversity.
9. Collaborate with the offices of disability services, intercultural development and Title IX to assess the need for, and recommend training initiatives on, cultural competency, gender differences, disability, sexual harassment, and other topics designed to increase awareness and support of values and maintaining compliance with applicable laws.
10. Work with Human Resources to develop and implement strategies to integrate effective diversity practices creating a more equitable and inclusive work environment.
11. Advise the University of Pikeville on diversity and affirmative action matters.
12. Lead the development, implementation, and promotion of a university diversity statement across the UPIKE campus and throughout the external community.
13. Manage the department budget, including developing budget proposals, justifying expenses and monitoring accounts.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Relationships:

This position requires daily contact with co-workers, student workers, supervisor, college personnel, students, alumni, parents, and the community. These relationships are maintained through e-mail, telephone, written, and person-to-person contact.

Education/Skill Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Degree preferred.
• Minimum two years of experience working with Student Services and diverse student populations.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Ability to demonstrate self-direction, motivation and a sense of urgency to achieve goals.
• Ability to actively support the mission of the university by working with students, staff, and faculty to share in and promote the core values of the University of Pikeville.
• Professional demeanor, discretion, and ability to empathize with students.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to use data to continually improve approaches and processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Team player; ability to synthesize multiple viewpoints and reach consensus.

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long-term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students. Inquiries may be directed to the University of Pikeville Title IX Coordinator by calling 606-218-5344.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. Interested applicants should complete the online application by visiting http://jobs.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current resume, and the contact information for three to five professional references.