Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist University of Pittsburgh – Bradford (Pitt-Bradford) in their search for an inaugural Founding Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (FCDIO).

This position has been reopened and it will remain opened until filled. For best consideration, apply by November 18, 2020.

Reporting to the President, the successful candidate assumes a critical leadership role within the university and community. The FCDIO is a committed, dynamic leader with a proven history of promoting and providing students with an inclusive and supportive learning and living experience. In this inaugural role, a pioneering spirit will serve the Founding Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer well as they develop, nurture and strengthen an inclusive, equitable, safe and culturally responsive and supportive environment for all students, faculty and staff.

The FCDIO will work across the campus and community to initiate and facilitate change, engage in challenging conversations and employ initiatives that result in transformative change. As a strategic change-agent, the FCDIO will develop the necessary strategies to engage faculty, staff, students, and community members in reaching its goals.

The University of Pittsburgh-Bradford will consider applicants with diversity and inclusion leadership experience outside of higher education to include clinical, hospital or corporate settings.
 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• In pursuit of short and long term excellence define key areas in need of attention and/or support; recommend policy changes; and develop and implement a strategic plan supporting the institutional goals in the areas of equity, diversity and inclusion. Ensure these practices are incorporated into the everyday work of the institution.
• Advise and work collaboratively with the President, Executive Leadership Team, Academic leaders, Staff, Directors, Student Life professionals and leadership groups to identify and establish strategic priorities and policies related to equity, diversity and inclusion for the faculty, staff and students.
• Coordinate and support the work of campus departments and students that advance social justice and foster cultural and historical awareness.
• Proactively develop and implement programs and initiatives, plans, partnerships, and activities at the university‐wide level that both educate and promote diversity, inclusion, and equity as core values of the institution.
• Identify evidence‐based best practices in recruitment, retention and promotion of a diverse, engaged workforce.
• Develop and review recruitment, hiring and retention practices. Incorporating best practices, initiate and organize ongoing instruction to central administration, schools and units across campus on implementing those practices.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert and resource to internal and external campus community stakeholders to help identify and adopt best practices needed to achieve institutional excellence.
• Maintain ongoing research and awareness of changes in federal and state law and regulations, and trends within higher education to ensure the integration of best practices and compliance.
• Other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree required
• 5 years progressively responsible diversity and inclusion related leadership experience
• History of successful program development, implementation and assessment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to build consensus and trust

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD preferred
• Academic experience

About University of Pittsburgh - Bradford

Pitt-Bradford enrolls 1,281 students with 74% from 60 Pennsylvania counties, 14% from 27 New York counties, and 12 percent from 28 states and 17 countries. Seventy-four percent of students live on campus. Though the Bradford region is not especially diverse, 16% of Pitt-Bradford students are Black/African American, 4.5% are Hispanic, and 5.3% are Asian. Its 76 full-time and 20 part-time faculty create a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Sixty-five percent of its classes have fewer than 20 students; 91% have fewer than 30. With a contribution of $67.5 million to the regional economy in 2011 alone, Pitt-Bradford is recognized as a driving economic force within the communities it serves.

High academic standards, challenging and nurturing academic programs, and high-quality, teaching-oriented faculty have always been hallmarks of the campus. Pitt-Bradford has been increasingly recognized nationally for the quality of its education, as well as for the financial support it provides its students. The Princeton Review has named Pitt-Bradford as one of the Best Colleges in the Northeast for fifteen consecutive years. Additionally, G.I. Jobs has named Pitt-Bradford a Military Friendly School for the past nine years. In 2013, Pitt-Bradford was ranked among the top ten regional campuses in the United States by TheBestColleges. The Council for Aid to Education ranked the campus fourth highest in percentage of dollars devoted to financial aid in 2017. And, in 2016, President Obama recognized Pitt-Bradford as one of thirteen institutions excelling in enrolling and graduating Pell-eligible students.

About the Area:

Settled in the 1840s and incorporated in 1879, Bradford was one of the boomtowns of the western Pennsylvania oil rush of the late 19th century. The city’s population is currently about 8,600; the greater Bradford area is about 18,000. With an approximately five percent minority population, the city is less diverse than other regions in the state.

Described as “a cool town with a warm heart”, Bradford recently completed a $3 million revitalization effort and has secured several million dollars more for streetscape improvements to the historic downtown. It also has been successful in recruiting new industries and services to the community and is interested in continuing to partner with Pitt-Bradford in innovative campus/community development projects. In 2017, Pitt-Bradford opened its Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center on the Bradford Town Square, providing exciting new academic, programming, and event space, as well as the new home of the Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center. Horne, a world-renowned opera singer and a native of Bradford, has supported a variety of programs that benefit both the community of Bradford and Pitt-Bradford students.

Major employers in the Bradford region include the American Refining Group, Zippo Manufacturing Company, Case Cutlery, and the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Pitt-Bradford is moments away from a multitude of outdoor recreational opportunities, including a 42-mile trail system – part of which runs through campus – boating and kayaking, camping, skiing, snowmobile and ATV trails, a state park, and access to the Allegheny National Forest. The campus is less than a one-hour drive to Lake Chautauqua and an hour and a half to both Erie, PA and Buffalo, NY. Bradford enjoys a low cost of living, and the University maintains a beautiful and historic residence for the president in a city neighborhood close to the campus.

Women and applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals with experience in a setting committed to multiculturalism and/or campus diversity are of particular interest. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled
 

To Apply:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and CV.

Please apply directly to this link: https://cfopitt.taleo.net/careersection/pitt_staff_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=20005747&tz=GMT-05%3A00&tzname=

Inquiries and nominations are treated confidentially and can be sent to Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner with Academic Career & Executive Search at Jennifer@ACESrch.com.

This search will remain open until filled, but for best consideration, please apply by November 18, 2020