Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

DescriptionUniversity of Colorado Denver l Anschutz Medical Campus
Chancellor’s Office
Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (VCDEI)
Position #00350945 – Requisition #19477Applications for this position will NOT be accepted on this website. Please direct ALL inquires, nominations and questions to CUDenverDEI@wittkieffer.com. WittKieffer is assisting the University of Colorado Denver in this search. The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is a public research university serving more than 18,000 students. We award nearly 4,000 degrees each year, including more graduate and professional degrees than any other Colorado institution. With our solid academic reputation, award-winning faculty and renowned researchers, we offer more than 140 highly rated degree programs through 13 schools and colleges. The university receives over $400 million in research awards each year. In addition to the wide array of health-related programs and facilities offered at CU Anschutz in Aurora, Colo. a significant number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs are taught at CU Denver, our comprehensive campus in the heart of downtown Denver—one of America’s most vibrant urban centers. CU Denver is located steps from the Denver Center for Performing Arts and the LoDo District affording our students, faculty and staff access to a broad array of academic, professional, community, recreational and cultural outlets.The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) seeks an experienced and inspiring leader to serve as its next Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (VCDEI).The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus seeks a Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to work in the Chancellors Office. The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding.In the heart of downtown Denver—one of America’s most vibrant urban centers—CU Denver is located steps from the Denver Center for Performing Arts and the LoDo District affording our students, faculty and staff access to a broad array of academic, professional, community, recreational and cultural outlets.As Colorado’s public urban research university, the University of Colorado Denver educates a diverse student body through quality academics, ambition research and creative work, and civic engagement in the city we call home. CU Denver graduates gain the powerful combination of immersive classroom and real-world experience that are in demand today. The city benefits from well-educated, top talent and a new generation of knowledge that fuels the future of Denver and our region. We are CU in the City. CU Denver offers more than 100 degree programs, from the bachelor’s to the doctoral level, in the heart of downtown. Here, more than 15,000 students pursue academic programs that range from global energy management to music industry studies to criminal justice. As part of the state’s largest public university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with nearly 2,500 employees and annual economic impact of $800 million. Job Summary:Reporting directly to Chancellor Michelle Marks, who joined the CU Denver community on July 1, 2020, the new vice chancellor will direct the university’s strategic initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion and serve as an active member of the chancellor's cabinet. Chancellor Marks spent her first ten days in office dedicated to an extensive listening tour specifically focused on understanding issues of equity and racial justice effecting the CU Denver community. Chancellor Marks has made a formal Commitment for Action inspired by community ideas, experiences and expertise at the university. The actions, which include establishing an equity task force, are set on a schedule that will have both immediate and long term impact on the CU Denver community.Located in the heart of downtown, CU Denver combines innovative research and accessible education with the advantages that only a dynamic urban environment such as Denver can provide. As the university approaches its 50th anniversary in 2023 and pursues federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), there is great opportunity for the new vice chancellor to have a strong impact. The campus community is eager to embrace a new leader who will build upon the university's strengths; position the campus as a place that brings people into the conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion; and achieves progress along a number of dimensions, creating a more just, equitable and belonging climate at CU Denver.The VCDEI has immediate opportunity to drive and develop initiatives that will create meaningful change on the campus. This leader will be expected to finalize a diversity, equity and inclusion strategic plan and lead its implementation; partner with units across the campus to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion and build community; lead the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and establish a system of accountability using data and reporting; and proactively engage in resource development to support diversity initiatives. CU Denver seeks a dynamic, collaborative and nimble leader whose style builds trust with the campus community. It is worth noting that this is not a status quo position: The expectation is that the VCDEI will lead an effort that is campus-wide and effective, and that brings the institution to a very different place. The new vice chancellor will bring a proven record of accomplishment in advancing diversity and will lead with integrity and honesty. The ideal candidate will bring a significant background in diversity leadership with demonstrated experience influencing and improving organizational culture. Candidates should have a clear understanding of project management processes and an ability to work in a collaborative, mission driven environment with diverse internal and external audiences. Experience facilitating nuanced conversations around diversity issues and the First Amendment is highly desired. A Ph.D. or other terminal degree is preferred.Examples of Work Performed:The position of vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion (VCDEI) is the senior diversity officer responsible for diversity, equity and inclusion and related strategic initiatives for the University of Colorado Denver campus. This individual reports directly to the chancellor and is an integral part of the leadership team. The position provides leadership for enhancing and sustaining diversity, promoting a culture of inclusiveness and developing strategic initiatives that contribute to the success of all faculty, staff, and students. The VCDEI serves as an appointing authority and supervises staff in Diversity and Inclusion offices located on the CU Denver Campus. These offices currently include The Center for Identity & Inclusion and The Women and Gender Center. Responsibilities include:

• Oversee development and implementation of a comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategic plan for the campus based on the overall campus strategic plan


• Coordinate and promote high profile campus diversity events that stress diversity as a core value and illustrate the importance of diversity’s relationship to institutional excellence


• Partner with the provost, deans, schools, colleges and academic and student affairs units to develop and successfully implement their diversity and inclusion plans


• Assist all schools, colleges and units in their efforts to recruit and retain diverse faculty, staff, undergraduate, and graduate students


• Foster the design and integration of programs aimed at student access and success, with particular attention to programs that serve historically underserved students as well as both internal and external pipeline programs, e.g., to graduate education and the health professions


• Work with the provost, vice chancellors, associate vice chancellors, deans and faculty to provide thought leadership and foster faculty research and curriculum development on diversity, inclusion and related issues, including culturally responsive teaching and learning


• Shepherd the process for CU Denver in attaining HSI status with the U.S. Department of Education


• Foster and build teamwork in an institutional environment of shared governance among schools, colleges, and academic and student affairs units to accomplish the university’s diversity and inclusion objectives University of Colorado Denver Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 6


• Devise and monitor systems of quantitative and qualitative evaluation that measure success for diversity and inclusion, reporting evaluative results regularly to the university community and using the results for continuous improvement


• Work with CU Advancement and the Office of Sponsored Programs to promote grant-writing, development and fundraising activities specifically to enhance efforts in diversity and inclusion and student success


• Develop effective communication and consultative relationships with key internal and external community stakeholders; engage visibly as a liaison with the community and build an effective relationship between the community and the CU Denver campus around issues of diversity and inclusion Serve as the primary resource for the campus on matters related to diversity and inclusion, maintaining a clearinghouse for information on these matters (excepting areas related to legal compliance)


• Assist with developing policies and procedures for improving and strengthening efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion


• Provide leadership and coordination of diversity planning to ensure the successful development and implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives


• Serve as spokesperson on matters related to maintaining and enhancing a diverse and inclusive campus environment


• Collaborate with the other chief diversity officers within the University of Colorado system


• Help to develop and implement diversity training/professional development for senior leadership, administrators, faculty, and staff

The VCDEI, with empowerment and authority from the chancellor, will be asked to use this leadership position to aid in creating a more equitable and belonging climate at CU Denver, which will require addressing the following critical leadership issues, among others:

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  Finalize and implement a campus-wide strategic plan for diversity, equity and inclusion CU Denver is preparing to launch a campus-wide strategic planning process in January 2021; advancing the university's broad definition and engagement of diversity for faculty, staff, and students will be a critical piece of this plan. The VCDEI – who will work with the equity task force in completing the plan– will engage with the campus community to formulate and articulate a vision around diversity, equity and inclusion and to provide leadership, concrete steps, counsel, advocacy, and a point of connection and communication for all at the university to achieve that vision. Key areas of opportunity include the development and shaping of inclusive recruitment and retention processes and practices for both faculty and staff; policies that promote a more equitable campus community; the intentional inclusion of the broadest possible range of voices; and sustained training programs that help faculty, staff, and students achieve the university's vision. University of Colorado Denver Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 7


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  Partner with units across the campus to enhance DEI and build community The VCDEI will work to be viewed by all stakeholders as a thought leader and essential resource to amplify and engage discussions of diversity, equity and inclusion. The VCDEI will play a key role in the deliberations of senior leadership and will work with divisions across the campus to encourage creativity and innovation in programming, pedagogy, recruitment, retention, and training, and advance aspects of the university's work to create an equitable community. As the nature of public discourse remains poor and society is increasingly divided, the VCDEI must work to promote and facilitate a more productive and respectful discourse that engages all members of the community and respects the university's commitment to freedom of speech and expression.


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  Lead the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in carrying out its mission The VCDEI will provide effective management and leadership for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and bring together the staff to create a shared vision. It will be essential for the VCDEI to develop and support the staff to optimize the team's capabilities to be innovative, collaborative - not only with one another but also with those across the university – and results-oriented. Leading a team that appreciates professional development, the VCDEI will be expected to leverage knowledge of the emerging trends, networks, and resources to support staff members' further growth.


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  Use best and promising practices and metrics for decision-making around diversity and inclusion efforts and to create a culture of accountability The VCDEI will be expected to collect and analyze information to understand climate at the university and use this data to support informed and collaborative decision-making and implement interventions based on best practice. It is also expected that there will be consistent communication of progress and challenges to hold leaders across the university accountable. The chancellor's expectation is that the VCDEI will optimize all tools available, and will lead accountability for stronger student success outcomes including closing graduation rate disparities; diversifying the hiring and retention of faculty and staff;, and collaboratively providing a cohesive, inclusive and welcoming culture for all members of the campus community.


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  Proactively engage in resource development and prioritization to support diversity initiatives: While the Office of Diversity and Inclusion has the financial resources to meet its current goals, additional resources will enhance and propel the work of the office to even higher levels. The university hopes to obtain HSI status in 2021, which will open up additional philanthropic opportunities. Therefore, the VCDEI will enhance the partnership with the university's advancement office to secure additional resources to support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Benefits: The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at https://www.cu.edu/employee-services.The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees. The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

QualificationsQualifications Credentials: A Ph.D. or other terminal degree is preferred (and a faculty appointment may be made available to a candidate possessing the appropriate qualifications and credentials).Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesCU Denver seeks a visionary, collaborative leader whose style builds trust with the campus community. The ideal candidate will bring a proven record of accomplishment in advancing diversity and inclusion, demonstrated experience in improving organizational culture, and leadership that is imbued with integrity, honesty, and transparency. Candidates should have a clear understanding of project management processes and an ability to work in a collaborative environment with diverse internal and University of Colorado Denver Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 8 external audiences. Candidates who have experience facilitating nuanced conversations around diversity issues and the First Amendment are highly desired. The new vice chancellor will be a confident, high energy leader who has most if not all of the following professional qualifications and personal qualities:

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  Fit with mission: A deep resonance with the mission and possibilities of a CU Denver education including a drive that is constantly student centered, belief in opportunity and the transformative power of education, and commitment to CU Denver's particular mix of students (diverse, older); a strong understanding of faculty work and the faculty world, an eagerness to tie in to the academic and intellectual enterprise of the university, an understanding and appreciation of shared governance; strong commitment to community; and an ability to take a principled and clear position, even in times of crisis.


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  Leadership skills: The ability to provide collaborative, creative, and community-building leadership to the staff within the office; capacity to bring communities together, foster healing, and create a culture of belonging; track record of inspiring collaboration and innovation, and of motivating and unifying teams toward a common purpose; capacity to serve as a key adviser and thought partner to the chancellor and other senior leaders, with the attendant skills of a trusted and additive contributor to the overall leadership of the university; and the energy, inspiration, enthusiasm, credibility, and empathy to interact with colleagues at all levels of the organization in a manner that engenders buyin and encourages all to work together on behalf of the university.


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  Expertise in diversity and inclusion: Proven track record of advocacy for and success in fostering a positive environment for diversity, equity and inclusion; a full and nuanced understanding how to help an institution create a more sustainably diverse academic community; history of advancing successful diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and programs and a record of moving the needle in the recruitment, retention, and development of faculty, staff, and students from underrepresented groups; understanding of how curriculum development efforts can advance a diversity mission, along with a knowledge of the range of evidence for the educational benefits that accrue to students, staff, and faculty through diversity, inclusion, and equity; and, capacity to lead programs focused on student access and success and to develop and facilitate professional development on topics such as culturally responsive pedagogy, diversity and hiring, and implicit bias.


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  Management skills: The ability to manage and develop people, programs, and operations effectively and to make necessary changes to the organization and infrastructure so as to achieve objectives; skill at promoting a culture of high performance, engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement; effectiveness and the ability to make things happen in a complex environment; success in developing, implementing, and assessing strategic plans with positive results; capacity to garner external resources through grants and gifts; and the capacity to carry out the many responsibilities of the role including planning, analysis, resource and budget allocation, and supervision.


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  Communication skills: Exceptional communication skills for engaging with a wide variety of individuals and groups; demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive interpersonal relationships within a culturally diverse urban environment; the capacity to formulate, articulate, and persuade a University of Colorado Denver Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 9 wide range of audiences around a shared vision; demonstrated skill in listening with care and working with others collaboratively to reach critical decisions, and the ability to communicate effectively about issues, decisions, and developments large and small.


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  Personal qualities: A demonstrated confidence and ability as a nimble and courageous senior leader with the humility to be an effective part of a collaborative and collegial senior team; a lack of self-promotion together with the desire to partner with others in service of the strongest possible effort; an ability to listen and hear ideas and thoughts from a variety of interested parties and partners and to integrate the thinking and views of others into one's own; integrity and trustworthiness; authenticity, flexibility, adaptiveness, and resilience; optimism, and a sense of humor are all desired qualities.

Job Category: Executive
Primary Location: Denver
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Oct 28, 2020
Unposting Date: Ongoing