Accredited by NEASC
Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Administrator / Full-Time
Emma Willard School, Troy, NY
Emma Willard School seeks a seasoned leader with expertise in education-based DEI practices to lead the school’s ongoing and evolving strategy toward diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of the school and in alignment with our mission.
Reporting to the Head of School, the Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a member of the Senior Administrative team, leads the Office of DEI, has one direct report (Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), leads the school’s DEI Council, and works closely with faculty and staff. The Head of DEI will provide leadership and strategic direction in all areas of the school: curriculum review, development, and delivery; student and residential life; professional growth; admission and hiring; finance; and advancement and strategic visioning. This leader must be a strong collaborator and relationship builder who is able to create a vision of change that will inspire colleagues at all levels and help Emma Willard School meaningfully serve our ever more diverse community.
We seek someone who is committed to and willing to navigate today’s changing landscape. This leader will help the school promote and nurture an equitable and inclusive community. The school encourages candidates from under-represented groups to apply, as well as individuals who have demonstrated experience with diverse populations. This leader contributes to the excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and/or service.
Strategic Priorities
The Head of DEI will be a strategic partner, thought leader, and strong collaborator who will help strengthen and advance Emma Willard School’s values of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice.
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Recognizing the inextricable link between programmatic excellence and DEI, partner with academic and student life leadership to lead DEI initiatives in our academic, residential, and student life curriculum.
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Participate in recruitment and retention efforts and work closely with the Associate Head of School and HR Director to attract, develop, and retain a diverse faculty and staff.
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Develop and lead comprehensive and ongoing professional learning in DEI for faculty, staff, and trustees.
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Model and ensure an environment where individuals can make mistakes, be respectful, and are allowed grace for growth.
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Work in close partnership with School Leadership and Human Resources to implement a process for individual accountability that supports the development of a safe culture for raising concerns and seeking support.
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Develop institutional accountability metrics to evaluate progress on cultural and systemic change in DEI and maintain regular communication with the larger community about this progress.
Responsibilities
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Work in close partnership with the Head of School and as a member of the Senior Administrative Team.
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Lead the DEI Office and work in close partnership with the Associate Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
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Lead the DEI Council comprised by leaders that represent all areas of the school.
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Serve as the school’s primary thought leader, strategic partner, and bridge builder around all areas of equity and community.
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Provide ongoing programming that engages and educates students, families, faculty, staff, trustees and alumnae in DEI.
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Partner with the Board DEI Committee as a senior leader liaison.
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Develop and facilitate awareness and skill-building training sessions on cultural sensitivity with faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumnae.
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Partner with the Associate Director of DEI in leading the Student Diversity Leadership Group
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Be an active participant with students and embrace the lifestyle of a boarding school.
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Foster a welcoming and inclusive community.
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A demonstrated interest and passion for teaching adolescents.
Minimum Qualifications
Institutional Leadership
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Readiness to serve on the Senior Leadership Team
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Demonstrated success in leading strategic initiatives on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and justice
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A track record of collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and administrators that has resulted in systemic organizational change
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Student-centered and, preferably, classroom and/or boarding school experience
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Experience and knowledge of instruction, curriculum, and adolescent development
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Proven strong presentation skills and presence
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Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills
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The ability to give clear and direct feedback
Demonstrated DEI Experience
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Master’s or doctoral degree with significant professional work experience; or a Bachelor’s degree with at least seven years of experience
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An experienced and student-centered DEI educational leader and teacher
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An inspiring leader of DEI that can challenge and motivate
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The ability to help people dialogue about difficult equity/justice topics
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Knowledge and experience with facilitating restorative practices
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A proven track record in recruiting diverse, professional talent
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Demonstrated experience working with or mentoring diverse, underrepresented, marginalized, and/or first-generation student and adult populations
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Knowledge of research and successful strategies around increasing DEI
Emma Willard School requires employees to be fully vaccinated with the exception of medical exemptions. Please submit a resume, cover letter, and DEI philosophy statement to be considered for the position.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply through the school’s Career Center website by May 30, 2023.
Emma Willard School
Troy, NY
High School, Post Graduate
Day, Boarding
Girls
