Spelman Johnson Leads Search for Diversity Officer at Saint Joseph’s University
April 25, 2019 – Executive recruitment firm Spelman Johnson has been retained by Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia to help find its next chief inclusion and diversity officer. Search associate Jim Norfleet is leading the assignment for the firm.
Reporting to the provost, the chief inclusion and diversity officer provides leadership, advocacy, support services and programming to strengthen the culture of inclusion and diversity at Saint Joseph’s, said Spelman Johnson. The individual is expected to maintain an active and visible presence on campus and actively partner with students, faculty, staff and administrators, said Spelman Johnson.
The chief inclusion and diversity officer is charged with chairing the President’s Council for Inclusion and Diversity (PCID) and in this specific capacity will report directly to the president. “Given the importance and broad scope of this work, the position will work cooperatively across the university on inclusion initiatives in support of the mission,’ said Spelman Johnson.
The chief inclusion and diversity officer supervises the school’s Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity, the Office of Inclusion and Diversity Access Programs, International Students and Scholars Services, and the Women’s Center.
A Range of Duties
Among the duties and responsibilities of the role, the chief inclusion and diversity officer is expected to: refine and implement Saint Joseph’s Inclusive Excellence Blueprint and monitor outcome metrics in support of the university’s mission and Strategic Plan with regard to inclusion and diversity; serve on the University Leadership Council and the Provost’s Council; chair the PCID ensuring that initiatives based on the recommendations of the PCID are prioritized and operationalized; collaborate with the school’s student life division to promote diversity and inclusion for the entire student population; and collaborate with enrollment management to enhance recruitment of diverse student populations, among other duties.
Candidates are required to have a master’s degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum of eight years of experience in the development, implementation and assessment of inclusion and diversity strategies and practices, said Spelman Johnson. Prospects should also show evidence of nuanced, broad, contemporary and sophisticated understanding of diversity in all of its forms. And they are expected to have excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to build rapport and collaborate with diverse constituents, both internally and externally.
Other qualifications include: proven experience as a trainer and educator on issues of inclusion and diversity; demonstrated excellence in budget preparation, decision-making, supervision, long-range planning, organization and conflict management; general understanding of laws relating to equal opportunity, affirmative action and claims of discrimination and harassment (e.g., Title IX); and demonstrated ability to prepare, analyze and interpret reports. An earned doctorate or other terminal degree is preferred, as is a record of research in a relevant field and experience working in a higher education setting with multiple constituencies, such as students, faculty, staff and administrators.
A Catholic University
Founded in 1851 in the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence, Saint Joseph’s University is a top-ranked Catholic university that provides a rigorous, student-centered education. With a total enrollment of 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the school offers a wide array of academic programs designed so that each graduate enters the world with a competitive resume and global perspective. A member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, Saint Joseph’s offers 20 NCAA Division I intercollegiate men’s and women’s sports. The school is nationally recognized by US News & World Report in its “Best Colleges” (North) and “Best Colleges for Veterans” categories and several of its undergraduate and graduate programs are nationally ranked.
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Spelman Johnson is based in Easthampton, MA. Established in 1991, the search firm has helped hundreds of academic institutions identify professionals, pairing leaders with positions across all facets of colleges and universities. Other searches that the firm is conducting include: director of admission at Randolph College, executive director for the National Association for Campus Activities and director of athletics, chair of physical education, recreation and athletics, at Wellesley College.
Mr. Norfleet joined Spelman Johnson after three decades in higher education, most recently as vice president for student affairs at the College of New Jersey. Previously, he served in several capacities at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, including associate vice president for student services and executive director of educational equity services. Earlier in his career, he worked in academic affairs at Nyack College, where he directed the Higher Education Opportunity Program and served as associate dean of the college and director of the Office of Academic Development.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
