Position Summary
The College of Natural Science (NatSci) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for one or more Assistant/Associate Dean(s) to lead its office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Depending on the breadth of experience and qualifications of the applicants two positions may be considered to coordinate efforts in the DEI Office and advance the College’s strategic priorities, as outlined in our 5-year strategic plan (https://natsci.msu.edu/about/strategic-plan.aspx). Hiring may be at the Assistant (faculty and academic specialists) or Associate (faculty) Dean level, as described in the University’s Academic Hiring Manual.
The positions are part of broader efforts in the college and across the university to pursue academic and research excellence in a safe, equitable, and supportive environment in which differences are valued and all community members are empowered to grow and succeed. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, developing, coordinating, implementing, and assessing programs that 1) create and sustain inclusive and equitable environments for the college community; 2) ensure the recruitment, retention, and promotion of vital faculty and academic staff talent; 3) provide college-wide DEI and safe workplace training; and 4) strategically create inclusive learning environments for the success of a diverse group of (under)graduate students and postdocs.
Successful applicant(s) will build, support, and assess DEI initiatives throughout all areas of the College, coordinating efforts with other members of the NatSci leadership team and unit administrators to achieve strategic goals of institutional diversity and inclusive excellence. The Assistant/Associate Dean(s) will play a key role in advancing our institutional (https://strategicplan.msu.edu/strategic-plan) and college (https://natsci.msu.edu/about/strategic-plan.aspx) strategic priorities, working closely with the college’s DEI office staff, standing DEI advisory committee and a team of facilitators in charge of training programs on cultural competency for personal, organizational, and community change. The NatSci Assistant/Associate Dean(s) will also work with diversity partners across Michigan State University including, but not limited to, the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, the Coalition of Racial and Ethnic Minorities (CoREM), the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions, the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center, the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, and the Office for International Students and Scholars. The Assistant/Associate Dean(s) will become an integral part of these communities by providing strategic and intellectual leadership in NatSci and by serving as liaison(s) between NatSci and the rest of the university in collaborative efforts to develop and adopt equity-based policies and programs.
The Assistant/Associate Dean(s) will report to the Dean and will be part of the NatSci senior administrative leadership team. There is flexibility in regards to the appointment structure of DEI leader(s). A 100%, 12 month appointment is possible, as are partial administrative appointments for applicants seeking affiliations with any of our departments and/or with other colleges, or to enable other professional activities across the college including advising, teaching and/or research. Appointments may be in the specialist, fixed term or tenure systems and at all ranks, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the applicant(s), with a tentative start date in August 2024.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate
Desired Degree
Doctorate
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have an advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D. degree in any of the scholarly areas represented in the college, as well as demonstrated commitment to advancing inclusive excellence in a diverse academic community through their research, teaching, service and/or other scholarly and administrative activities. Appointment status (tenure system, fixed term faculty, or academic specialist) will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s experience.
Desired Qualifications
The successful candidate(s) should / will also have many of the following qualifications:
- Broad knowledge of and experience with DEI and academic bullying/harassment issues in higher education.
- Demonstrated leadership developing, implementing, and/or evaluating successful DEI efforts and applying DEI principles to advance research, teaching and/or outreach scholarship.
- A clear vision for advancing DEI and a culture of respect and inclusion in higher education.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build rapport and collaborate with diverse constituents, both internally and externally.
- Experience with proposal development for extramural funding and with obtaining revenue streams supporting DEI efforts.
- Experience with activities towards inclusive excellence and fostering a culture of opportunity and mutual respect.
- Experience in conflict resolution.
- Familiarity with restorative justice practices.
- Research or scholarly work related to DEI in STEM.
Required Application Materials
Applicants should submit a single PDF with 1) a cover letter that states their interest in leadership and vision in DEI, qualifications for the position, and the names of three references; 2) a current CV, and 3) a 3-page reflective essay that outlines DEI challenges and opportunities in higher education and describes how the specific skills and qualifications of the applicant make them well-suited for leadership in this area. Letters of reference will be requested only for top candidates. Applications (position #934843) should be submitted electronically to Careers@MSU (https://careers.msu.edu). Review of applications will preferably begin on March 31 of 2024. Late submissions will be considered if suitable candidates are not identified by the deadline. For additional information, please contact Associate Dean Gemma Reguera (search committee chair, reguera@msu.edu).
MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.
Review of Applications Begins On
03/31/2024
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
