Assistant Director for Campus Climate and Bias Investigation

About Clark University:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.

Job Description:

The AD must demonstrate an overarching commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment, as well as advancing diversity and inclusive excellence in higher education. This position reports directly to the Vice President and CODEI, who serves on the senior leadership team, and requires close collaboration with the CODEI in advancing institutional initiatives through a data-driven approach, conducting research, translating empirical findings into programmatic initiatives, and the ability to conduct workshops/trainings.

This position will coordinate and drive the collaboration with key stakeholder and operational partners to incorporate DEI data driven strategies and trends that improve the sense of belonging on campus. Additionally, this role will create systems to evaluate the impact of DEI programming on campus and organize the academic and administrative DEI unit action planning process in all academic and administrative units across the enterprise.

The AD functions as the manager of the BIRT system and investigator for various claims of bias and illegal discrimination or harassment. This role would help to monitor and address campus climate from a perspective of equity and access.

Major Responsibilities: 

Included in a range of responsibilities, the Assistant/Associate Director for Campus Climate and Bias Investigation will serve as the research lead for office initiatives and lead investigator for claims of bias and/or illegal discrimination and harassment. The AD will conduct ongoing analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, in collaboration with the Office of Strategic Analytics and Institutional Research (STAIR), in order to identify high-level trends and patterns related to diversity and equity-related institutional needs.

It is of vital importance that candidates possess and seek to further their skills, cultural competency, and sensitivity in interactions with diverse constituencies across various ethnic, social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds and demonstrate strong commitment to advancing diversity and inclusive excellence in higher education.

Specific responsibilities related to research include:

• Administer the employment practices that ensure equal employment opportunities and promote an inclusive and diverse workforce.
• Designing survey instruments to measure issues of marginalization and oppression
• Liaising with external consultants
• Administering surveys
• Coding and analyzing data, and using research findings to improve impact and efficacy of ODI initiatives.

Additional duties may entail:

• Conduct research on topical issues and policies concerning diversity and inclusion in higher education at a local and national level.
• Assist with managing the re-designed Bias Incident Response Program, specifically in overseeing the case management process and in designing and implementing a restorative justice mechanism.
• Conduct equitable and impartial investigations, including the interviewing of parties, analysis of information, application of policies, reporting findings, and any recommendations to future actions.
• Collaborate with the Title IX Coordinator, the Assistant Director, DEI Planning and Programming, and the Associate Director, DEI Education and Training to translate empirical findings into recommendations on programmatic and policy interventions for the institution to address specific needs of the campus community.
• Design and manage public-facing aspects of office research initiatives, such as a campus-wide marketing campaigns and managing partnerships with other campus constituents.
• Stay abreast of developments in applicable regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Prior experience working with and contributing to a diverse workplace with the ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents on campus.

Requirements:

• Bachelors and 2-5 years of relevant experience. Master's degree preferred
• Experience facilitating critical conversations and/or mediating conflict
• Possess sound strategic and analytical skills and the ability to conceptualize, organize, and coordinate programs
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment as well as work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and display a high level of initiative and attentiveness to detail
• Demonstrated experience acting as a neutral party and provide information that is unbiased and objective
• Strong background in research design, data analysis, and responding effectively to data trends
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SPSS as well as the ability to manage social media platforms.

Additional Information:

As of June 1, 2023 Clark University no longer requires employees or students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Clark urges all community members to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination, which recommend that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including booster doses. This is important for your own personal health as well as the health of our community.

Clark University embraces equal opportunity as a core value: we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. This commitment applies to every aspect of education, services, and employment policies and practices at Clark. Our commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. All positions at Clark share in the responsibility for building a community that values diversity and the uniqueness of others by exhibiting integrity and respect in interacting with all members of the Clark community to create an atmosphere of fairness and belonging. We strongly encourage members from historically underrepresented communities, inclusive of all women, to apply.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here .

Application Instructions:

The target compensation for this position is in the mid $60,000s.  Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

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Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

A successful background check is required upon acceptance.