Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Officer

The Schmidt College of Medicine (College) at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) seeks nominations and applications for an inaugural Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Officer (CEIDO) who will be integral in building a future in which diversity, equity and inclusion are the very fabric of the College – enmeshed in everything the College does and inextricably linked to its Strategic Plan.

The University serves more than 30,000 students across six campuses, has earned national recognition for student outcomes, achieved the designation as a Hispanic-serving institution and is proudly ranked as the most diverse public university in Florida. At FAU, Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, African American students and Hispanic students all outpace the University's overall retention and graduation rates, which is an accomplishment that also eliminated the historical achievement gaps between minority and White students. An energetic and fast-growing institution, FAU is currently ranked 33rd in the nation for social mobility in the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Launched in 2010, and located in Boca Raton, Florida, FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine is dedicated to creating future generations of thought leaders in science and medicine and through its innovative educational curriculums and toward advancing health status and equity through its patient-centered discovery and community-based clinical care.

The College annually provides approximately 350 students with a variety of educational offerings, including an M.D. program, an M.D./Ph.D. program with The Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Florida, graduate certificates, M.S. degree, and programs in Biomedical Sciences. The College’s student population reflects the tremendous diversity of the larger university and surrounding community, with approximately one-third of students coming from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in medicine and biomedical science.

The College is also developing a diverse pipeline of future academic physicians through its innovative, community-based residency and fellowship programs with five ACGME-approved residency programs and three fellowships, totaling 160 Trainees. Five local hospitals form the College’s GME consortium, comprised of top healthcare systems in the region, Baptist Health and Tenet Health. Additionally, pipeline programs from grade school through high school levels add to the vibrancy of the College.

Reporting to Dean Phillip M. Boiselle and serving on the College's Executive Leadership Team, the CEIDO will be the senior leader responsible for fostering a diverse and inclusive culture and advancing inclusive excellence at the College. The CEIDO will serve as a role model and provide visionary and strategic leadership to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are infused throughout all aspects of the clinical, educational and research enterprises of the College. It will be an exciting time to engage in this type of work as the College has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and anti-racism and is in the midst of developing its first college-wide Diversity Action Plan.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for and experience in leading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in a health education or health care setting as well as a broad vision for the role of diversity, equity and inclusion in achieving institutional excellence. The CEIDO will also have experience in health equity research initiatives and will demonstrate evidence of research and scholarly work in diversity, equity and inclusion. Effective leadership, excellent communication abilities, emotional intelligence and collaborative management skills are essential for this role. A doctoral degree, preferably in a health sciences field, is required.

WittKieffer is assisting FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine in this search. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Lucy Leske, Joyce De Leo, Ph.D., and Shelley Arakawa, J.D., at FAUMedCEIDO@wittkieffer.com.

The Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University seeks scholars who are committed to supporting the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds and to engaging communities underrepresented in higher education. Florida Atlantic University is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. Florida Atlantic University embodies a culture of strategic and collaborative community engagement that results in mutual benefit to the institution and the diverse internal and external communities that it serves.

Florida Atlantic University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/equal access institution and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veterans status or other protected status.

FAU is committed to the principles of engaged teaching, research and service.  All persons aspiring to achieve excellence in the practice of these principles are encouraged to apply.