Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion

Colorado State University
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University (CSU) invites applications and nominations for the role of Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion (VPDI).

The university's tradition of providing a high-quality, affordable higher education to all who have the desire and ability to achieve it runs deep. CSU remains the “university of choice” for Colorado residents -- more Colorado high-school students choose CSU than any other campus, and one in four CSU students are first generation.

CSU is a land-grant institution located in Fort Collins with a student body exceeding 34,000 students, 7,000 employees, and, as a Carnegie 1 Research Institution, has annual research expenditures exceeding $350 million. Faculty at CSU are among the best in their fields and combine classroom learning with experiential learning in the arts, field, and laboratory. CSU is recognized as a leader in student success and supports the holistic student experience, integrating the health and well-being of students into major initiatives.

The Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion will join CSU amidst a time of increasing opportunity and transformative cultural change. CSU is expected to become a Hispanic Serving Institution within five-years. Reporting to President Joyce McConnell and serving on the president's executive leadership team, the new VPDI will set an ambitious course that reflects the distinctiveness of the college, its mission as a land grant institution, with the acknowledgement of our institutional history, responsibility, and commitment, and its aspirations to become a more diverse, inclusive, just, and equitable community.

In collaboration with the university community, the VPDI will reimagine and articulate a strategic vision for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice; assess and determine structures to meet the university's goals while also building relationships and fostering collaboration; provide leadership to a team of dedicated professionals; and serve as an ambassador in the university and local communities.

In order to achieve these goals, the VPDI must be a talented professional who is eager to lead purposeful action and has a shared responsibility for the community. The VPDI will define, inspire and execute the work of inclusion to engage all corners of Colorado State's university communities. The VPDI will work with colleagues across the institution to translate current research and theory to practice on diversity and inclusion. Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of supervisory and leadership experience and be able to demonstrate a record of success in building strategic coalitions and serving as a connector across organizational and cultural boundaries. 

WittKieffer is assisting CSU in this recruitment. A comprehensive leadership profile can be found at www.wittkieffer.com. Application materials should include a letter of interest addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the leadership profile and a current CV. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by April 9, 2021.

Application materials can be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to the university's consultants, Charlene Aguilar, Christine Pendleton and Bree Liddell at CSUVPD@wittkieffer.com.

Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy and will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non- discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

The salary range for this position is $250,000-$275,000 annually plus benefits.

Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas. https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf.