Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and University Diversity Officer

California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State) invites inquiries, nominations and applications for a visionary and inspiring leader to serve as the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and University Diversity Officer. The University seeks a collaborative leader who has a broad concept of diversity and inclusion, a strong understanding and appreciation for the mission of the University, a demonstrated passion for social justice, and a commitment to student success.

 

The University

As California’s capital university, Sacramento State transforms lives by preparing students for leadership, service and success. Sacramento State is on a beautiful 300-acre, tree-lined campus adjacent to the American River, about five miles east of the state Capitol. Established in 1947 it is the seventh largest of the 23 campuses in the California State University system. With students, faculty and staff working at the convergence of knowledge, passion, innovation and real-world learning, Sacramento State offers a truly transformative educational experience to its more than 31,000 students.

 

As a top regional four-year, comprehensive public university offering programs in business, education, engineering, health, arts, humanities, public policy and science, Sacramento State is the place to “Redefine the Possible,” the University’s tagline. Sacramento State alumni— one out of every 20-area residents—make up the heart of the region’s workforce and some of its finest leaders who are driven to make a difference in the region. Sacramento State received the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement designation in 2020, and considers itself an Anchor University.

 

Sacramento State is the 2nd most diverse campus in the western U.S. according to US News and World Report, 2021. The University is committed to growing as a community and institution that influences and shapes public policy and service to advance and improve the region and the lives of all who live in it. From students' work at the Capitol and in their own neighborhoods, to research, creative activity, and community partnerships involving faculty and staff, to an administration dedicated to propelling the University into a new era, Sacramento State is the place to be to impact the future of the city, region, and state.

 

The Position

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence is the University’s Diversity Officer. The Vice President will provide counsel to the President on diversity and inclusion issues; provide leadership for the University’s diversity and educational equity initiatives; lead anti-racism planning; collaborate with the Administrative Council, Deans and other University offices to advance the diversity and educational equity efforts; provide leadership and management of the Office for Equal Opportunity and Title IX enforcement, and, coordinate and assess the efforts of various campus units to increase pathways of success for all students, faculty, and staff, especially those from underrepresented populations. 
 

The Vice President must be an experienced leader, as well as a change agent, able to foster a diverse, inclusive, and caring campus, and align and integrate a wide range of existing and new initiatives in order to build on a culture of equity, inclusion and belonging. The Vice President participates in all aspects of institutional planning in support of the mission and goals of the University, including meeting the needs of the diverse student, faculty, and staff populations and creating a learning, and working environment where all have the opportunity to succeed.  In addition, the Vice President, in consultation with the President, will appoint and lead the Diversity Council. The Vice President sits on the President’s Cabinet and reports on diversity initiatives while working with the Cabinet.    


Qualifications

The successful candidate must have:

  • A master’s degree, JD, or other terminal degree from an accredited university.
  • Five (5) years of leadership experience related to access, diversity, inclusion, or education, including fluency and currency with respect to the current best practices in these areas.
  • Experience in working with diverse populations in a leadership role, including but not limited to race, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, and physical abilities.
  • An excellent record in managing change along with proven experience as an organizational leader and program builder, specifically around initiatives that promote diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging in a professional environment.
  • Knowledge of contemporary issues of social justice, inclusion, diversity, access, and equity, including the current scholarship and pedagogical approaches that inform and address these issues.

 

To view the full position profile, including a full list of required and preferred qualifications please visit https://www.spaexec.com/pd/SacStateVPDO.pdf.

 

Application and Nomination Process

The Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Applicants must submit: a current resume or curriculum vitae and a cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position, and a one-page diversity statement. Nomination letters should include contact information for the nominee. All applications and nominations will be handled in confidence.

 

Applications and letters of nomination should be submitted by email to:

Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner

Emy Cruz, Partner

SP&A Executive Search

6512 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90601

Email: apsearch@spaexec.com
Refer to code “SacState-VPDO” in subject line

 


California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.