University Diversity Officer (Administrator III)

University Diversity Officer (Administrator III)

Job No: 516798
Work Type: Management (MPP)
Location: Fresno
Categories: MPP, At-Will, Full Time, Student Services

University Diversity Officer
(Administrator III)

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications.

This is a full-time, exempt CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position. This position is not eligible for remote work pursuant to Fresno State's remote work guidelines and the CSU policy requiring that all work be performed within the State of California.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 14 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here .

Job Summary

Under the direction of the President, the University Diversity Officer (UDO) will motivate and galvanize the campus community toward a shared vision of an institution that is welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination, intolerance, and harassment, where all can thrive. The inaugural UDO will provide leadership and guidance for the University's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs in alignment with the campuswide strategic plan and ensure the University's programs and services reflect its commitment to inclusivity, social justice, equity, and access. These efforts will include the development, implementation, and continual improvement of a well-founded DEI strategic plan that assesses and better coordinates existing enterprises and data and infuses a greater sense of accountability and sustainability in future endeavors to address campus climate and develop a sense of belonging. Working in partnership with the senior leadership team and academic and administrative units, and in particular the Director of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center, the UDO will be charged with tracking DEI benchmarks and monitoring progress while institutionalizing appropriate metrics for assessing goals.

The UDO will work in a collaborative manner, partnering with campus leadership, deans, faculty, staff, students, and other internal and external constituencies to ensure current and future co-curricular and curricular programming supports the University's mission, values, and strategic goals to promote and enhance cultural inclusivity. As a part of these efforts, the UDO will lead the change of campus culture as chair of the President's Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as the President's Anti-Racism Council, assisting in advising University leadership on all matters related to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism for students and employees, including recruitment, retention, and hiring policies, practices, and procedures.

Working with these groups, the UDO will serve as a thought leader and effective communicator in helping to create an inclusive environment across the University. The UDO will bring subject matter expertise to these groups, as well as the ability to educate, advise, and inspire the wider university community in the promotion of DEI efforts. The UDO will provide best practices and common language and definitions to ensure a collective and cohesive understanding of DEI work across the campus and beyond, with a goal to implement evidence-based practices and enhance the community's responsiveness to critical issues.

Serving as an ambassador and advocate, the UDO must be willing to serve as the public face of the institution on matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion both on campus and in the wider community; including working with the K-12 system. This will require creative and effective communication skills, the ability to work across a diverse range of constituents with varying levels of fluency around DEI work, and the capacity to influence individuals at all levels of the organization. The UDO must have the capacity to provide strategic direction and support for training initiatives on cultural competency, gender differences, disability, protected classes, harassment, bias, and maintaining compliance with Title IX and other applicable laws. The UDO will also have the opportunity to assist with securing grants and other funds to foster DEI enterprises throughout the institution.

Major Duties of the position include:
  • Provide leadership, strategic planning and thoughtful development of procedures and policies, as well as training seminars that focus on equity and access.
  • Create and implement programs and initiatives for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that align with the University's Strategic Plan goals and priorities; which includes creating a culture of assessment and evaluation of Diversity initiatives.
  • Promote an inclusive work environment by supporting employee-initiated programs, resource development, and provide advocacy for affinity groups that support initiatives promoting broader learning that is diverse and inclusive.
  • Create a culture of assessment and evaluation of diversity initiatives.
  • Work in collaboration with Human Resources and Faculty Affairs, and in consultation with appropriate campus affiliation groups, in recruiting and retaining diverse faculty, staff and administrators.
  • Work in collaboration with faculty, administrators, and Graduate Studies to support and enhance research, curriculum content, and pedagogy for DEI.
  • Develop, implement, and lead diversity and cultural competency trainings and mediation/conflict resolution services for Fresno State employees and students to provide learning experiences that result in an appreciation for diversity and cross-cultural engagement.
  • Serve as a designated neutral or impartial dispute resolution practitioner to provide confidential and informal assistance to constituents of the University, including students, staff, faculty, and/or administrators in diversity related matters. Serving in this capacity, the UDO is an advocate for fairness who acts as a source of information and referral, and aids in answering individual's questions, and assists in the resolution of concerns and critical situations. Identifies patterns or problem areas in existing policies and practices and may recommend revisions and improvements and may assess the climate of the University.
  • Collaborate with other campus partners (including the Cross Cultural and Gender Center, as well as other student, staff, and/or faculty organizations/collaboratives) on the development of programs and working groups invested in diversity and equity.
  • Advise the President and other campus leaders on matters related to diversity, equity, social justice, and inclusion, including recommendations to integrate diversity and equity into workplace practices and programs in support of the University's commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action.
  • Regularly consult faculty experts as a valued campus resource. Serve as a conduit between faculty and administration, and bridge communication in matters concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Inform the President and other campus leadership on current issues and opportunities for growth related to diversity.
  • Serve as the chair of the President's Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
  • Serve as the chair of the President's Anti-Racism Council.
  • Provide leadership for the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI), including conducting training sessions for campus constituencies.
  • Communicate regularly about diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism initiatives to the campus and local communities.
  • Serve as the President's liaison to campus and community members to foster and support Fresno State's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
  • Promote a positive image and positive external relations for the University by communicating and collaboratively interacting with local community organizations, city, state, and other officials in matters related to Fresno State's diversity efforts.
  • Serve on various campus committees as appropriate.
  • Manage the budget of the President's Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
  • Reflect and demonstrate the values and mission of Fresno State.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for advancing the vision and strategic plan for the university as set forth by the President.
  • Provide support to various committees, task forces, and councils that enhance the understanding and bridge differences throughout the University.
  • Assist with the preparation of a variety of reports and correspondence, including but not limited to employment, equity and diversity/inclusion activities required by state and federal agencies.
  • Perform other related duties as required.


Required Education and Experience:
  • A master's degree in a related field from an accredited university
  • A minimum of at least five years of significant and progressive demonstrated experience leading diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, initiatives, and programming, in higher education
  • 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.
  • Demonstrated 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.


Preferred Knowledge, Demonstrated Skills, and Abilities:
  • A doctorate, JD or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited university
  • A demonstrated broad based and thorough understanding of intersectionality and other contemporary diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts and issues
  • A demonstrated knowledge of national and regional trends and best practices in higher education around diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • A demonstrated expertise in facilitating meaningful, often nuanced, and difficult conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion with a wide range of stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to engage in data-informed decision-making
  • Demonstrated ability to build bridges and successfully interact with diverse constituent groups, including fostering collaborative relationships across the campus and in the community
  • Excellent written communication and public speaking skills
  • Demonstrated experience in crisis management and conflict resolution, including mediation
  • Professional experience working with affirmative action/equal opportunity, including Title VII and Title IX
  • Demonstrated experience with administering grants and operating budgets
  • Experience working with advancement efforts, athletics, and cultural centers
  • Familiarity with the National Coalition Building Institute or other cultural competency training platforms
  • A compassionate, empathetic, and approachable leader with good listening skills and the ability to inspire and motivate others


Deadline & Application Instructions

California State University, Fresno is being assisted by Academic Search. Prospective candidates may arrange a confidential discussion by contacting Dr. Shirley Robinson Pippins at Shirley.Pippins@academicsearch.org or Andrea Cowsert at Andrea.Cowsert@academicsearch.org . Nominations may also be submitted directly to Dr. Pippins and Ms. Cowsert.

Interested applicants must apply through California State University, Fresno. To do so, click Please click "Apply Now" to complete the employment application. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) a current curriculum vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in this position prospectus, and 3) a list of three professional references. References will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate.

This position is open until filled, but only applications received by September 11, 2022, can be assured full consideration.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Vaccination Interim Policy

CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu .

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)

To apply, visit https://careers.fresnostate.edu/en-us/job/516798/university-diversity-officer-administrator-iii

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