Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer

Vanderbilt University is an internationally recognized academic research university closely affiliated with one of the nation's top academic medical centers. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the institution is consistently ranked as one of the top 20 universities in the nation and was recognized in 2017 by Reuters as the 10th most innovative university in the world. With 10 schools and colleges, Vanderbilt offers undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, engineering, music, and education and human development as well as nationally recognized schools of law, business, medicine, nursing and divinity. The student body of 12,600 is made up of 6,900 undergraduates and 5,700 graduate and professional students. The university's collegial, collaborative atmosphere supports the efforts of its more than 4,700 faculty and 4,500 staff.

Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos, who just marked his 10th Anniversary in the role, has focused on enhancing access to educational opportunities and fueling discovery across academic disciplines. The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Vice Chancellor role were created in 2015 to provide leadership on the Vanderbilt campus as well as at the local and national level. The university—understanding the value that many cultures, races, abilities and varied socioeconomic backgrounds play in shaping its remarkable community—views its commitment to diversity as a true competitive advantage.

Reporting to the Chancellor and serving as a member of the Chancellor's Cabinet, the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer (VC-EDI) provides executive level leadership on equity, diversity and inclusion efforts at the university. The VC-EDI will provide high-level guidance to the Chancellor on issues of diversity and inclusion. Through partnership with the ten other Vice Chancellors and their direct reports, the VC-EDI will promote equity, diversity and inclusion, and effectively strengthen the understanding that working toward a more diverse and inclusive campus is the responsibility of all.

The successful candidate will have deep expertise and knowledge in the field of equity, diversity and inclusion; a proven track record of successfully building and advancing diversity initiatives in a complex organization with multiple constituencies; contributions to thought leadership in diversity and inclusion; and awareness of best practices for organizations relevant to Vanderbilt. This individual will also have exceptional communication and relationship building skills.

Vanderbilt University will be assisted by Ellen Brown Landers, Billy Dexter and Tracie Smith of Heidrick & Struggles. Initial review of applications will begin immediately. Please provide a letter of interest and a CV for consideration to the below address.

Vanderbilt University

Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Search

c/o Heidrick & Struggles, Inc.

Email: vanderbilt@heidrick.com

Telephone: 404 682 7316

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages individuals of all backgrounds and cultures to consider this leadership position. The university's commitment to inclusivity encompasses, but is not limited to, diversity in nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age and disability.