Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) invites applications and nominations for the inaugural role of Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer (VPCDO). Reporting to President Lorne Buchman, the VPCDO will be a member of the Executive Cabinet and will be a strategic partner with the President, College administrators, campus community, trustees and external partners to understand, foster and enhance the College’s vision, strategic goals and integrated goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion. The VPCDO will lead the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Art and Design, which is envisioned to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at ArtCenter. The Center will not only be a model among peer institutions but also transform the disciplines and industries in which ArtCenter graduates work.

ArtCenter was founded in 1930 as The Art Center School, and the name was changed to ArtCenter College of Design in 1965 to clarify its identity as a professional, degree-granting institution with an academic focus on both art and design. ArtCenter’s visionary approach to art and design education is based on the College’s conservatory-like approach to teaching and learning; a desire for rich, intercultural and transdisciplinary dialogue; and a mandate to provide students with spaces for innovative learning and making.

The Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Art and Design (The Center) was developed to involve students, alumni, faculty, staff and trustees, as well as the communities with which ArtCenter engages externally, in robust research, exhibitions, symposia, lectures and curricular expansion on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in art and design. The College envisions The Center as an entity that will create and support collaborative and transformative activities in the service of the College’s values that are designed to break new ground through practice, scholarship and pedagogy. In addition, The Center will work with all other offices and departments at the College to ensure that DEI programs, practices and policies for faculty, staff and students are aligned with the College’s strategic plan, values and mission.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced diversity professional who appreciates and has knowledge of the fields of art and design. The ideal candidate will possess a terminal degree and bring experience in organizational assessment and development; curriculum development; recruitment and retention program development for faculty, staff and students; and community engagement in DEI efforts.

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Review of applications until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by August 10, 2018. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Statement, and the names and contact information of five professional references. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. These materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to the ArtCenter College of Design’s consultants Charlene Aguilar, Khalilah Lawson and Christine J. Pendleton at ArtCenterVPCDO@wittkieffer.com. Documents that must be mailed may be sent to ArtCenter College of Design, c/o Witt/Kieffer, 2015 Spring Road, Suite 510, Oak Brook, IL 60523. The consultants can be reached by telephone at (630) 575-3706.

ArtCenter College of Design is committed to excellence through the establishment of a diverse faculty and staff that best represents our student body and its surrounding communities. The College considers 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.