Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Position:

The Director of Inclusive Excellence and Athletics Diversity Officer serves as the primary diversity, equity, and inclusion resource for the athletics department.

The Diversity Officer provides counsel, strategy, and training to unit leaders to cultivate and maintain a civil, inclusive, and respectful work context consistent with the values of SMU for staff, student-athletes, and coaches. The Athletics Diversity Officer works with the Chief Diversity Officer and unit to provide oversight and training of culturally intelligent practices to recruit, promote, and retain diverse faculty and staff and deepen overall engagement and inclusion within the athletics department and university.

Essential Functions:

• Serve on the University Diversity Council, chaired by the Chief Diversity Officer that will gather twice a month to collaborate and coordinate the diversity and inclusion efforts across campus.

• Serve as the primary coordinator & trainer for the athletics department CIQ training. This includes distributing educational and informative resources relevant to the department; providing educational interventions to our staff & student-athletes; and developing contextually relevant workshops for the members in the areas of recruitment, selection, and retention.

• Document and bring to the Director of Athletics and the Chief Diversity Officer policies, practices, or individuals that may impede the creation or maintenance of a civil, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

• Serve as the point of contact for staff and student-athlete concerns regarding diversity, inclusion, or equity issues by providing primary counsel and identifying resources and next steps.

• Serve as counsel for athletic department search committees by providing training, identifying venues for effective recruitment with diverse populations, and general assistance to the committee with the overall search process.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree is required. Master's degree is preferred. Professional development and/or educational coursework in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is desired.

A minimum of two years of professional work experience developing and managing DEI initiatives and programming is required, preferably working in a collegiate athletics department.

Experience in effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups, as well as demonstrated experience in conflict resolution and consulting is also required.

Experience facilitating trainings to deepen skills and knowledge on the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity is desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. Strong active listening skills and a strong customer service orientation are essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. The ability to manage confidential information and exercise sound judgment is essential.

Candidate must have strong organizational, planning, and time management skills. Must also have strong project management skills and a commitment to keeping all appropriate parties informed on projects and issues. A strong focus on attention to detail is essential.

Candidate must possess strong cross-cultural communication and conflict resolution skills needed to navigate complex situations to resolve problems, build consensus, and reconcile competing interests. Must also have a strong cultural awareness and ability to build trust and credibility. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is essential.

Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts and trends is a plus.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by June 30, 2022.

The position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.