Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity stands with ethics, integrity, and academic excellence as a cornerstone of the culture at the University of Virginia.  UVA Engineering is committed to fostering diversity through a welcoming and supportive environment for its students, staff, faculty and other constituents. We believe in nurturing a working and learning environment that respects and values differences in culture, age, gender, race, ethnicity, economic background, ability, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation, among others. We believe in the strategic value of diversity in creating knowledge and preparing future engineering leaders.

The Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will report to the Dean of UVA Engineering and lead our Office of Diversity, Equity and Engagement. This office encompasses the Center for Diversity in Engineering, and the Clarks Scholars Program. The position will work closely with the University’s Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Partnerships, as well as other diversity officers within UVA.

UVA Engineering has the highest four-year graduation rates among public universities in the country for undergraduate engineering students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in engineering, and one of the highest percentages of women engineering students. We are fundamentally committed to increasing diversity in all its forms among students, faculty and staff.

The Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will engage and excite students, staff, faculty and others to foster an inclusive and affirming community within and outside of UVA Engineering.  The position will be a member of the engineering leadership team and work collaboratively with associate deans, department chairs, faculty, staff, students, and other partners to implement the Inclusive Excellence plan for the school. We seek a thought leader and facilitator with a vision for ensuring that our core value of excellence through diversity pervades all we do and shapes our learning and research environment. The associate dean should possess the knowledge, skills and experience to turn our vision into strategies and actions that will enable the school to:                                                                                                              

• Create a diverse and inclusive UVA Engineering community where all people are valued.
• Design and develop initiatives focused on creation and cultivation of an equitable and inclusive work environment.
• Collaborate with university partners to recruit and retain a diverse student, faculty and staff body.
• Design educational workshops, trainings, and materials for faculty and staff to gain awareness, knowledge, and skills in areas related to social justice, equity and inclusion.
• Support the success of diverse faculty, staff, and students, particularly from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in engineering.
• Utilize an equity mindset in the creation and reform of school policy and procedures.
• Implement inclusive learning practices that give all students opportunities to achieve academic success.
• Implement research and evidence-based best practices for engineering education that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
• Build supportive, effective relationships with faculty, staff, and peers in UVA Engineering and with colleagues across UVA and the broader community.
• Develop and expand outreach activities in the community and the field of engineering.
• Provide support for assessment and tracking of DEI related initiatives and issues in the school.

The associate dean also will partner with relevant UVA Engineering colleagues, including the Office of Advancement and Corporate Relations, Office of Research, as well as colleagues across UVA to seek external funding through grants and gifts for future expansion of programs and services that promote a diverse and inclusive community.

Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree and at least seven years of administrative and supervisory experience. Additional qualifications include excellent verbal and written communication skills, subject matter expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as a proven track record of data driven decision making.

Preference will be given to candidates with a terminal degree and DEI experience in an academic environment.  Candidates from outside of higher education with relevant, transferable skills and experience will be considered and are encouraged to apply.

While this role is envisioned to be a full-time University Staff position, a faculty appointment is also available depending on the qualifications and preferences of the successful candidate. To be considered for a faculty appointment the candidate must have a PhD with a research area that complements current UVA Engineering focus areas. The primary and secondary appointments for these positions will be determined by the candidate’s areas of expertise.  Rank, tenure-status, and compensation are contingent upon experience.

Priority applicant review will begin October 17, 2022. This position will remain open until filled. The selected candidate will be required to complete a background check per University policy prior to their first day of employment. 

For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Melanie Sponaugle, recruiter at unw5dq@virginia.edu. 

For additional information regarding the position, please contact Brian Smith, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at bls2z@virginia.edu.

To Apply:

Please apply through Workday and search for requisition R0040564. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs.’ Complete an application online with the following documents: Complete an application online and attach:

• Cover letter – The cover letter should clearly relate the applicant’s experience to the responsibilities and requirements outlined in the position specification and describe their vision for making UVA Engineering a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• CV/resume, and
• Contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, address).

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

For more information on the benefits at UVA, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education: Master’s degree in business, accounting, or related discipline
Experience: At least seven years of administrative and supervisory experience. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Licensure: None
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visit the UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines  webpage prior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirements and guidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.