Boston University’s Office of Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) seeks a dynamic, relationship-oriented Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DDEI) to serve as a strategist and networked champion of innovative and impactful solutions to advance a more diverse and inclusive workplace that aligns with organizational priorities, retains talent, and builds a strong community.
As a member of the Strategic Talent Management (STM) team, reporting to the Associate Vice President of Advancement Resources and Strategic Talent Management (AVP) Amy Bronson, the inaugural Director will serve as a trusted advisor to DAR senior leaders and bring an insights-driven strategic DEI framework to DAR’s programs, people processes, and organizational change management. DAR’s Talent Management team is a forward-looking, agile team dedicated to designing and delivering solutions that encourage every employee to do their best work with authenticity and a sense of belonging. DEI progress blooms in many places at BU, across DAR, and in the field of advancement; the Director will support synergistic DEI strategies, initiatives, guidelines, and policies for all levels of the DAR organization. The successful candidate will bolster active DEI engagement and foster understanding in concert with formal and informal DEI advocates, including partnering closely with DAR’s Diversity Council, staff affinity groups, BU’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion (BU D&I), and other industry organizations and leading practitioners in the field.
The story of Boston University (BU) is constantly evolving, informed by a rich history of inclusion and a present-day influenced by thousands of unique perspectives. BU’s abolitionist founders opened all divisions to female students in 1872, and it appointed the first Black dean at a predominantly white university, Howard Thurman, with whom Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. studied with while earning his Ph.D. at BU in the early 1950s. Today, BU continues its evolution as a place where everyone can participate and thrive, while harnessing intellectual innovation and interconnection. BU has named diversity, equity, and inclusion a core pillar of its 2030 strategic plan, and the BU community is thrilled with the recent appointment of president-elect Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam who will join the University at a pivotal time as the first female and first Black president of BU. This moment in BU’s history creates an exciting opportunity for DAR to continue to advance its DEI work with the help of the inaugural DDEI in preparation for BU’s next comprehensive campaign and presidential transition.
This is an exciting opportunity for a thoughtful and strategic people-centered leader to join a team committed to collaboration and culture building. DAR has expanded its team significantly and is looking for a leader to augment existing DEI efforts and lead the strategic integration of DEI principles and values into DAR operations, programs, and work. Working closely with STM colleagues, the DDEI will drive DEI efforts and accountability metrics related to talent acquisition, onboarding, education programs, training, professional development, retention, and other efforts that advance an inclusive workplace.
The successful candidate will ideally bring at least eight years of experience leading DEI or antiracism initiatives, experience working collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds in a complex organization, and a demonstrated record of embedding DEI into strategy, operations, and programs. The Director will have a thorough understanding of DEI frameworks and the ability to communicate effectively to identify and solve challenges innovatively and strategically. The successful candidate should have a collegial style with a demonstrated ability to cultivate productive, collaborative relationships in a highly structured environment. The inaugural DDEI will be an inspiring, inclusive leader and a strategic advocate for all constituents, leading with compassion, transparency, and humility.
Application Instructions
Boston University has partnered with Talent Citizen to assist in this recruitment. Please contact President Tracy D. Welsh, Managing Associate Rachel K. Partin, and Associate José Cisneros to share your resume and cover letter via email at: bu-ddei@talentcitizen.com.
Boston University is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. Boston University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
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