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University of Connecticut (UConn) Health and the University of Connecticut are pleased to invite inquiries, nominations and applications for the inaugural role of assistant/associate vice president (AVP) for diversity, equity and inclusion/chief diversity officer (CDO) at UConn Health. This is an executive position that reports dually to the chief executive officer and executive vice president for health affairs at UConn Health and the vice president and chief diversity officer at the University of Connecticut. The AVP/CDO will be responsible for providing transformative leadership, vision and direction for critical diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in UConn Health's pursuit of inclusive excellence.

Founded in 1881, UConn is among the nation's top 25 public universities according to US News & World Report. UConn Health is a vibrant, integrated academic medical center that is entering an era of unprecedented growth in all three areas of its mission: academics, research and clinical care. With its main campus in Farmington, UConn Health is home to the UConn School of Medicine, UConn School of Dental Medicine, UConn John Dempsey Hospital, Outpatient Pavilion, Musculoskeletal Institute and Surgery Center, Procedures Center, nine off-campus sites and eight additional community locations across the state. UConn Health is also home to nearly 1,800 students and trainees, approximately 400 full-time faculty and a multitude of staff members of the Husky community. For more information, see the UConn Health Fact sheet 2020.

The University of Connecticut strives to nurture a community that welcomes, encourages and supports individuals who desire to contribute to and benefit from the institution's missions of teaching, research, performance and community service. The University is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment where differences are welcomed and valued. The fabric of diversity, equity and inclusion at UConn must be woven within a climate in which diverse views are welcomed and respected and in which there is a commonality that comes from working together to effect constructive change.

UConn aims to become stronger and more inclusive as an institution that explicitly promotes respect and understanding; broadens participation among underrepresented groups; advances cultural competence; celebrates intellectual openness and multiculturalism; and welcomes varied perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.

Additional information about the University of Connecticut may be found at www.uconn.edu. To submit a nomination or express personal interest in this position, please see the Procedure for Candidacy at the end of this posting.

 

Role of the Assistant/Associate Vice President Diversity, Equity and Inclusion / Chief Diversity Officer at UCONN Health

The AVP/CDO will work closely with academic, research and clinical care leaders across the organization to identify and advance diversity, equity and inclusion strategic priorities for students, trainees, faculty, staff, patients, families and community members. This work will align with and further advance UConn Health's mission of helping people achieve and maintain healthy lives and restoring wellness/health to maximum attainable levels. The AVP/CDO will utilize proven methodologies; innovative programming; and a data-driven, analytics-based approach to drive a culture of transformation, assessment and accountability.

 

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as advisor to the president and senior administration with authority and responsibility for the Storrs', regional campus's and UConn Health's EEO/AA compliance, providing leadership around equity compliance efforts across the institution.
• Serve as a member of UConn Health's leadership team.
• Advise and collaborate on UConn Health and UConn leadership around advancing diversity, equity and inclusion strategic priorities.
• Nurture an inclusive climate that respects, values, supports and advances the academic, research and clinical mission, as well as the social and personal development of all students, trainees, faculty, staff, patients, families and community members.
• Improve overall recruitment, retention, advancement and success of members of underrepresented groups.
• Enhance communication and engagement among stakeholders.
• Encourage collaboration across the organization.
• Identify exemplary practices and leverage collective resources.
• Actively solicit and manage new funding to support diversity and inclusion initiatives through grants, fundraising and other third-party funding sources.
• Understand the various laws, regulations and policies related to equity in teaching and learning, clinical care and the responsible conduct of research.
• Become familiar with and adhere to accreditation standards for multiple programs (UME, GME, hospital).

Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership

• Collaborate with stakeholders to define diversity, equity and inclusion within the context of UConn Health.
• Identify institutional diversity, equity and inclusion values and fold those principles into UConn Health's service philosophy.
• Articulate diversity, equity and inclusion strategic priorities and actions:
• Develop performance metrics
• Implement and monitor progress
• Establish and enforce accountability
• Review and assess efficacy and impact of existing diversity and inclusion educational and training programs.
• Explore the development of additional relevant educational and training opportunities for students, trainees, faculty and staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates will have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a shared governance environment and build productive relationships with a broad range of constituents.

Candidates should also have progressively responsible administrative experience that includes the advancement of diversity and inclusion initiatives; a background in strategic planning, budget development and staff supervision; a record of demonstrated integrity, professionalism and good judgment; commitment to transparent leadership, including commitment to staff professional development and wellness; and demonstrated evidence of leading diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in healthcare or higher education (examples include programming, presentations, publications, etc.).

A masters or higher advanced degree in the health professions or a related field, which includes a specialty in DEI, is required. A doctoral or other terminal degree in the health professions or a related field and experience working effectively in an academic medical center and a unionized environment are preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven or more years of management experience at the leadership level within an academic medical center or institution of higher education (ideally, previous experience in healthcare related to clinical care, public health practice, research, teaching and/or training).
• Individual record of significant contributions in the areas of biomedical research, clinical or public health practice, health disparities/health inequities research or related fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for diversity, equity and inclusion innovations in classroom education and clinical training.
• Demonstrated experience working with historically marginalized populations in education and/or health care settings.
• Awareness of the historical origins and persistence of structural factors that disadvantage under-represented populations in health care and higher education.
• Documented history of successfully developing, implementing and advancing strategic diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in a matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of the higher education landscape and its unique challenges.
• Experience developing, implementing and overseeing innovative diversity and inclusion training and education programs for a variety of constituencies.
• Effective project management, organization and analytical skills.
• Evidence of collaborative work with students, faculty, staff or other constituents at the university level and in other settings (e.g., peer institutions).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to foster collaboration.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University of Connecticut offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits and a highly desirable work environment.

For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment at the University of Connecticut is contingent upon the successful candidate's compliance with the University's Mandatory Workforce COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  This Policy states that all workforce members are required to have or obtain a Covid-19 vaccination as a term and condition of employment at UConn, unless an exemption or deferral has been approved. 

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY:

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited until the position is filled. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. For full consideration, applicant materials should be submitted by a priority date, which will soon be announced.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's Candidate Portal at: https://candidateportal.wittkieffer.com/login?returnUrl=/description?jobID=22905. 

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Charlene L. Aguilar Ed.M. 

UConn-AVPDEI-CDO@wittkieffer.com

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

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