Kansas State University

President Myers invites applications for interim chief diversity and inclusion officer

Submitted by Office of the President

President Richard Myers announces a search for the interim chief diversity and inclusion officer, or CDIO. This will be an internal search open to current and qualified employees of Kansas State University. The anticipated start date is May 2.

The interim CDIO will take over leadership for Bryan Samuel, who will be leaving K-State to become vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Texas Arlington. A national search will be conducted later for the permanent chief diversity and inclusion officer with more details on that search to be announced in the future.

The interim CDIO is a senior leader who promotes a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities, ages, nationalities, social and economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religious, political and ideological perspectives, and physical and mental abilities are able to thrive and be engaged.

The interim CDIO will work across the academy with an emphasis on working with 1) Human Capital Services on faculty and staff recruitment, and retention; 2) the provost and academic organization on faculty development and curriculum; 3) the vice president for student life and associate vice president for student life/diversity and multicultural student affairs in building an inclusive campus climate that fosters mutual understanding among diverse groups; and 4) the Office of Institutional Equity as a resource to foster fair, equitable treatment and practices to all.

The interim CDIO reports directly to the president, serves on the President's Cabinet and President's Advisory Council, and is the senior diversity and inclusion advisor to the president and university leadership.

Qualified candidates must have a master's degree in a relevant field, with terminal degree or doctorate preferred. The successful candidate will be an innovative, strategic and results-oriented leader with a broad vision for the role of diversity in achieving institutional excellence. This person must be adept at facilitating difficult discussions, shepherding change, creating and strengthening partnerships, and aligning an array of efforts across the university. In addition, the successful candidate must have:

• Demonstrated success as a collaborator and relationship builder, with strong interpersonal skills and ability to build coalitions and collaborative working relationships.
• Strong track record in managing change with an understanding of the contexts, cultures and politics within institutions that impact the implementation of effective diversity change efforts.
• Record of success in fund development and external fundraising related to project administration.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and ability to build trust, credibility and navigate a complex landscape.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and implementing best practices in diversity and inclusion in higher education.
• Exceptional oral and written communications skills.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations and guidelines related to diversity and, inclusion and nondiscrimination in higher education.
• Proven analytical skills and ability to provide oversight for assessments related to campus climate, diversity and inclusion.
• History of effective leadership in a culture of shared governance.

The full position description and qualifications can be found here and on the President's Office website.

Application process:
The position is only open to current K-State employees. To apply and learn more about this position, visit the K-State Careers page and click on the "Internal" button and then click on the "Interim Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer" link. All applications must be submitted online via the application tracking system for review; please do not email applications. In your application materials, please include the following:

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experience as they relate to the listed job qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

The search committee will accept applications through April 16.

Application for the position of or appointment as interim CDIO will not preclude an individual from consideration for the permanent position.

If you have questions about the search, please contact Lindsey Fouquette, executive recruitment manager, in Human Capital Services.