University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

Rush University has prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a learning environment in which all faculty, staff, and students can thrive.  The University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (UDEIO) will provide oversight and leadership to develop new strategies and monitor progress in closing identified gaps against our goal of creating a world class culture. 

This position will report directly to the President of Rush University and secondarily to the Chief Diversity Officer of the RUSH System.  The UDEIO will focus on university DEI issues and, where overlap exists with the work of the Rush BMO Equity Institute and/or the Rush System, work collaboratively to coordinate all efforts. This leader will be a member of the University Executive Management Council, the Diversity Leadership Council (DLC), and the Racial Justice Action Committee (RJAC). 

We believe DEI is everyone’s responsibility and does not fall solely under one individual.  In each of the colleges of Rush University, there is a DEI point person who reports to the respective dean and who will work synergistically with this position.  Each college and program have DEI goals and these goals will provide the roadmap for execution of our strategic initiatives.  The UDEIO will work with each college to monitor and facilitate Rush’s overall DEI goals.

The UDEIO will assure accurate information concerning our metrics of performance, maintain an inventory of all university DEI activities, provide expertise concerning new strategic initiatives, communicate our progress, and coordinate these efforts to assure consistency.  The UDEIO will help to blend the individual college strategies to create a university culture of inclusion.

Serving as an expert and advisor for Rush leadership, the UDEIO will ensure all university participants are abreast of current best practices and engender a nuanced understanding of the complexity of issues involved in creating and maintaining a more inclusive and diverse University. The UDEIO will work with the President, Provost, Deans, Vice Provosts, and others to ensure the necessary resources are available to implement diversity and inclusion strategies and plans.

The UDEIO will interface with RUMC and the Rush System to implement the shared elements of DEI in the strategic plan.  The UDEIO will exemplify the Rush mission, vision, and values and act in accordance with all policies and procedures.

This leader will be provided with an appropriate staff and budget as well as additional development opportunities for professional growth.  Similarly, although envisioned as a full-time position, up to 20% time may be spent in an approved faculty area or initiative that would complement this work and this leader’s development.

Job Responsibilities:

• Coordinate university strategies and programs and develop actionable goals and measurable outcomes to achieve our vision of a world class culture.
• Create a single source of information concerning DEI metrics for the university.
• Communicate the university DEI vision and strategic initiatives and assure coordination with the strategies of other components of Rush.
• Work closely with students, staff, and faculty to assure representation of all interests and concerns.
• Provide insights into best practices for Rush’s DEI efforts.
• Work with university and health system leadership to effectively address issues that might arise within Rush.
• Work effectively with the DLC, the Rush Racial Justice Action Committee, and all affinity groups to assure inclusion of diverse opinions in the development of our plans.
• Work with university and health system leadership on policy issues that might impact DEI efforts.

Required Job Qualifications:

• Graduate health science degree and/or academic experience is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytic skills and data driven focus.
• Ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Extensive knowledge in the field of diversity science and proven ability to develop and execute a strategic plan.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural humility and an ability to engage with individuals of diverse cultures and perspectives.

Disclaimer:

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.