Westfield State University Hiring for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) Specialist… Job at Westfield, MA Full Time

About Westfield State University:

In 1839, Horace Mann founded Westfield State University as the first public higher education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. Westfield State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people including minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and other protected persons, or individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Westfield State is the most residential of the state universities in Massachusetts, with over 60% of our 5600 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Northampton and Amherst, and 1.5 hours from both Boston and Albany.

Job Description:

Campus Title: Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) Specialist for Training & Assessment
State Job Title: Staff Associate

Department: Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI)
Job Code: HA5300
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: 7115-0100
Bargaining Unit: APA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent

Timeframe: 52 weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Specialist reports to the Divisional Vice President of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).
Supervision Exercised: The scope of the Specialist’s supervision may evolve over time to include the supervision and mentorship of interns and/or student workers.
Salary: $60,000-$65,000 (To commensurate with education and experience)

General Statement of Duties: The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Specialist for Training and Assessment is a 12-month position within the newly formed division of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). In consultation with the inaugural VP of JEDI, the EDI Specialist works to advance and embed the University’s JEDI principles, strategic goals, and initiatives through interdepartmental collaboration, employee and student engagement, and alumni relations. The Specialist will support the development and implementation of a comprehensive training and assessment protocol to advance a culturally competent Westfield State University. These training and assessment initiatives are critical in supporting Westfield State University’s 2019-2024 Strategic Plan (The Student Experience, Culture, Enrollment and Resources).

In accordance with the emerging institutional diversity plan, longer-term initiatives may include the development of a Racial & Social Justice Institute, EDI curriculum and credentialing, and an Alumni Advisory Council. In support of these potential initiatives, the Specialist contributes to the creation of EDI-specific programming, events, and learning opportunities toward the goal of building a vibrant, multicultural campus environment.

The Specialist will apply their talents in the service of the following areas:

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion trainings/workshops (40%);
• Strategic Planning and Assessment (30%);
• Collaboration with academic and non-academic units (15%);
• Serve on university committees (5%); and
• Other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (10%).

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

• In consultation with the VP of JEDI and in collaboration with campus-wide departments, contribute to strengthening the University’s culture for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Promote and enhance a sense of belonging among students, alumni, faculty, and staff particularly among those from historically excluded communities.
• Research, analyze, facilitate the adoption, and/or address EDI-specific best practices, trends, and campus community needs.
• Develop a comprehensive schedule of relevant, timely, and effective training for the students, faculty, and staff members.
• Prepare, conduct, and evaluate training activities and related initiatives to ensure that training is ongoing, and remains relevant to meet the outcomes of the University’s strategic plan.
• Work collaboratively with Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Development (SEED), Institutional Research, Human Resources, Academic Affairs, and other officials to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to JEDI, including graduation, hiring, retention, promotion, persistence, and other areas critical to students and employees belonging to historically excluded populations (race, ethnicity, low-SES, gender, orientation, identity, religion, caste, etc.).
• Collaborate with Human Resources in support of the recruitment, recognition, and retention of employees of diverse cultural heritages, identities, lived experiences, and abilities.
• Assist in organizing and hosting EDI-specific professional networking and social events and activities for students, alumni, faculty, and staff in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Serve as a liaison / resource to student, alumni, and employee affinity groups.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Education, Education Statistics, Counseling, or a related field.
• A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven ability to create, deliver, and facilitate EDI-specific trainings, events, and groups.
• Previous experience working directly with and advocating for people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic identities and lived experiences.
• Understanding of the specific experiences of historically marginalized communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian / API, disability, and LBGTQ communities.
• Strong advocacy, communication, public speaking, and social media skills.
• Passion for working for Westfield State University whose core values include embrace diversity, community, collaboration, accessibility, engagement, and excellence & integrity.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Applicants for the position of EDI Specialist for Training & Assessment Training will be required to submit a one-page diversity statement that speaks to his/her/their commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and how they plan to use data to contribute to the goal of ensuring a welcoming, caring, diverse, and inclusive Westfield State University.

Additional Information:

Salary:
For the majority of new employees, the minimum starting salary will apply. Specific salary for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining and state policies and procedures.

State job specifications for this position may be found at the department of higher education website: http://www.mass.edu/foremployees/classificationspecs/classspecs-pers.asp

Disability Accommodations:
Westfield State University understands that persons with disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance regarding disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (413) 572-8106.

Background Check:
Employment at Westfield State University is contingent upon a background check that is satisfactory to the University. Failure to provide written authorization for a background check will nullify the offer of employment.

Application Instructions:

An on-line application is required. The successful candidate must submit an official transcript at the time of hire. Interested candidates should electronically attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three references *
• Copy of unofficial transcript of highest degree

• Provide the contact information for reference providers in the reference section of the online application.

Deadline: The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalists have been selected.

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.

Covid-19 Requirements:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to complete an initial series of COVID vaccination (2 doses of Pfizer/Moderna or 1 dose of J&J) prior to coming to campus. Initial booster doses are strongly encouraged for everyone who is eligible. New employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination to Human Resources prior to onboarding. Employees who require a medical or religious exemption should email Tina Bones, Benefits Manager in Human Resources, at [email protected].

To apply, visit https://westfield.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=156219&CNTRNO=11&TSTMP=0

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