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 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.

Additional 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).

• 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.

This is an opportunity for a recognized leader in the science and practice of diversity, equity and inclusion to join an organization and broader university community that has demonstrated its commitment to institutional values and community standards in various tangible ways. In July 2020, UConn named Dr. Frank Tuitt as vice president and chief diversity officer. Dr. Tuitt has over two decades of higher education administration experience and most recently served as chief diversity officer at the University of Denver. The UConn Health AVP/CDO will work closely with Dr. Tuitt as a thought partner, strategic leader and implementer across UConn Health - responsible for providing transformative leadership, vision and direction for critical diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in UConn Health’s pursuit of inclusive excellence.

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.

• 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.

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/.