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Equity, Access, and Social Justice (EASJ) are core values and commitments of Emerson College. The Director of Strategic Initiatives for Equity and Social Justice will advance a portfolio of high priority projects that deepen EASJ efforts across Emerson College.

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Equity & Social Justice (VP), the Director is a senior-level professional with extensive responsibility for leading and monitoring a range of strategic efforts from ideation to implementation and assessment in collaboration with institutional stakeholders. The goal is to create sustainable tools, resources, and initiatives that help to transform Emerson's culture and experiences in ways that exemplify inclusion.

This position resides in the Social Justice Collaborative (SJC) of Emerson, which also includes the Elma Lewis Center, Healing & Advocacy Collective, and the Hub for Inclusive Visionary Engagement (HIVE), and the Office of the Vice President for Equity & Social Justice.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Advance a range of complex institutional projects and initiatives connected to the College's EASJ goals, as directed by the Vice President for Equity & Social Justice (VP).
• Ensure thoughtful strategy and effective project management from ideation to implementation, assessment, and iteration in collaboration with the Social Justice Collaborative (SJC) and key stakeholders across the College.
• Manage the continuing feedback loop around the strategic initiatives in their portfolio with involved parties.
• Communicate through accountable, transparent, and organized methods to strengthen projects and initiatives, providing regular updates to a wide set of stakeholders, as needed and as directed by the Vice President for Equity and Social Justice.
• Support the Vice President for Equity and Social Justice in coordinating standing institutional committees, including the Presidential Advisory Group for Community & Equity (PAG) and the Community Equity Action Plan. Support other institutional committees and working groups as needed, as well as ad hoc working groups and task forces focused on EASJ priorities.
• Research, benchmark, and provide up-to-date resources as a part of strategically guiding their initiatives in their portfolio.
• Ensure a centering of equity, access, and social justice best practice within all projects and initiatives in their portfolio.
• Ensure adherence to Emerson policies, protocols and commitments within all projects and initiatives in their portfolio.
• Develop, review, and consult on routine and non-routine high-level communications from the SJC or the College at the request of the Vice President for Equity and Social Justice or the Office of Communications.
• Work in partnership and collaboration with the Vice President and staff of the Social Justice Collaborative, including the Elma Lewis Center, Healing & Advocacy Collective, and HIVE, contributing to SJC initiatives, programs, and events, and participate in SJC meetings, retreats, and professional development efforts related to social justice praxis.
• Manage two direct reports.
  

QUALIFICATIONS - Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job.

• Master's Degree or commensurate experience required
• 10-12 years of direct experience tied to enacting DEI and/or social justice and equity practices
• Direct experience leading coordinated strategic efforts, multitasking effectively across highly complex projects, developing appropriate timelines and metrics to advance strategic efforts, goals, and outcomes through accountable and measurable means
• Direct experience working within higher education; deep knowledge of higher education systems, structures, and practices
• Direct experience with change management and shifting organizations for the purpose of equitable culture change, preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.

• Exemplary written and oral communication skills, active and empathetic listening, and the ability to synthesize and distill information for a range of audiences
• Proven effectiveness at building relationships and collaborating across all areas of a college or university: administration, faculty, students, and staff
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of equity, access, and social justice; understanding and appreciation of trauma-informed practices
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and visioning skills
• Demonstrated human-centered supervisory skills
• Project management skills
• Strategic planning skills
• Self-awareness and interpersonal skills; ability to engage authentically with diverse communities and to build trust and rapport in support of shared work

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• Requires ability to lift and move objects that are light
• Requires ability to move materials occasionally

WORK ENVIRONMENT - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Usual Office Conditions

COMPENSATION

Starting salary for this position will be between $ 139,807 - $178,254 annually commensurate with experience.

This position is primarily a hybrid role with mandatory days in the office as needed. The hybrid arrangement will be made upon hire. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Boston campus in order to ensure operational effectiveness.

Grade of Position: 23-15E

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.

About Us
Emerson College is the nations only four-year institution dedicated exclusively to majors in communication and the arts in a liberal arts context. Its main campus is located in the center of the dynamic multicultural city of Boston, in close proximity to major publishing houses, arts institutions, and research centers. The college also has campuses in Los Angeles and the Netherlands. Emerson College enrolls over 4,300 graduate and undergraduate students from more than 70 countries and all 50 states.

Diversity Statement
Emerson College believes diversity enriches the educational experience by providing students with the opportunity to learn from individuals who may have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Engagement with diversity in the curriculum, in our co-curricular offerings, and all other aspects of the College enhances the personal and intellectual growth of all members of our campus community. Emerson is committed to strengthening communities, including our workplace, by fostering the development of the intercultural competencies necessary for meaningful citizenship in an increasingly complex, pluralistic society. Emerson College does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender in its educational programs or activities. Emerson has designated the Associate Vice President, Title IX, and Clery Coordinator to respond to inquiries regarding the College Sexual Misconduct Policy. The Title IX Coordinator may be reached at 8 Park Plaza, Transportation Bldg, Room 230 Boston, MA 02116; Telephone: 617-824-8999; email: titleix@emerson.edu

Annual Clery Report
In accordance with the federal Clery and Campus SaVE Acts, Emerson College commits to providing all current and prospective students and employees with access to the annual campus security reports for each of our campuses. This report may be accessed from the Emerson College Police Department website.

Grade Ranges
Information on Emerson College staff grade rangejeid-d1d45e77ecff314180f87f46f3bf260a