EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, Boston University, Equal Opportunity Office

Founded in 1839, Boston University (BU) is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world with over 34,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 130 countries, approximately 10,500 faculty and staff, 17 schools and colleges, and over 300 fields of study. BU has been a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) since 2012. In 2020, BU received gifts in excess of $11.5 million to endow and fund the work of the Center for Antiracist Research. The University provides campus housing to 75 percent of its undergraduate students on the Charles River Campus. Located in the heart of Boston—a city with a rich history and diverse economy, the University is ranked by US News & World Report as #42 among national universities, and is also ranked #21 in the US and #3 in Massachusetts for Best Universities for Excellence, Equity, and Employability.

The Position

The executive director of equal opportunity provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for Boston University’s comprehensive Equal Opportunity Office (EOO) that is responsible for promoting and ensuring Boston University’s commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action. As a visible, engaged leader, the executive director is charged with ensuring an inclusive work and learning environment that is free of harassment and discrimination, incorporates best national practice, and is fully compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including Title VII, Title IX, ADA/Section 504, Clery, FERPA, and VAWA. The next executive director will manage a budget of approximately $1.2 million and will lead a staff of seven at the time they assume the role—including a Title IX coordinator, three Equal Opportunity/Title IX investigators (one of whom is an assistant director), one assistant director of compliance (ADA and Affirmative Action), one Equal Opportunity/ADA specialist, and one administrative coordinator/data analyst. Determining strategic priorities, facilitating continuous process and policy improvements, and optimizing the EOO’s fiscal and data management as well as human resources to achieve the mission and goals of the Office are key responsibilities of the executive director. Additionally, the executive director functions as the ADA/Section 504 coordinator responsible for overseeing faculty and staff accommodations.

The executive director of equal opportunity is also responsible for leading all aspects of the production and availability of the annual Affirmative Action (AA) report and partners with Human Resources (HR) on the implementation of these reports in support of the University’s objectives. In collaboration with HR and the Compliance Department, the executive director develops and ensures the implementation of appropriate required and engaging training initiatives for the University community addressing the breadth of EOO activities, including sexual misconduct prevention training. Additionally, the executive director coordinates regularly scheduled trainings and timely information dissemination to support the ongoing effectiveness of approximately 50 deputy Title IX coordinators throughout the University and works collaboratively with multiple BU colleagues to ensure compliance with relevant laws, and to review, update, and/or draft policies and procedures when necessary. The executive director serves as the EOO representative on University committees and reports directly to the associate provost for faculty affairs.

Qualifications

An advanced degree and at least seven years of full-time relevant experience are required. A JD degree and experience in a large, diverse university are preferred. Demonstrated expertise in the area of Equal Opportunity and its related laws (Title VII, Title IX, ADA, Section 504, etc.), as well as familiarity with other regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., preparation and implementation of Affirmative Action reports), are necessary for success. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding interpersonal and communication/public relations skills, including the ability to write concisely and persuasively, establish rapport, listen attentively, engender respect, and effectively communicate complex and sensitive information to individuals—faculty, staff, and students—of diverse backgrounds and identities. Additional demonstrated capabilities and experience that will be important considerations in the selection of the executive director of EOO include the following: excellent judgment in decision making; experience in data analysis reporting, planning, process improvement, and compliance management; creative problem-solving and the ability to make difficult decisions; facility managing multiple, competing priorities while meeting specific deadlines; success in developing an effective, cohesive, and collaborative team; track record of ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels throughout an organization; and an unwavering commitment to inclusive excellence.

Please Do Not Apply Through the BU Website:

Application and Nomination

Review of applications will begin February 19, 2021, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at:

https://www.spelmanandjohnson.com/position/executive-director-of-equal-opportunity/

Nominations for this position may be emailed to Valerie B. Szymkowicz at vbs@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895.

Visit the Boston University website at www.bu.edu

Boston University is committed to fostering a diverse University community within a supportive and respectful environment. We believe that the diversity of our faculty, students, and staff is essential to our success as a leading research university with a global reach, and that diversity is an integral component of institutional excellence. Boston University is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are sensitive to how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting work and personal lives, and will offer the utmost flexibility throughout the interview process. The search committee expects to conduct initial interviews virtually for the safety and well-being of all involved.