Summary
Job Summary
The Associate Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) will serve as an educational and institutional leader in shaping and promoting equity and diversity-based policies and strategic initiatives that align with the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) vision, mission, and scientific goals. This position reports to the LASP Institute Director and provides leadership and expertise to develop, implement, maintain, and achieve the goals of LASP’s DEIA strategy. The Associate Director for DEIA will work in partnership with LASP leadership, the Diversity and Climate Committee, and lab members to foster a highly diverse, equitable, welcoming, and inclusive workplace environment.
The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
LASP is a world-renowned space science research institute at the University of Colorado Boulder. CU receives more NASA funding than any public university in the country, due in large part to LASP programs. Professional engineers work closely with scientists and assembly technicians in designing and building space flight hardware while helping mentor students as entry-level engineers working on these programs. LASP is particularly proud of a work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for diverse experiences and a broad range of responsibilities.
Responsibilities
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
DEIA Strategic Plan
- Create and maintain a DEIA strategic plan for LASP that supports multi-year objectives and aligns with the overall LASP strategic plan.
- Direct and lead implementation of the DEIA strategic plan in collaboration with LASP senior leadership team
- Establish DEIA priorities, launch and lead associated initiatives, and ensure communication at all levels of the lab.
- Provide regular progress reports on plan initiatives and activities, including an annual assessment of the plan’s effectiveness.
Leadership
- Establish effective authority and accountability measures that ensure ownership of DEIA objectives across all levels of the lab.
- Engage with LASP members to develop best practices to develop intercultural competence and to foster an inclusive culture for the advancement of scientific research.
- Provide expertise, resources, and strategies to integrate DEIA concepts into day-to-day practices to achieve LASP’s goals and objectives.
- Partner with LASP administrative units for cross-collaboration efforts on:
- Recruiting, training, and retention initiatives with a focus on underrepresented groups in science and engineering.
- Engagement with diverse external audiences through web and social media and internally promote messages of transparency and the lab commitment to equity.
- Handling concerns with sensitivity and discretion. Partner with leadership and LASP HR to address and report employee concerns related to protected class or identity.
- Create and secure educational resources for LASP members to enhance their knowledge of DEIA.
- Provide resources, guidance, and direction to LASP members as requested on DEIA topics.
- May serve as a PI, co-PI, or other senior role to lead or participate in sponsored research projects to increase DEIA in sciences and engineering.
- Partner with the RIO Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Research, Creative Work, and Innovation to align LASP with the broader CU Boulder IDEA Plan and to support ongoing efforts across the Research and Innovation Office (RIO).
- Design and create templates and guidelines for lab members to support the development of IDEA plans for NASA proposals and programs.
- Seek external funding and partnerships to enhance DEIA activities across the lab.
- Support LASP in connecting and aligning with CU Boulder’s ongoing DEI work across campus.
Assessment
- Develop an evaluation plan to assess the effectiveness of the DEIA activities implemented as a part of the DEIA plan.
- Assess effectiveness of current DEIA work across LASP and advise the LASP Director on growth opportunities for staffing and lab structure to support DEIA objectives.
- Develop and maintain DEIA evaluation activities, including tracking demographic information, data from culture surveys, organization-wide DEIA activities, national trends, and other indicators as appropriate.
- Report LASP-wide demographic statistics on a regular basis
Diversity & Climate Committee (DCC)
- Chair the LASP Diversity & Climate Committee with the goal of supporting DCC members on assessing the stage of DEIA maturity in LASP and focusing efforts to execute on initiatives that align effort and resources to the highest priority DEIA activities.
- Provide regular feedback on the effectiveness of the committee’s efforts.
What You Should Know
- We anticipate this position will support a hybrid format with at least three days of in-person work each week.
- Due to US Export Control restrictions, only US Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 200% matching for the first 5% contributed with immediate vesting.
Benefits
Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder .
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 6+ years of professional, job-related experience, including experience in a strategic DEIA-focused role.
- Research/scientific experience working in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
What You Will Need
- Commitment to the scientific mission and vision of LASP alongside a passion for fostering a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Ability to develop and lead evidence-based DEIA initiatives in service of the LASP DEIA strategic plan.
- Understanding of national trends in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
- Excellent facilitation and presentation skills with ability to adapt messaging to a variety of different audiences.
- Knowledge of skills and competencies required to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as a leader through organizational development and coaching.
- Ability to address and communicate sensitive issues with sound judgement, empathy, and discretion.
- Interest and competence in establishing professional relationships with LASP members, the broader University of Colorado population and other organizations for cross-institutional DEIA efforts and collaboration.
What We Would Like You To Have
Please note that while the position requirements are detailed in the “What we require” and “What you will need” sections, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all the skills and experience from this “What we would like you to have” section to be considered for this position. If you meet the requirements and have passion for the work, we encouraged you to apply.
- Advanced degree or certifications/studies
- Experience in leading DEIA initiatives in a scientific organization
- Experience establishing broad networks that include underrepresented groups, offering advice and support for engagement and retention.
Special Instructions
To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials
- Resume or CV.
- Cover Letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
Please apply by 3/7/24 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.