Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (VP for DEI)

Simpson College seeks applications and nominations for the newly created position of Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The VP for DEI is a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the President. This position will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of the College’s strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Simpson College is an independent, selective, and comprehensive liberal-arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The College encourages innovative teaching and seeks colleagues who will help its students of all ages develop critical intellectual skills and nurture values that foster personal worth and individuality for the purpose of living fulfilled lives within a creative, diverse, and just community. We recognize that many great ideas and discoveries are a result of a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. Simpson College provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

• Serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet to evaluate and advance diverse and inclusive initiatives and programs designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment and success of students, faculty, and staff.
• Partner with cabinet-level colleagues to develop recruitment and retention initiatives for students, faculty, and staff that relate to DEI. 
• Collaborate with others to create, implement and monitor programs designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of students, faculty, and staff.
• Provide strategic direction for training initiatives on cultural competency and building a climate of equity and inclusion, and other topics designed to increase awareness.
• Oversee the design and implementation of initiatives leading to new policies, procedures, and programs with college-wide impact that address internal and external issues related to equity and inclusion matters.
• Help to guide institutional responses to incidences of bias.
• Serve as the Title IX coordinator.
• Co-chair the ACDEI (All-Campus Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
• Partner with Associate Dean for Multicultural & International Affairs to leverage student leadership and organizations on DEI issues.

About Simpson College

Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines, and online. Founded in 1860, the college has 1,268 undergraduate and graduate students. Simpson offers 74 majors, minors, and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts eight Greek houses on campus, and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement. To learn more, visit simpson.edu. 

Community 

Simpson’s main campus is in Indianola, Iowa, a part of the Des Moines metropolitan area. The Des Moines area has a population of over 600,000, and economic growth has outpaced the U.S. as a whole. In addition, the cost of living is well below the national average. 

To Apply 

A complete application will include a cover letter addressing your interest in the position, resume, and contact information of three professional references.  In addition, include in the application a statement addressing how your experiences and/or interests contribute to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at Simpson College. Review of applications will begin March 15, 2021, and continue until the position is filled.

Simpson College does not unlawfully discriminate and aims to employ persons of various backgrounds and experiences to help constitute a diverse community. You will find the entire Non-Discrimination statement here. Employment will require a criminal background check, which may include, but is not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search, and motor vehicle history.