Lead for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

About Us

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a globally renowned nonprofit institution that advances research, education, citizen science, and conservation to improve the understanding and protection of birds and biodiversity. A vibrant unit within Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), the Lab has 6 interdisciplinary centers directed by full-time faculty and staff.

Our objective is to hire a Lead for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to provide subject-matter expertise and consultation to influence the development of DEI policy and practices within the Lab. The Lead for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion needs to be collaborative, passionate about DEI work, innovative, and develop big ideas focused on fostering lasting structural change across the different centers at the Lab. The ideal person is an action-oriented, creative problem solver with the desire to build diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture at the Lab.

Primary duties include 1) identifying and implementing activities that will create an environment of inclusion, respect and trust while providing subject matter expertise in the development of pathways and programs that integrate the Lab's DEI objectives 2) serving as an advisor to hiring supervisors for recruitment strategies and partners with local Human Resources and related Central offices in support of the Universities effort to be proactive in creating an inclusive climate for all. 3) building diverse partnerships and connections that proactively identify complex and sensitive DEI issues which require evaluation, problem solving, and presentation of best approaches.

Summary of position responsibilities:

• Advise and influence decisions concerning DEI policy and action plans.
• Plan, manage and coordinate DEI initiatives and efforts. Ensure these efforts align with the vision and expected outcomes are high quality and provide value to the organization.
• Work in partnership with the Lab's administration and CALS HR to research and assist in developing strategies to identify and recruit high-quality candidates in priority groups and provide advice and assistance related to planning, recruitment/hiring/admission strategies, and operations.
• Collaborate with key and future stakeholders to further the Lab's DEI mission.
• Identify, recommend, and manage all logistics with external DEI consultants, and university DEIJ trainings.
• Interpret and implement DEI recommendations from external review that best suit Lab needs.
• Present updates to the Lab's Board, and provide regular updates to Lab staff, faculty, and students.
• Recommend DEI trainings for the Lab staff, faculty, and student population.
• Build and manage relationships with business partners, community partners, and professional organizations.

This position is located at the Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York. This is a hybrid position with in-office and remote days mutually determined between you and your supervisor.

Key requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience working in diverse/equity initiatives, leading culture change within an organization, and/or diversity recruitment efforts including attracting and maintaining a diverse workforce.
• Role requires high degree of accountability, flexibility, and passion for the value that diversity, inclusion and equity brings to organizations.
• Cultural sensitivity and global thinker; knowledge of cultural competencies and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice concepts; leadership skills that relate to working with different groups and perspectives.
• Highly collaborative working style; experience developing and implementing communications and change management strategies; advanced social awareness and human relationship building.
• A champion who fosters positive and inclusive work environments; committed advocate and continuous learner for the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice work.
• Demonstrated successful partnering and collaborating with BIPOC, LGBQTIA+, and disability communities along with a proven track record of working effectively and collegially with a diverse population.
• Demonstrated track record of leading and coordinating diversity, equity, and inclusion projects and programs.
• Creative problem solver who has a desire to build diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams.
• Must have the ability to take ideas that are roughly formed and create initiatives, processes, and structure and produce results aligned with a vision and expected outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective partnerships and to work collaboratively and effectively among departments and in the community.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively facilitate meaningful dialogue within diverse groups and /create spaces for shared learning and critical thinking about race, gender and other identity related topics.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, with the ability to be effective on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Self-driven and highly motivated with a true sense of ownership from start to finish.
• Success utilizing data to inform and evaluate projects and strategies.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! Additional preferred qualifications include:

• 5+ years of total relevant work experience.
• Facilitation and instructional design.
• A commitment to professional development, learning, and being mentored.
• Prior experience with recruitment strategies.

What We Offer

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply:

Please use our online application process through Workday to submit your cover letter and resume. When writing your cover letter, please expand upon how your work experience and background would give us greater insight into how you would approach this role.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

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Employment Assistance:

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.