AddressMIT is home to the first professional Architecture program in North America (1861), which graduated MIT’s first Black alumnus, and America’s first Black Architect, Robert R. Taylor, in 1881. Today, with the Architectural profession still lacking significant diversity, the MIT Architecture department has a central goal of supporting a diverse and inclusive culture within the department, and, through these efforts, supporting a more diverse profession. We are currently seeking an individual to bring professional experience in the field of diversity, equity and belonging to support this goal.
The Architecture Department is seeking an exceptional individual who can work within the department to help develop a diverse and inclusive culture, and bring and apply knowledge from the field of diversity, equity and belonging to support best practices in the department. This individual will work to (i) design and implement outreach activities throughout the department, with a primary focus on students., (ii) promote a sense of belonging throughout the department, (iii) work with internal and external partners to develop tools, resources and a range of solutions to grow this culture, and (iv) help support diverse populations of students post-graduation, as well as within the department, by supporting our links to and support to graduated students.
The Officer will work with the Architecture community to implement best practices that strengthen inclusion around race, gender, disabilities, sexuality, nationality, social class, and religion, with a particular focus on students and staff. Will work closely with the SA+P Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Student Support and relevant committees to define community values, develop and implement plans of action to promote diversity, equity, and belonging, and assess and report on the outcomes. Will work closely with the Department Head and Director of Administration and Finance on priorities and implementation. The individual in this position must be prepared to assist in creating policy, identify resources needed, and be responsible for implementing the actions resulting from policy within the department.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions**)
- Design and implement outreach activities to attract, retain, and support the success of a diverse population, with a focus on undergraduate and graduate students. This includes developing activities to attract first-year MIT students and recruitment strategies to encourage graduate students to apply.
- Develop, implement, and lead programs and initiatives that sustain diversity, equity, and respect and advance and support MIT’s long-standing commitment to workplace diversity, as well as enhancing Diversity and Inclusion across the department.
- Ensure the department tracks qualitative and quantitative metrics, and communicate key data elements in persuasive ways to motivate change. Develop benchmarks by comparing demographic data with peer schools and track progress.
- Provide consultation and advice to department leadership on current non-discriminatory best practices and regulations.
- Identify and assist in the submission of proposals, in collaboration with faculty, to raise funds to support Diversity and Inclusion objectives.
- Collaborate with the Associate Department Head for Strategy and Equity to define community values, develop and implement plans of action to promote diversity, equity, and belonging and report on the outcomes.
- Manage the Application Assistance Program and assist graduate student admissions committees in their review of applications.
- Collaborate with the Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) on diversity efforts in staff hiring, as well as creating an inclusive and equity work environment for department staff.
- Organize events and group activities to increase a sense of community and belonging, including Random Acts of Kindness Week and Grad Student Appreciation Week. Responsible for organizing speaker series with DEI experts.
- Host weekly DEI office hours for all community members.
- Meet regularly with student groups, in coordination with the Department Head.
- Manage Student Lounge and supervise a student worker.
- Connect with student ArchREFS regarding department climate.
- Consult with the Faculty Diversity Committee, as needed
- Communicate regularly, through faculty meetings, staff meetings, town halls, etc., on DEB efforts. Maintain DEB website.
- Manage budget dedicated to DEB efforts.
- Other duties as needed, required or assigned.
Supervision Received:
Department Head and SA+P Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Supervision Exercised:
Student DEB assistant
Qualifications & Skills:
- A bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree in higher education administration, human resources, social justice, or cultural diversity is preferred; a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience and a demonstrated track record of leading Diversity and Inclusion efforts in higher education.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and Inclusion; understanding of social justice, the dynamics of power and privilege and social identities.
- Evidence of strategic and tactical thinking about Diversity and Inclusion and the ability to scale projects to achieve maximum impact.
- Knowledge of community organization, and experience working with students, staff and faculty to create events around Diversity and Inclusion.
- Experience facilitating learning opportunities for faculty, students and staff.
- Must be highly organized, able to manage multiple complex projects, be adept at problem solving, and possess superior analytical skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams with diverse skills and areas of expertise.
- Strong consultation, presentation, meeting design and facilitation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate and work in a team environment.
- Experience with successful change management and project management.
