Position Description
The CDO/AVP leads and coordinates the University’s efforts in all aspects of diversity, inclusion, educational and employment equity, affirmative action, cultural understanding and competency, and civil and human rights.
As CDO, the individual reports to the President and is a member of the President’s cabinet. As AVP, the individual reports to the Executive Vice President and Provost, is a member of the Provost’s cabinet, and sits on the Council of Deans.
The CDO/AVP works collaboratively with Vice Presidents, Deans, Associate Provosts, Directors, other campus leaders, University committees, faculty, staff, students, and external constituents in advancing diversity and equity as core values of the University and central to its educational mission.
The CDO/AVP also provides leadership and administrative oversight to the Center for Diversity and Enrichment (staff of 20) and to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (staff of 9), both of which report to the CDO/AVP.
Characteristic Responsibilities
As CDO/AVP, the responsibilities include:
- Advance the University’s mission and goals related to diversity, equity, affirmative action, inclusion, and human rights by implementing existing programs, policies, and initiatives as well as developing new ones as appropriate.
- Seek opportunities to increase resources for the University’s mission and goals in these areas;
- Work collaboratively with all stakeholders in an institutional culture of shared governance, including Vice Presidents, University counsel, Deans, Associate Provosts, Athletic Director, directors of academic and administrative units, etc.
- Advise and coordinate University efforts to recruit and retain a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students.
- Serve as the University’s Title IX coordinator.
- Serve as a resource for best practices.
Oversight responsibilities for the Center for Diversity and Enrichment include:
- University outreach to underserved communities for pre-college student development.
- Support of recruitment, retention, and success of underrepresented students.
Oversight responsibilities for the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity include:
- Compliance of University employment policies and programs with all applicable guidelines.
- Compliance with American with Disabilities Act.
- Effectiveness of affirmative action programs.
- Investigation of complaints of violations of anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and laws.
- Reporting of information on equal opportunity, affirmative action, human rights, and anti-harassment at the University.
Required Qualifications
- Successful record of experience and leadership in advancing diversity.
- Terminal degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Excellent listening and communication skills, oral and written.
- A record of integrity, good judgment, and interpersonal skills.
Desired Qualifications
- Successful record of experience and leadership in advancing diversity in a higher education environment.
- Successful experience in strategic planning, budget development, and staff supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in shared governance.
- Successful record of collaboration and partnerships with the external stakeholders and the larger community.
- Understanding of equal opportunity, affirmative action, and other compliance regulations in the context of higher education.
*Please note: This position was formerly the Special Assistant to the President for Equal Opportunity & Diversity and Associate Provost for Diversity.
University of Iowa Office of the President Organizational Chart
University of Iowa Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost Organizational Chart
Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Vice President Organization Chart