"Chief Diversity Officer"

Chief Diversity Officer

Company:
State University of New York at Cortland

Job Location:
, New York

Category:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Services

Type:
Full-Time

This full-time management confidential position reports to the president of SUNY Cortland, and is responsible for leading collaborative, strategic and results oriented implementation of SUNY Cortland's strategic plan for diversity and inclusion. As a key member of the administration and the President's Cabinet, the CDO will establish collaborative partnerships across campus to evaluate inclusiveness, implement best practices related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and influence policy to reflect our commitment to inclusive excellence.

Salary Range: $130,000+ depending on experience

Major Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Institutional Alignment

• Responsible for the implementation and ongoing assessment and evaluation of the University's strategic diversity and inclusion plan consistent with the goals and objectives set by SUNY System and the University. Confer with members of President's Cabinet to most effectively meet identified goals and objectives.
• Oversee the design and implementation of initiatives that lead to new policies, procedures, and programs with university-wide impact, addressing both internal and external issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) advising on institutional DEIB policy related to all aspects of university governance and administration.
• Collaborate with Institutional Research and Analysis to identify DEIB surveys and assessment tools to ensure ongoing assessment of DEIB related matters.
• Administer the Campus Climate Survey and develop actionable recommendations to enhance inclusion and belonging.
• Prepare an annual report highlighting activities and outcomes in support of faculty, staff, and student DEIB results.

Governance, Committees & Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate development, implementation, and monitoring of DEIB efforts. Co-chair the President's Council on Inclusive Excellence (PCIE) and work with subcommittees.
• Foster an environment of shared governance for organizational DEIB goals working with governance groups such as Faculty Senate, the Student Government Association and the Alumni Association Board.

Talent, Equity, Campus Climate, Culture & Inclusion Initiatives

• Partner with university leadership to advance institution-wide strategies that promote equitable and inclusive employee recruitment and retention practices across the University.
• Collaborate with the deans and faculty to strengthen campus-wide capacity for inclusive teaching, learning, and engagement by promoting equitable pedagogical practices and culturally responsive learning environments.
• Embed DEIB principles into student access, recruitment, and belonging initiatives to support an inclusive educational pipeline.
• Provide leadership on DEIB-informed professional development that builds institutional capacity and strengthens a culture of equity and inclusion.
• Cultivate and promote inclusive work and learning environments that encourage and support cultural competency initiatives, such as trainings, multicultural events, and affinity groups.

Communications, Community Partnerships & External Representation

• Utilize network of established experts and organizations involved in the national discussion of DEIB to advise leaders on innovative ideas and program concepts.
• Serve on committees, councils and boards including but not limited to the President's Cabinet, President's Advisory Council, SUNY Cortland Center for Gender and Intercultural Studies (CGIS) Board, and SUNY Cortland PRODiG Committee.
• Serve as liaison to the SUNY System Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) and as part of the SUNY system-wide network of CDIOs.
• Identify opportunities to integrate DEIB initiatives and build community partnerships.
• Collaborate with communications staff to develop DEIB-related materials.

Leadership and Supervision

• Articulate a vision that unites staff and define departmental objectives and goals to establish a common purpose.
• Assign duties to staff based on their roles and adjust assignments as needed. Plan, organize and monitor the progress of work and goal completion.
• Hire, onboard, and train staff. Provide clear instructions, regular feedback, and coaching. Communicate performance expectations and goals, complete performance programs and evaluations in a timely manner. Nurture the development of staff by identifying opportunities for training and career development.
• Confirm staff complete required training to maintain compliance with university policies and state and federal laws.
• Act as a liaison between staff and senior management, relaying information in both directions. Facilitate open communication and collaboration within the office. Address and help resolve staff issues and workplace concerns.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree; Minimum of five years of experience advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in a complex organization; Minimum of five years' experience in a university or similar organizational setting; Demonstrated experience mediating and resolving complex and sensitive situations

Preferred Qualifications

Doctorate degree; Certificates in DEIB practices; Experience developing comprehensive high impact diversity plans; Experience using data/metrics to track DEIB progress

About the University

A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S. body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money magazine's "Best Colleges for Your Money List," fields a powerhouse Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.

What makes SUNY Cortland a Great Place to Work

Be part of a campus that values integrity, intellectual life, and a strong focus on students. Here, professional staff maintain a meaningful presence on campus and contribute to a supportive, forward-thinking learning environment. Watch this video to learn more about careers at SUNY Cortland: https://youtu.be/krNjgXC95M0?si=k2l13TUB9mJ9YjD8

• Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.
• Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
• SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university's state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. SUNY Cortland's Child Care Center welcomes the children of employees and community members, as space allows. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor's approval.
• Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.
• Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region's offerings

Apply Today!

For more information, application instructions, and to apply online, go to: https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/11018 and be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume. Review of applications will begin March 30, 2026, and application materials will be accepted through April 8, 2026.

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