Partner with the President's Chief of Staff to support the
Cabinet and Leadership Team in advancing institution-wide equity
goals through strategic planning, communication, collaboration, and
team development.
Collaborate with offices across campus to develop, implement,
and assess training and professional development programs that
strengthen competencies related to equity, inclusion, and belonging
and enhance effectiveness in working across differences and with
diverse populations.
Work with Human Resources and executive leadership to sustain
equitable recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention practices
that support the development of a workforce reflective of and
responsive to the College's student population.
Partner with campus-wide committees, including but not limited
to Strategic Planning, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and
Belonging Committee, and the Racial Equity and Justice Institute,
to develop, implement, and assess initiatives that advance
institutional equity and belonging and align with accreditation
standards, strategic priorities, and the mission of MCLA.
Review and assess institutional policies, programs, practices,
services, and resources through a lens of access, equity,
engagement, student success, and belonging.
Analyze and leverage institutional data and assessment tools,
including the Campus Climate Survey and NSSE, to inform
decision-making and improve enrollment, persistence, engagement,
and graduation outcomes for all students, particularly those
historically excluded from higher education.
Identify policies, practices, and conditions that impede the
creation of an inclusive and equitable campus environment and work
collaboratively, under the President's guidance, to develop and
implement solutions.
Lead campus-wide programs, initiatives, and communications that
foster an inclusive and welcoming community by collaborating with
faculty and staff on activities such as MCLA's Day of Dialogue,
Lavender Lecture Series, Summit for Racial Equity, and other
related programs.
Perform other duties as assigned by the President in support of
institutional priorities related to diversity, equity, inclusion,
belonging, and student success.
Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree from an accredited institution.
- Five to ten years of progressively responsible leadership
experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
initiatives within higher education, nonprofit organizations,
government agencies, or other public-serving institutions.
- Demonstrated success leading organization-wide DEIB
initiatives, programs, and strategic efforts.
- Demonstrated experience using data and assessment results to
inform decision-making and drive organizational improvement.
- Demonstrated experience facilitating dialogue, workshops,
training, or educational programs in higher education or comparable
settings.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively, inclusively, and
collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds,
identities, perspectives, and experiences.
- Experience teaching, training, coaching, or facilitating
learning and skill development, preferably in a college or
university setting.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex information, apply
critical thinking, and develop practical solutions to institutional
challenges.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working
relationships across diverse constituencies.
- Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication,
project management, and organizational effectiveness.
- Demonstrated fiscal stewardship, budget management experience,
and sound resource allocation practices.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise
sound professional judgment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Earned doctorate or other terminal degree from an accredited
institution.
- Ten or more years of relevant leadership experience.
- Current and relevant certifications, training, or professional
development in areas such as cultural competency, restorative
practices, conflict resolution, organizational change management,
or related disciplines that support inclusive and equitable
post-secondary educational environments.
DESIRED LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS:
The MCLA community has identified the following leadership
characteristics as important for the Chief of Staff for Diversity
and Equity:
- Demonstrates action-oriented leadership informed by
scholarship, reflection, and continuous learning.
- Values collaboration, relationship building, and transparent
communication.
- Respects and encourages diverse perspectives, ideas, and
approaches to problem-solving.
- Actively listens to others and communicates ideas openly,
respectfully, and constructively.
- Fosters trust through transparency, integrity, and
accountability.
- Demonstrates a commitment to equity, inclusion, and social
justice.
- Approaches student success from a growth-oriented and
asset-based perspective.
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, permanent, benefitted position starting in
January 2027. There is some flexibility with the start date. Salary
for this position is $115,000-$125,000 per year.
Employee Benefits:
Health Insurance: MCLA offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type
health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is
effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is
effective immediately.
Retirement: The MA State Employee Retirement System provides
eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year
vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible
employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5%
employer matching contribution. Tuition Waivers & Discounts:
eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children,
receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges,
and universities.
Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous
vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.
Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation,
issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the
entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not
eligible for visa sponsorship.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to
qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you
need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application
process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human
Resources.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to
fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and
inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular
and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and
employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin,
age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity,
gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status,
veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the
basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they
operate, which extends to admission and employment.
Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other
non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title
IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of
the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.
Lucas Morrill
Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator
375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247
Telephone: (413) 662-5103
Titleix@mcla.edu
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424
Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877)
521-2172
OCR.Boston@ed.gov
Application Instructions:
Candidates are required to submit a resume, cover letter, online
application and 3 professional references. To submit application
materials, click the apply now button below.