Executive Director of DEI

About Portland State University

Portland State University is seeking a bold, forward-thinking leader to help shape the future of an institution deeply rooted in access, equity, and community impact. This Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion role is a rare opportunity to influence the direction of a dynamic urban university at a time when inclusive excellence, resilience, and innovation matter more than ever.

PSU provides access to a top-tier education as a key driver of economic and social mobility, a source of growth for the diverse communities in the region, and a catalyst for social progress. We remain steadfast in our longstanding commitment to an equitable, student-centered future. And this isn't just what we do – it’s who we are.

About this Opportunity

You will help align vision with action, working collaboratively with academic and administrative leaders, multicultural student services, faculty, staff, students, and community-based partners. You will not directly supervise any functional area but will elevate participation for members of the PSU community across all dimensions of difference through partnership and shared leadership — connecting ideas, people, and purpose to ensure every individual at PSU feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Reporting directly to the President, you will serve as a trusted strategist, thought partner, and catalyst for change — advancing a university-wide culture where fairness, belonging, and meaningful dialogue are woven into every aspect of campus life.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision

In close partnership with senior leadership, translate vision into an actionable strategy with clear priorities, and effective engagement and change-management practices, while ensuring consistent communication of commitments, goals, and successes across the University.

Executive Advising and Campus Insights

Serving as a trusted strategic advisor to President Cudd and the senior leadership team, provide timely counsel on complex, sensitive, and emerging DEI-related issues and policies, based on deep expertise and an in-depth, ongoing understanding of campus climate and perspectives.

University-Wide Collaboration and Support

Partnering across academic and administrative units, provide consultation and support to leaders and campus groups navigating change and advancing their equity goals, while connecting campus-wide efforts, fostering transparency, and amplifying impact.

External Relations and Representation

Serve as an ambassador and spokesperson, collaborating with externally-focused teams to strengthen community and identify partner, donor, and funding opportunities that advance PSU’s mission and impact.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Leadership: A minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible DEI leadership experience in roles focused on fostering broad participation, fairness, and belonging, within a similarly complex environment.
• DEI Strategy: Demonstrated success in developing comprehensive strategy to promote inclusive excellence, with a deep understanding of fiscal and resource management, implementation, adoption, and accountability.
• DEI Expertise: Extensive knowledge of current best practices, laws, theories, and challenges in creating inclusive and equitable environments in higher education.
• Relational Skills: Superlative interpersonal, empathic, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all dimensions of diversity to build consensus, manage conflict, and lead change.
• Data & Metrics: Proven ability to analyze data and use it to identify systemic inequities and drive outcomes, with a strong commitment to data-informed decision-making.

Annual Salary: $160,000 - $175,000

Generous Benefits and Retirement Package: Estimated at 38% of Salary (view details at https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator).

Work Model and Location: In-person, residing in the Portland metro area (OR or WA).

To Apply:

Please view additional details and share your cover letter & resume on our ED of DEI posting at https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/49262.

This opportunity will be open through 11:59pm PDT on March 9, 2026. Please note that candidate selection will begin in late February for our March interview dates.

To learn more about us, our mission, and living in our beautiful home city of Portland, Oregon, please visit our Careers site at https://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/.