Jobs

Chief Diversity Officer

The Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) leads and implements a transformational agenda that infuses – throughout the National Communication Association (NCA) and in all of its work – a focus on and commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) to promote NCA’s mission to advance communication scholarship, teaching, and practice to foster a better world.

While IDEA is the priority and responsibility of the entire Association, the CDO will play a leading role in interpreting, communicating, and promulgating NCA’s IDEA Framework, which guides and supports the ongoing development, implementation, and evaluation of IDEA-related goals. The CDO will steer the development, execution, and assessment of these goals related to three broad areas – (1) the Association itself, (2) the field of communication, and (3) the benefits of communication for society – and ensure that these goals are woven into the fabric the organization. The CDO’s scope of work will also be informed by the IDEA strategic plan and goals and the NCA’s strategic priorities. This position will report directly to the Executive Director, serve as a member of the Senior Team, and work closely with NCA’s Executive Committee and governance groups.

The CDO collaborates with NCA staff, leadership, and members to set clear, measurable goals, develop innovative strategies, and implement systematic initiatives that foster equity throughout the organization and the discipline. The CDO leads efforts to enhance the capacity of staff and governance to interact in culturally responsive and just ways that build an inclusive climate throughout NCA and increase the effectiveness of NCA’s work. The CDO will help to guide future IDEA work based on NCA’s policies and guidelines, ensuring that it is consistent with and informed by other IDEA work of the Association.

The CDO also engages with key external organizations and stakeholders to support NCA’s IDEA goals. This position serves as a spokesperson, champion, and advocate, both within and outside the Association, for IDEA in the field of communication.

The CDO will be responsible for overseeing a renewed organizational emphasis on IDEA. As such, the CDO will serve as a primary resource for education, training, consultation, and resources related to IDEA for NCA staff and members. The CDO will also work closely with NCA’s Legislative Assembly and the Executive Committee to develop systematic strategies to orient and educate their members about diversity-related topics and issues.

NCA should be at the forefront, serving as a model for other organizations to achieve workplace equity.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above.

Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

•  Doctoral degree in Communication
• Minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral work experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in leading, developing, and implementing IDEA-related programs or initiatives
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership and management experience in a nonprofit, academic, private, or public enterprise
• Scholarly and/or practical expertise related to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, including broad knowledge across an array of social identity domains (e.g., disability status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status)
• Demonstrated competence in working collaboratively and effectively with diverse stakeholders and constituents and in skillfully navigating IDEA-related conflicts and tensions
• Demonstrated competence in administration, strategy development, and fiscal management
• Must have working knowledge and understanding of state and federal employment laws to include anti-discrimination laws, along with general IDEA best practices, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and other applicable laws.

Email inbox@natcom.org for more information on how to apply.

Job posted: 2023-08-25