Executive Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Company: Northeastern Illinois University
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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Job Description:
Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our
students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated
people who work to create an excellent urban university experience
for bright and motivated students. Job Summary: The Executive
Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is a
multifunctional leadership position that works with and serves the
University’s faculty, staff and students by advocating and
implementing initiatives that lead and inspire the University
community to uphold and advance the values of equity, diversity,
and inclusion as pillars of institutional responsibility. The
Executive Director of EDI provides leadership in advancing
initiatives, policies and practices that affirm and promote the
University's mission, vision and values as a Minority-Serving
Institution (MSI), Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian
American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution
(AANAPISI). The Executive Director of EDI provides leadership,
supervision and support for the development of an intentionally
inclusive University community that supports a diverse student body
through programs and services that support multiculturalism and
social justice. The Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and
Inclusion reports to the President and is a member of the
President’s Cabinet. Job Description: Provides strategic vision and
leadership for university-wide equity, diversity and inclusion
initiatives, including enhanced cultural competence, equity-based
practices, and institutional accountability. Supports the
development and design of initiatives that reflect the University’s
mission as an HSI and MSI and that promote equity, diversity,
inclusion, and belonging; Provides specific support for Latinx/a/e,
Black, and AANAPISI students, faculty, and staff to advance
retention and success. Leads the development and implementation of
proactive equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives to create a
teaching, learning and working environment that reflects and
supports the University’s diverse, intercultural and multilingual
community; Provides training and development for faculty and staff
that enhances cultural competence, that promotes a culture of
equity, inclusion and belonging, and that supports faculty, staff
and student success. Works collaboratively across University areas,
including Academic and Student Affairs, Student Success and
Retention, Center for Teaching and Learning, Human Resources, and
the University Ombuds, to implement strategies, programs and
services that support equitable faculty, staff and student success
in alignment with the University’s mission and goals. Provides
University-wide EDI programming, events, education and training to
cultivate knowledge and understanding of equity, diversity,
inclusion and access, and to build cultural competency skills
across the campus community. Supports the development, evaluation
and monitoring of metrics to assess the effectiveness of the
University’s equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives and
programs; Conducts and/or collaborates on campus climate
assessments and gathers quantitative and qualitative data to
produce EDI-related reports; Makes data-informed recommendations
for continuous improvement. Prepares and presents reports to the
campus community, the University’s governance boards, as well as
other agencies and stakeholders on EDI-related related matters that
highlight the University’s initiatives, successes, challenges and
future actions. Oversees the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity
and Intercultural Affairs (APCDIA) and provides leadership and
support for its affinity groups, programming and initiatives;
Supports University committees such as the University Diversity
Council (UDC) and Land Acknowledgement Committee (LAC). Performs
other duties necessary to accomplish the University’s goals and
objectives, and/or assigned by the President in the role of
Executive Director of Equity Diversity and Inclusion. Minimal
Qualifications: A Master's degree from an accredited institution in
higher education administration, student affairs, social justice,
public policy, organizational development, or related field; A
minimum of 5-10 years of progressively responsible EDI leadership
experience in roles focused on institutional accountability,
fostering broad participation, fairness, and belonging within a
similarly complex environment. Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated
knowledge and experience leading and advancing equity, diversity
and inclusion initiatives in higher education or similarly complex
mission-focused organizations or environments; Record of
development and advancement of institutional policies and
practices, as well as state-level equity initiatives.
Mission-Centered Experience: Specific experience with the design
and development of initiatives in support of the University’s
mission as an HSI and MSI that promote equity, diversity,
inclusion, and belonging ; Demonstrated experience serving and
supporting the retention and success of Latinx/a/e, Black,
AANAPISI, and international students, faculty, and staff. HSI
Leadership and External Partnerships: Specific experience and
expertise in HSI affairs, including leading HSI initiatives and/or
working collaboratively in support of institutional partnerships
with organizations, such as HACU and Excelencia in Education;
Administrative and/or leadership in related professional
organizations, such as ACPA and NADOHE preferred. Disciplinary
Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of EDI through practice,
advocacy, scholarship and/or research; Experience, training and/or
professional development in culturally responsive and equity-minded
approaches to institutional leadership, training and development;
Experience with restorative justice practices. Organizational
Development, Programming and Training: Demonstrated experience with
strategies for organizational change, change management and
capacity building; Experience in facilitating programs, training
and development for faculty, staff and students, including coaching
and/or mentoring; Experience with conflict-resolution,
problem-solving, de-escalation and consensus-building skill
development in organizations. Policy and Compliance: Demonstrated
knowledge of discrimination, harassment and equal opportunity laws,
policies, regulations, and other guidelines, with ability to
interpret and effectively communicate such laws, policies and
regulations; Experience with addressing equity, diversity and
inclusion and compliance issues. Cultural Competency: Evidence of
cross-cultural and intercultural competencies; Demonstration of
emotional intelligence, culturally responsive and inclusive
approaches; Ability to engage diverse stakeholders to foster
community and belonging. Relational and Communication Skills:
Exceptional verbal and written communication and presentational
skills; Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated empathy;
Demonstrated ability to foster trust and collaboration across
diverse populations and constituencies in service of
consensus-building, conflict management, and institutional change;
Experience in crisis and trauma-informed contexts a plus. OTHER
INFORMATION: The Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and
Inclusion is a senior leadership position that requires regular
in-person/on-campus attendance to meet the needs of the University
and to foster strong and collaborative interactions across the
University. This position requires a background check. Salary Range
$165,000 - $175,000 ? Benefits University employees may be eligible
for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are
administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management
Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn
more about our comprehensive benefits package including health,
dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and
participation in the State Universities Retirement System.
Transcripts Copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted; however,
official transcripts for all earned degrees will be required of
candidates selected for final interviews. Northeastern Illinois
University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and
invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons
with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals.
Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon
the University's receipt of its State of Illinois
appropriation.
Keywords: Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago , Executive Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Human Resources , Chicago, Illinois
