Director of Inclusion and Community Relations

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Independently develop and execute departmental and the University Strategic plan that aligns with the Alliant IMPACT values, mission, vision, and goals; leads IMPACT values engagement across the entire university.
• Conduct regular assessments to evaluate inclusion and engagement across teams and advocate for a more just and inclusive environment using community-engaged approaches.
• Work closely with marketing and admissions to lead student recruitment efforts at the highest level and help grow the student body at Alliant.
• Plan, implement, oversee, support, and evaluate community engagement efforts and impactful community-engaged partnerships.
• Co-lead with Provost and VP of Student Affairs initiatives to improve student learning outcomes, retention, completion rates, and licensure pass rates across all groups of students.
• Work with university career services to establish professional pathways for Alliant students.
• Lead Alliant's Public Benefit initiatives and Bcorp status in conjunction with the Office of People and Culture.
• Drive measurable social impact programs.
• Promote Alliant's commitment to a climate of equity and inclusion through interaction with individuals and agencies inside and outside the university including the Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, Executive Staff, supervisory staff, employees, students, public, community leaders from all groups, civic and grass-root organizations, and government agencies.
• Oversee ongoing faculty and staff development education for inclusive excellence topics; lead educational and developmental experiences.
• Develop and implement institution-wide Inclusiveness strategies aligned with the university's mission and legal frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state regulations (e.g., Titles VI & IX, ADA). Oversee policy development and enforcement. Serve as the University's Title VI leader.
• Partner with OPC to design and deliver training on cultural competency, anti-discrimination, and inclusive practices for all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, administrative departments, and academic programs around equity, inclusion, multicultural and/or international initiatives and issues.
• Work with Office of People & Culture to attract and retain a diverse workforce and assess effectiveness of hiring strategies.
• Partner with Marketing and Communications to communicate initiatives, events, and progress internally and externally.
• Identify, build, and sustain partnerships with student organizations, schools, and other stakeholders to support inclusive initiatives and strategies.
• Continuously review university practices, policies, and structures to identify needed improvements towards achieving established goals.
• Participate in grant proposals and fundraising efforts to support initiatives.
• Perform other related tasks, duties, and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.

Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education and relevant higher education/diversity experience; doctoral degree preferred.
• Five (5) years' work experience in higher education, preferably in training, management, or multidisciplinary and/or multiethnic consultation.
• Demonstrated success leading and influencing inclusion practices as an executive champion.
• Capabilities in leading the integration of multiple data sources into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to work with a diverse student, faculty, and community.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Flexibility, independence, tolerance for organizational complexity and ambiguity, and enthusiasm for higher education and the university's mission.

Nice to Have

• Doctoral degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (Doctoral preferred).
• Five years of experience in higher education or related fields.

Benefits & Perks

• Not explicitly specified in the description.