Job Description

Chief Diversity Officer - Revised

POSITION DETAILS

Brooklyn College, a top-ranked public college in The City University of New York system, invites applications for the position of Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). Reporting to the President, the CDO ensures institutional compliance with all federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws and policies. This role is inherently investigative: conducting impartial inquiries into complaints of discrimination, harassment, or bias; reviewing relevant data and documentation to identify compliance gaps; and advising senior leadership thereof.

The CDO is responsible for managing the Office of Diversity & Equity; and collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and affinity groups to cultivate a workplace climate that embraces and sustains diversity and inclusion. This position serves as a member of the President’s Extended Cabinet and will counsel the college's administration, faculty, and staff regarding equal employment opportunity (EEO), affirmative action, and related compliance procedures. The CDO works closely with Legal Affairs & Labor Designee, Human Resources, department chairs, administrators, and partners with campus leaders, faculty, staff, students, various committees, and external constituencies.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Investigative Leadership:

• Lead and manage impartial investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment, and inequitable practices.

• Gather and analyze evidence, interview stakeholders, and draft clear, evidence-based reports with findings and recommendations.

Policy Development & Compliance:

• Develop, review, and update institutional policies to ensure alignment with federal, state, and local non-discrimination statutes (e.g., Title VI, Title IX, ADA, ADEA).

• Monitor compliance, coordinate with legal counsel as needed, and recommend corrective actions.

• Investigates and oversees investigations of complaints involving faculty, students, and staff asserted under Titles VI and VII, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title IV, Title IX, federal, state and local Disability Law, CUNY policy and under any other law that prohibits discrimination based on a protected status; and ensures the College is in compliance with all laws, rules and regulations including but not limited to Title VII, ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title IV, and Title IX.

Data Analysis & Climate Assessment:

• Oversee collection and analysis of campus climate surveys and diversity metrics.

• Identify trends, areas for improvement, and measure effectiveness of DEI programs.

Strategic Planning & Program Management:

• Design and implement a comprehensive, multi-year Diversity & Inclusion strategic plan.

• Manage the Office of Diversity & Equity budget, staffing, and resources.

• Oversees the implementation of the College Affirmative Action Plan through issuance of guidelines for college officials, administration, and supervisory personnel. Analyzes Affirmative Action data, prepares the annual Affirmative Action Plan and updates the status of the EEO/AAP program at the end of each year, and provides recommendations for improvement.

• Collaborates with Human Resources in the recruitment process, including reviewing vacancy postings and advertisements, overseeing search committees in the implementation of the Affirmative Action program regulations, providing guidance to search committees regarding recruitment efforts for a diverse faculty and staff, providing information on under-utilization for relevant constituencies and monitoring employee recruitment and selection to ensure compliance with EEO/AAP policies and plan.

• Conducts periodic compensation and adverse impact analysis.

Training & Education:

• Develop and administer training programs and curriculum for students, faculty, and staff to address issues such as sexual harassment, violence in the workplace, supporting diversity, and engaging employees and students with disability.

• Develop and deliver training on unconscious bias, cultural competency, bystander intervention, and legal obligations.

• Collaborate with HR and academic divisions as needed.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the president, cabinet, faculty, and student leaders on matters of non-discrimination.

• Represents Brooklyn College on various committees and programs designed to address issues of college compliance, diversity, and underrepresented groups.

• Serves as the liaison to the City University of New York on compliance and diversity-related matters; attends meetings of the Chief Diversity Officers Council and other college committees.

Competencies

• Exceptional analytical and investigative skills

• In-depth knowledge of non-discrimination law and higher-education governance

• Strong written and verbal communication, including public speaking

• Conflict resolution and mediation expertise

• Strategic vision with ability to translate data into programs

• Collaborative leadership and change-management acumen

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

• Bachelor's Degree and eight years' relevant experience required.

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership in investigations, non-discrimination compliance diversity, preferably within higher education.

• Demonstrated track record conducting formal investigations and producing evidence-based reports.

• Experience developing policies, strategic plans, and managing DEI-related budgets and staff.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Higher Education Administration, Compliance).

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree strongly preferred. JD degree with licensed admission to the bar a plus.

• Experience in higher education and a unionized environment.

• Ability to forge constructive relationships, build consensus across the institution, and function collaboratively with diverse internal and external stakeholders at all levels and functions.

• Proven proficiency in resolving complaints, conducting investigations, handling grievances, mediating conflicts, and overseeing policy administration.

• Experience related to EEO/AA, VAWA, Clery Act, Title IX and/or other federal or state non-discrimination laws.

• A record of successful leadership; and strong organizational skills with the ability to establish plans, launch new initiatives, and manage multiple assignments with conflicting priorities and strict deadlines.

• Demonstrated experience in supervising and coaching staff- Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to deliver effective presentations for multiple constituencies, and facilitate groups.

• Experience negotiating complex compliance matters in a unionized environment.

• Prior service on institutional governance or policy councils.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Oversees programs, activities, and initiatives designed to foster a climate that respects pluralism and diversity.

• Develops effective strategies to promote diversity in faculty and staff hiring and actively participates in building strong networks and recruitment sources

• Serves as a key recruiting team member, coordinating recruitment plans, advertising, and selection processes

• Implements the College's Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity policies and ensures compliance with relevant city, state, and federal statutes such as Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, responding to and conducting investigations of non-compliance complaints

• Collects and analyzes data for College and University reports

• Develops and presents training programs and disseminates information related to Diversity, EEO, and other compliance at the College

• Coordinates with University offices to assure consistency of University-wide policies

• Maintains current knowledge and materials related to laws, rules, regulations, and best practices for advancing EEO/Diversity

• Performs related duties as assigned.

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

REVISED

$124,656 - $141,858; Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 6.09% with additional increases of 3.25% effective 9/1/2025 and 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse ]]> <

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