Sr. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Sacramento, California
The Association of California School Administrators, Sacramento, CA, Executive Leadership is seeking a highly qualified Sr. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion who leads with a focus on integrating and increasing diversity and awareness, and has the expertise to provide relevant equity leadership training to build internal and external capacity in cultural proficiency and educational equity. Ideally, the successful candidate will assume the responsibilities of the position on March 6, 2023.
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development, has been engaged as the consultant in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the Executive Leadership in identifying and screening candidates.
Location: Sacramento
The Qualifications
The candidate must have the background, skills, and abilities essential for excellence in educational leadership. Executive leadership recognizes that selecting an Equity Leader is one of the most important decisions it will make. ACSA desires candidates that have proven ability and demonstrated accomplishment for the following position criteria:
Equity Leader
Demonstrates a level of passion and expertise in research-based concepts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as best practices and strategies to close persistent equity gaps with a sustainable system approach
Exemplifies social and emotional intelligence in the demonstration of intentional and strategic leadership driven by data, research, and promising practices to systemically address educational equity gaps
Represents a culturally proficient person who values diverse cultures and ethnicities, and ensures resources are allocated to support members based on their individual needs to support them in reaching their full academic and social potential
Understands how to actively engage in the interruption of policies, practices, and structures that perpetuate all forms of institutional oppression while strategically bringing others along on the journey
Improve increasing diversity in ACSA membership and leadership through intentional recruitment, retention, and outreach
Fosters opportunities for student voice to be collected as qualitative data to inform the development and impact of services for members
Effective Facilitator
Designs and implements new professional learning programs responding to the changing needs of school leaders
Works with staff and Committees and Councils to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into professional development objectives and outcomes
Regularly evaluates the evolving equity-focused professional learning and support needed and desired by school administrators
Understands how to challenge existing policies and practices through skilled facilitation techniques demonstrated in meetings, workshops, presentations, etc.
Acts as staff liaison to affinity networks for historically underrepresented members and provides access and opportunities for optimal career success
Demonstrates the ability to empower and leverage the Equity Committee to effectively elevate diversity, equity, and inclusion work across each region
Stays informed and up to date on legislation related to areas of responsibility and provides input to the Governmental Relations department on behalf of practitioners
Strategic Leader
Conveys goals, objectives, and positions effectively across large audiences and works to solve problems with diverse groups of people
Collaboratively supervises the development of long and short-range plans for achieving the ACSA Board’s goals, delivering timely, well-substantiated reports and recommendations for the direction of ACSA’s equity-focused educational services activities
Directs the development and monitoring/revision of the budget for programs assigned to ensure equitable allocation based on member needs
Develops and manages the resources, timelines, and objectives of a project and applies expertise to the assignment at hand
In collaboration with Educational Services, researches and recommends DEI programs and pursues/writes grants for leadership support funding
Effective Collaborator/Communicator
Presents equity-driven educational programs and needs of ACSA members to the ACSA Board, as well as city, district, county and state officials
Establishes and maintains a strong partnership with professional development providers to ensure optimal support of members
Coordinates/facilitates professional development opportunities for staff to build internal capacity across departments in collaboration with staff to support a workplace that fosters inclusiveness, a culture where diversity is valued, as well as a space that yields equitable outcomes for all staff
Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, comprehensive and concise information that reflects diverse perspectives
Consults with districts, charters and members about issues and advocates on behalf of all ACSA members
Relational Leader
Demonstrates the ability to connect with partners and community organizations, such as but not limited to: educational businesses, charter schools, McRel, WestEd, Ed Trust West, CAAASA, CAAPLE, CALSA, CCSESA, CSBO, CAPTA, etc.
Understands how to build and maintain relationships with staff/colleagues within their department and across other departments by developing a culture that is safe to engage in uncomfortable work
Serves as committee liaison to assigned ACSA councils and/or committees and collaborates with ACSA members and staff to design new programs;
Builds, maintains, and leverages relationships across the state and nation to elevate the work of the association in creating sustainable conditions for change of policy and practices across the educational landscape
OTHER ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Attends cabinet, and department meetings as required
Performs other related duties as assigned as appropriate to the position
SUPERVISORIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/EXPECTATIONS:
This position receives general direction and position guidance from the Executive Director and may supervise program support staff
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Education, Business, or a related field is required
Master’s degree or higher Education is preferred
Evidence in engagement in formal training or professional development around research-based concepts, including but not limited to coursework, institutes, workshops, mentoring/coaching is required:
Equity, diversity, inclusion and related terms in the field
Systems change framework
Educational equity leadership
Cultural Proficiency
Qualitative/quantitative data collection/analysis
EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 7 years of experience in education, policy, and advocacy
Evidence of success in holding a leadership role with responsibilities focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion work
Evidence of involvement with professional networks in California, as well as across the nation
Ability to cross promote and leverage written content using social media platforms
Writing fluency using AP Style
Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proven record of integrity, collegiality and collaboration in working with colleagues at all levels
Must be self-directed and have the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and complete assignments within established time frames and maintain timely documentation
Communication skills (written and oral) to clearly, effectively and respectfully interact with diverse individuals, secure and/or provide information to clarify situations and resolve problems
Analytical/problem-solving skills to break down complex problems into component parts, make logical conclusions, and take appropriate actions. Recognize trends, key actions and underlying issues
Proven ability to assess issues and situations beyond ‘face value’ and the ability to probe beyond routine questions, identify, and resolve discrepancies in information
Proficient with email software web applications, enterprise software, spreadsheet software, and word processing software
Maintains confidentiality on issues concerning sensitive or legal matters for staff, members, and students
Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking and hearing in a standard office setting. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision to read printed materials and a computer screen with the ability to adjust focus. Frequent travel, some overnight, by car, or air within California required. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Salary range: $182,000-$200,000
Search Timeline:
· Closing date for applications: February 2, 2023(11:30 p.m. central time)
· Executive Leadership selects finalists to interview: February 8, 2023
· Interviews with Executive Leadership: February 24 or 25, 2023
· Selection of new Senior Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Late February-early March 2023
· Start date Ideally, the successful candidate will assume the responsibilities of the position on March 6, 2023
Contact information:
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.
11725 Arbor Street, Suite 220
Omaha, NE 68144
888-375-4814
Email: apps@macnjake.com
School Website: http://www.acsa.org
Consultants:
Mrs. Nicole Anderson n_anderson@macnjake.com
Mr. Ben Johnson b_johnson@macnjake.com
Mr. Bill Huyett b_huyett@macnjake.com
The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability and, when needed, will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Anyone requesting a reasonable accommodation in the application or recruitment process please contact McPherson & Jacobson at the address/phone/email above.