Witt-Kieffer

University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) seeks nominations and applications for an inaugural Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) who will lead the university in the purposeful integration of diversity on all levels in order to maximize UAA's potential for creativity, innovation, education excellence and outstanding services to its communities.  The University of Alaska Anchorage is the state's largest post-secondary institution, and one of three universities in the University of Alaska statewide system. It is comprised of the Anchorage campus located in the heart of Alaska's largest city, as well as Kenai Peninsula College, Matanuska Susitna College, Kodiak College and Prince William Sound College, all located in some of the most beautiful places in Alaska. UAA is an open-access university that serves almost 18,000 students each year, 91 percent of whom hail from Alaska. UAA offers more than 100 degrees and certificate programs. State-of-the-art classroom instruction and hands-on experiential learning collide in UAA's innovative academic programs, which feature unique courses that train students to lead Alaska into the future. With almost 1,200-faculty teaching across all campuses, UAA offers instruction ranging from adult basic education to graduate and professional education, serving both traditional and nontraditional students.  Alaska has a rich multi-cultural base, which is reflected in the University's student body. UAA also recognizes and values the diversity of its unique location on the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina Athabascan, Ahtna Athabascan, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq and Eyak people, and the amazing cultural traditions are reflected in the curriculum. From this foundation, the new CDO will construct a comprehensive and integrated framework for diversity, equity and inclusion, synchronizing and leveraging current efforts and initiatives and introducing emerging practices to move the UAA forward to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where all are treated with respect.  As a member of Chancellor Cathy Sandeen's Cabinet and the principal advisor on diversity matters, the CDO will lead the institution's efforts to transform programs and processes to support a vibrant campus life, a positive and respectful culture, a diverse curriculum and the meaningful inclusion of UAA's diverse population of students, faculty and staff.  The ideal candidate will be an expert on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues and adept at developing relationships with all stakeholders and forging connections. Experience in establishing a strategic vision, sparking and sustaining cultural change, and harnessing data to motivate people to reach goals and hold the institution accountable for progress are core to this leadership. A willingness to engage in courageous conversations, strong collaboration skills, political acumen and resourcefulness will also be important assets for the CDO. A master's degree is required.  Additional information on the University of Alaska Anchorage can be found at www.uaa.alaska.edu . The global executive search firm WittKieffer has been retained to assist the University with this recruitment. A leadership profile can be found at www.wittkieffer.com . Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by February 27, 2020. Candidates should provide as two separate documents: a curriculum vitae and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the Leadership Statement. Additionally, as this process progresses, candidates will be asked to submit a statement that outlines a personal diversity and inclusion philosophy (no more than two pages). Candidates may submit this now with the other application materials or when selected to advance in the process. These materials should be sent electronically via e-mail to the University of Alaska Anchorage’s consultants Charlene Aguilar, Shelley Arakawa and Alejandra Gillette-Teran at UAACDO@wittkieffer.com .   The University of Alaska Anchorage values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.