Associate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Location:  Frankfort, KY, telework as agency directed
Travel: Limited travel
Compensation: mid 40s

The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) seeks a motivated multi-tasker to serve as an Associate to work in the division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to accomplish project goals. 

The Council on Postsecondary Education coordinates change and improvement in Kentucky’s postsecondary education system as directed by the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997 and through the implementation of its 2016-2021 Strategic Agenda:  Stronger by Degrees.  Dr. Aaron Thompson became the fourth president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education on November 1, 2018. His career is a testament to the transformative power of higher education. Under his leadership, CPE will reimagine and disrupt Kentucky’s public higher education system to better serve our students, workforce and economy.

The Associate will work directly with CPE’s Executive Director of Initiatives for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to assist in carrying out the many responsibilities of CPE’s division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitoring the implementation of the Kentucky Public Postsecondary Education Policy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion;
• Coordinating the annual evaluation process of institutional progress toward their equal educational opportunity goals;
• Coordinating the annual symposium for diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Coordinating the Academic Leadership Development Institute;
• Developing statewide cultural competence standards;
• Facilitating meetings for the Committee on Equal Opportunities;
• Coordinating initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion among Kentucky’s public postsecondary institutions and;
• Coordinating initiatives that ensure all students succeed at the same rate, regardless of race or income.

Within those responsibilities, there are numerous projects and initiatives that require an abundance of research, coordination, planning, and follow-up.  The successful candidate will work with the Executive Director of Initiatives for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; so strong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills are essential.  The Associate should manage day-to-day project activities, thus allowing the Director to focus on broader issues and proactively identify potential problems.  The Associate will fulfill these roles in an exciting and fast-paced environment.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate the annual evaluation process of institutional progress toward their equal educational opportunity goals.
• Analyze institutional diversity plans for best practices as they relate to the statewide diversity policy.
• Coordinate logistics for and attend the Committee on Equal Opportunities meetings, and follow up on actions and decisions identified at the meetings.
• Identify, develop, and assist in implementing best practices and operational procedures for the Committee on Equal Opportunity.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of the annual diversity, equity and inclusion symposium.
• Craft communications about agency and institutional diversity efforts to feature in newsletter and on agency website.
• Assist in developing a statewide diversity, equity and inclusion action plan.
• Visit campuses across the state to learn more about their efforts to ensure implementation of practices reflective of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to learn how CPE can better support those efforts.
• Provide administrative support as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Exceptional verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task on numerous projects simultaneously.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.
• Knowledge of culturally competent and responsive practices.

Other information

Individuals are encouraged to submit materials for full consideration. The start date is negotiable. The position is based in Frankfort and may require some occasional limited travel for training purposes. Participation in TIAA-CREF in lieu of the Kentucky State retirement system(s).

Contact Information

Interested applicants should send a letter of application specifically addressing the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, a resume, and the names, titles, and contact information for at least three professional references to:

Rae Smith, Human Resource
Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
100 Airport Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Rae.smith@ky.gov