Position Summary/Primary Purpose of Position
Reporting to the Dean, the Senior Associate Dean of Culture and Inclusion will serve as a trusted advisor, leader and influencer for building, implementing, and adapting strategies to advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and promote a positive and productive culture across the School; partnering with the Executive Leadership Teams of both faculty and staff and the DEI committee of the School’s (external) Board of Advisors. The Senior Associate Dean of Culture and Inclusion is a new senior-level leadership position that evolved as one of the Dean’s top priorities. The Senior Associate Dean of Culture and Inclusion will be charged with (1) developing and executing a comprehensive, multi-year strategy for DEI efforts in the school, (2) developing, managing, and supporting strategic human capital programs that connect the school’s financial and cultural goals in a synergistic way, that amplifies the organization’s high-performance culture, and growth in this area; (3) providing strategic oversight of the HR unit and all HR policies and initiatives which support the full talent life-cycle including but not limited to: employee engagement, development, compliance, succession planning, and belonging.
In the role of overseeing DEI, this position is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the school develops, executes, and manages a transformational HR, people strategy that aligns with the University, and School’s mission and goals, especially in a time of dramatic growth and expansion into new geographic and business markets (i.e., the new executive MBA Charlotte that launches this fall), along with the great resignation post COVID pandemic. The position will serve as a DEI thought leader and trusted executive to inspire, inform, and influence other key stakeholders to incorporate global perspectives that drive accelerated cultural and operational change to become a more inclusive organization, attracting, retaining and promoting diversity in students, staff, and faculty. The DEI organization is also involved in promoting staff, faculty, and student community engagement, as well as providing training, coaching, and advising to students, faculty and staff related to the creation of an inclusive environment.
In addition, the Senior Associate Dean of Culture and Inclusion will partner alongside Facilities to maximize the opportunity to leverage the new $170 million building, and other capital projects as needed, in a way that drives productivity and promotes a climate of belonging, engagement, and inclusion among students, faculty, and staff. This position will also work with Facilities to drive an inclusive, community culture in the new building to ensure well-being and comfort, both physically and mentally, which should lead to increased productivity, loyalty, and sense of belonging.
This position will also oversee the Human Resources group in the school with the Assistant Dean of Human Resources reporting to the Senior Associate Dean. The Senior Associate Dean of Culture and Inclusion communicates frequently with the Dean, the other Senior Associate Deans; and is a member of the Executive Management Committee of the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Ten years or greater of related professional experience required. Candidates should have experience in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion space, with a demonstrated commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment. Candidates should also have demonstrated knowledge of the Human Resources function. Excellent interpersonal communication skills are needed and the ability to collaborate with School leadership and colleagues across campus and at peer business schools. Strong leadership skills and high emotional intelligence are essential for success in the position.
The power of education to improve lives is an enduring story. Our story began in 1919 when UNC’s leaders envisioned a role for business education at a liberal arts university. That vision ultimately became UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Business has changed dramatically in the last century, as have we. But what first made us unique still remains — a tradition of innovation. From our earliest roots, UNC-Kenan Flagler has perpetually looked forward to develop the knowledge needed for the next generation of business.
We have changed the lives of thousands of people, directly and indirectly, since our founding in 1919, and seek to deepen and broaden our impact on people’s lives and the wider society. Join us on our journey to define what’s next. The best is yet to come.
We’re on a journey of change to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion in all we do. We’re having the tough conversations, doing the hard work. We share an urgency to make lasting changes at UNC Kenan-Flagler. Real change – nothing less.
Our mission is to build and inspire business leaders who make the world a better place. We are developing our students’ knowledge, understanding and skills so they graduate ready to be team members and leaders who understand the value of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Just as importantly, we recognize our responsibility to be an organization that models the behaviors we call for in others. DEI is a strategic priority for UNC Kenan-Flagler – it is critical to our success as individuals and as a business school. We want to represent the communities in which we live, work and serve, and we are working to build a diverse, inclusive community where we:
We are committed to being part of the change we all need to build a just world.