Founded in 1964, the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) is a recognized model of excellence for urban public universities. The scenic waterfront campus, with easy access to downtown Boston, is located next to the John F. Kennedy Library and Presidential Museum, the Commonwealth Museum and Massachusetts State Archives, and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.
The most diverse college campus in New England and a majority-minority campus, UMass Boston, one of the five campuses of the UMass system, boasts that it is a research university with a teaching soul. It combines the rigorous focus on the generation of knowledge that characterizes a major research university with a dedication to teaching that places its top scholars and researchers in undergraduate and graduate classrooms, where a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a focus on high-impact pedagogies fosters easy interaction of students with their professors. Eighty percent of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their fields. With a growing reputation for innovative research addressing complex urban issues, UMass Boston – metropolitan Boston’s only public research university – offers its diverse student population both an intimate learning environment and the rich experience of a great American city.
This is a time of unprecedented growth and transformational change for the university. The first residence halls opened in Fall 2018; and several construction projects have added two new academic buildings to the campus’s physical plant. This dynamic environment will continue in the coming years as the university defines its plans for developing the 20+acre Bayside property to enhance the academic enterprise further and support the community of which the university is a part.
The University of Massachusetts Boston is deeply rooted in the city’s history yet poised to address the challenges of the future challenges. Recognized for innovative research, metropolitan Boston’s public research university offers its diverse student population both an intimate learning environment and the rich experience of a great American city. The Boston Campus offers 68 undergraduate degree programs, 49 master’s programs, and 30 doctoral programs, along with 12 undergraduate certificate programs and 53 graduate certificate programs, offered through its 7 colleges and schools, serving more than 16,000 students. Additionally, it engages local and global constituents through academic programs, research centers, and public service.
The Vice Chancellor plays a crucial role within the Chancellor’s Cabinet, contributing directly to the planning of strategic and operational goals for the University. Serving as the Chief Diversity Officer, they are tasked with developing and implementing strategies, programs, and practices to advance the University's commitment to inclusive excellence and belonging and becoming an anti-racist and health-promoting institution. Collaborating with Cabinet peers, the Vice Chancellor fosters a culture of inclusive excellence and supports the implementation of DEI Best Practices. Additionally, they work closely with the Chancellor and Cabinet members to develop tailored plans to achieve annual strategic goals across various areas of responsibility within the University.
Preferred candidates for this position should have an advanced degree from an accredited university, preferably a PhD in a relevant discipline. They should also possess at least 7 years of experience as a senior leader or executive in higher education, specifically focusing on developing and administering diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and programs. Candidates must have experience serving as a representative of a higher education institution with various constituencies and a proven track record of furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in a large, complex academic setting.
Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong project management, organizational, and planning skills, as well as the ability to navigate politically charged situations and manage budgets in a unionized environment. Superior communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build relationships with all constituent communities are critical attributes. The ideal candidate will also possess a technical mastery of diversity issues in higher education, the ability to partner effectively with university legal counsel, and political savvy to navigate institutional politics effectively. They should be able to cultivate a common vision and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders while leveraging data and metrics to inform decision-making and measure progress.
Nominations and applications are welcomed as soon as possible. Application materials requested include a complete résumé or vita and a letter of candidacy that expands upon the desired skill sets and attributes. All application materials will be considered in full confidence and should be submitted electronically to: umassbostonvcieb@storbecksearch.com.
This is a full-time position that will be performed on-site in Boston, MA. Salary commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.
TaJuan Wilson, Managing Director
Reyonia Whipple, Associate
Storbeck Search
umassbostonvcieb@storbecksearch.com