Chief Diversity Officer

The Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) is seeking a Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) who will lead the newly designed office of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement that will be charged with leading the school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts across departments and diversifying the school’s workforce, developing organizational cultural competency, and diversity trainings, and enforcing the state’s civil rights policies.

Applicants must be willing to work at both the Columbia and Frederick Campuses:

MSD, Columbia Campus, 8169 Old Montgomery Road, Columbia, MD 21044

MSD, Frederick Campus, 101 Clarke Place, Frederick, MD 21705

The CDO will be charged with creating an expansive and far-reaching vision and strategic plan for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at MSD. The CDO will also be responsible for establishing internal equity initiatives forward by applying standardized metrics towards DEI efforts and reporting to the Superintendent, MSD Board of Trustees, and MSD Community progress made and next steps to take.

The CDO will serve as the organizational leader in the school to drive the development, implementation and integration of best practices, resources and trends to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural proficiency in the organization. The CDO, as part of the schools’ senior leadership team, will work in partnership with the school community to address its diversity and inclusion needs and provide vision and leadership in the development of new programs and initiatives that advance the school’s efforts toward achieving inclusive excellence.

The CDO will collaborate with MSD students, families, teachers, staff, administrators, and any members within the MSD community to achieve ambitious outcomes in the areas of transformative justice and educational equity. Additionally, the CDO will leverage data and listening skills to shape their perspective and resulting programs and strategies.

The Chief Diversity Officer will work to create an inclusive environment for employees, students, families, and other members within MSD’s Community through training sessions and activity planning.

Ensure an end-to-end inclusive recruiting, screening, hiring, onboarding, and employee experience.

The CDO will head up the school’s efforts to ensure that employees and students have a comfortable place to work and learn, regardless of their race, gender, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or disability and communicate frequently with departmental and executive stakeholders to understand the unique needs of MSD’s workforce.

The CDO will identify areas where MSD is lacking in multiculturalism or minority support. The CDO will investigate or rectify any charges of discrimination or harassment.

The CDO will serve as MSD’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer and Fair Practices Officer.

The CDO will work closely with the Director of Personnel to help build effective recruiting and selection processes as well as progressive ways to hire, develop, promote and retain a diverse workforce.

The CDO will plan and facilitate learning for school teams to focus on individual and organizational growth, and will create core values, in collaboration with key stakeholders, that will serve as the foundation for this learning.

The CDO will provide leadership, collaboration, and support stakeholders to differentiate MSD’s organizational vision for DEI into role-specific actions and performance management/accountability systems; and to ensure that our DEI vision is infused into the DNA of the organization through its systems, tools, policies, structures, and practices. The CDO will develop organization-wide scorecard and systems to collect input, analyze data (both qualitative and quantitative), and monitor/report on progress.

The CDO will support and advocate for students, families, employees, and other members within the MSD Community who are being impacted by issues of inequity and exclusion. The CDO will champion a positive culture including feedback and training for those who need to develop their skills and/or awareness of the impact they are having on others.

The CDO will develop consistent communication and feedback mechanisms to ensure MSD is able to identify, discuss, and address equity issues impacting MSD students, schools, and staff. The CDO will stay abreast of research and best practices in equity and inclusion. The CDO will develop communication systems to share best practices, highlight bright spots, and keep staff apprised of key initiatives and activities.

The CDO will maintain the sections of the MSD’s handbooks, policies, procedures, and other documents pertaining to issues of equity and inclusion, and write updates as needed.

The CDO will report to the Superintendent and serve as a member of MSD’s senior leadership team.

The CDO will present an annual report regarding equity and inclusion initiatives for the Superintendent and the MSD Board of Trustees.

A master’s degree in social science, education, human resources, or other related disciplines or fields.

A strong familiarity and understanding of legal matters related to diversity, equality and inclusion, specifically state and federal guidelines.

Previous experience in the education sector a plus.

Have experience developing and incorporating inclusion initiatives, such as organization-wide diversity training and multicultural events.

Have solid communication skills and a compassionate nature.

Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and written English.

Human resources compliance experience and extensive understanding of current EEOC guidelines.

Proven experience developing employee engagement, retention, equity, and inclusion initiatives and programs.

New hires are subject to a criminal background investigation at their own expense.  (Maryland Code, Family Law Article 1, Sections 5-560-568)

Candidates will need to provide three letters of recommendation.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

 

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred.  If online access is not available or if you encounter difficulty, you may submit via mail, e-mail, fax, or deliver in person before the closing date and time.  Please include your name and recruitment number on any documentation to ensure timely processing.  Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.  A copy of your college transcripts must accompany your application.  The preferred method to receive transcripts and additional information is for them to be uploaded.  Additional or supplemental information must be submitted by the closing date and time.  Application inquiries or supplemental information can be directed to the following:

Mailing Address: Maryland School for the Deaf Recruitment Department, P. O. Box 894, Columbia, MD 21044

E-mail: emily.hicks@msd.edu

Phone: 410-696-3031, TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

Fax: 410-696-3084

Individuals from traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.  As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.  We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.