New

Chief Inclusion Officer

Otterbein University
United States, Ohio, Westerville
Oct 14, 2025
Chief Inclusion Officer Job Type: Administrative Staff Job Number: 00431 Location: Westerville, OH Division: Office of the President DESCRIPTION Otterbein University is in search of a Chief Inclusion Officer. The Chief Inclusion Officer is a senior leadership position that will be central to Otterbein University's ability to 1) coordinate efforts to ensure a diverse student body is welcomed and educated from an inclusive perspective and 2) lead in the Central Ohio community as we seek to maximize the potential of each individual, employer, and community partner. The person must believe deeply in Otterbein's commitment to truly welcome all individuals regardless of background, race, gender identity, sexuality, veteran status, ethnicity, political beliefs, etc. We strive to be a model community that thoughtfully engages with a broad range of perspectives, grounded in the belief that embracing diverse ideas strengthens our mission and enriches our shared learning environment. This position sits on the University's most senior administrative team, the President's Cabinet. It is designed to coordinate the many good things already happening across the University rather than lead a large staff that will take these responsibilities away from others. The Chief Inclusion Officer will collaboratively develop and facilitate the implementation of an inclusion plan for the entire institution, touching every office and function - from how we support students to how we hire employees. This is a full-time, exempt position working 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. This position reports to the Executive VP for Strategic Initiatives. Otterbein offers a comprehensive benefits package including: Tuition benefit to employee, spouse or domestic partner and dependents Accrue 4 weeks of paid vacation Accrue 10 days paid sick time 12 paid holidays plus bonus days Medical, dental and vision insurance to you, dependents or domestic partner Life Insurance Defined contribution retirement plan and much more JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Internal Leadership: Lead Otterbein in implementing strategic initiatives, including the creation of an inclusive culture that attracts and retains a truly diverse workforce and student body. Collaborates with others on a multi-year plans to this effect, including clear metrics, goals, and accountability measures. Work collaboratively with faculty and academic leaders to ensure the curriculum allows students to encounter and consider different cultures and perspectives. Work with Student Affairs and the Office of Social Justice and Advocacy to identify and respond to student needs and concerns about campus inclusiveness. Work with Human Resources and search committees to support Otterbein's efforts to hire faculty and staff that reflect the diversity of our student body and retain those who improve our culture of welcoming and exploration. Collaborate to develop a strategic plan for belonging and inclusion, maximizing collaboration across the institution towards shared goals and metrics. Chair the University's Diversity and Inclusion Committee, using it as a lever to encourage alignment to the plans and values espoused by it. Provide leadership and coordination for our Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus Center. External Leadership: Identify and connect with employers eager to hire, develop, and retain their own inclusive workforce, allowing for opportunities for Otterbein students and revenue as Otterbein supports the companies' culture-building through training, assessments, and other resources. Identify and connect with school districts and non-profits working with young people to develop enrollment pipelines that widen access to Otterbein, in conjunction with the Division of Enrollment Management. Other duties may be assigned. In partnership with Institutional Advancement, work with Otterbein alumni interested in supporting the inclusion of our campus, including those alumni who may not have felt fully welcomed during their time on campus. Utilize this network for student mentorship, campus engagement, and fundraising. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in cultural studies, sociology, legal studies, psychology, or related fields. Master's Degree in related field is preferred but relevant experience such as substantial campus-wide diversity leadership may substitute for a master's degree. EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 7 years of higher education experience, including a minimum of 5 years of experience working on initiatives designed to advance organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and identifying, assessing and presenting data for decision-making; experience in higher education leadership positions involving interaction with multiple divisions and departments strongly preferred. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must possess valid Ohio driver's license and be able to obtain and maintain Otterbein University's Authorized Driver status. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must demonstrate professional level oral and written communications skills including grammar. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Must be competent in general math. REASONING ABILITY: Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with diverse constituencies; must possess excellent attention to details; must be a team player and interact collegially with co-workers and other constituencies; must be able to handle multiple projects independently; must be able to analyze complex requests and requirements and make effective recommendations and proposed solutions. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to communicate, sit, reach and use repetitive motions of hands and wrists. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop or bend. The employee must occasionally lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds and occasionally push and/or pull up to 20 pounds. This position requires close vision. Must be able to meet regular and predictable attendance standards. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind of level of difficulty. Otterbein University is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. Otterbein University is committed to providing a welcoming environment free from unlawful discrimination. To this end, the University prohibits any form of discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, pregnancy, religion, creed, marital status, partnership status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, military status, or any other legally protected status in its programs and activities. However, the University's commitment to a nondiscriminatory environment is not intended to abridge unduly its commitment to academic freedom, free speech, or its educational mission. To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/otterbein/jobs/5101991/chief-inclusion-officer jeid-3fe4c0aad9e88c4e8305008f61d17535