Manager, Equal Opportunity/Diversity Programs

Equal Opportunity Office

Position

The Manager, Equal Opportunity/Diversity Programs reports to the Executive Director and manages a variety of professional duties and specialized programs for Western Washington University’s affirmative action/equal opportunity program.   This is a full time, FLSA exempt, senior level position that has primary responsibility for the federal and state affirmative plans and programs.

Western Washington University is located on a beautiful campus in Bellingham, WA (pop 67,000) overlooking the San Juan Islands, 90 miles north of Seattle, 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, and 56 miles west of Mount Baker. For more information about Western and Bellingham, go to www.wwu.edu.

Essential Functions

Work collaboratively to develop, monitor and update the university’s federal and state affirmative action program and additional reports/documents/publications utilizing appropriate software programs and web-based resources in order to meet compliance requirements and to provide useful information to university leadership in recruiting a diverse work force.

Conduct investigations of formal complaints from intake to final written report, utilizing the university equal opportunity discrimination complaint procedures in order to meet federal, state and university compliance guidelines; whenever possible, informally resolve complaints through mediation, negotiation and other conflict resolution techniques.

Assess, design, develop, and implement equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity-related training, including training in the prevention of sexual harassment, by conducting workshops for faculty, staff and students in order to meet compliance guidelines and to eliminate discriminatory behaviors.

Develop/implement projects/programs/strategies to enhance the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce by conducting web-based and other research and by meeting as a consultant with search and screening committees in order to meet compliance needs and fulfill the university’s strategic goal of increasing diversity in the workforce; assist Executive Director in overseeing compliance issues in university searches.

Assist and propose alternative actions by reviewing/developing/revising/interpreting applicable university EO and AA  policies/procedures; by conducting research on equal opportunity and affirmative action case law; and by reviewing best practices/procedures in order to most efficiently implement EO program.

Marginal Functions

Provide Executive Director with documents and reports needed to approve new hires.

Represent the Executive Director in meetings, as required.

Required Qualifications

Master’s Degree and minimum three years of experience in equal opportunity/affirmative action OR Bachelor’s degree and minimum five years experience in this area.

Substantive knowledge of federal equal opportunity/affirmative action laws, regulations and case law and experience interpreting and implementing them.

Strong writing skills, including demonstrated success in writing narrative and data reports/documents.

Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including strong skills in training/facilitating workshops on equal opportunity/diversity issues.

Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive investigations, from intake to final written reports, including interviewing witnesses and reviewing documentation; ability to handle complex, sensitive situations confidentially.

Strong organizational, analytical, and computer skills.

Flexibility and willingness to take on a variety of assignments; work collaboratively on team projects and continuously improve delivery of services.

Experience working effectively with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications

Training and experience in mediation or other conflict resolution skills in handling informal complaints.

Working knowledge of academic, administrative, and organizational issues in higher education and the understanding of the mission of a university.

Knowledge of “best practices” in the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce.

To Apply

Send a cover letter and resume addressing the qualifications above.

Include the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references.

Mail to:

Dr. Sue Guenter-Schlesinger, Executive Director, Equal Opportunity Office

06-EOO-2 Search Committee

Western Washington University, MS-9021

516 High Street

Bellingham, WA  98225

Fax to:  360.650.6311

Email to:  Diane.Wolf@wwu.edu

Review of applications has been extended to October 20, 2006 and will continue until the position is filled.

WWU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff.  Women, minorities, persons with disabilities, Vietnam-era veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply.  For disability accommodation, call the ADA Coordinator at (360) 650-7410 or (360) 650-7696 (TTY).

WWU is committed to fostering a safe learning and working environment.  Our Annual Campus Security Report can be viewed at www.wwu.edu/depts/vpsa/asr.htm and includes information on campus crime and WWU safety policies and procedures.  For a paper copy, call Human Resources at (360) 650-3774, TTY (360) 650-7696.  For alternate formats, call (360) 650-3839.