Executive Director of Wellbeing, Empowerment, and Belonging

Reports To:
Dean, Carlson School of Management

Position Overview:
The Executive Director of Wellbeing, Empowerment, and Belonging will serve as a senior leader responsible for driving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) strategy and initiatives at the Carlson School of Management. Reporting to the Dean of the Carlson School, the Executive Director will lead the development and execution of programming focused on fostering a culture of mental, emotional, physical, and relational wellbeing for the Carlson School faculty, staff, and students and translating our core value that "People Matter Most" through innovative employee engagement and empowerment initiatives. The Executive Director will also supervise the Director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence, providing high-level strategic vision and ensuring the alignment of DEIB initiatives with the broader goals of the Carlson School.

This position is ideal for a leader who is passionate about fostering an inclusive, empowered environment through DEIB leadership, employee engagement programming, and community-building efforts. The Executive Director will play a key role in ensuring that the Carlson School is a place where all members of the community can thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

1. DEIB Leadership (30%):

• Serve as the senior DEIB leader for the Carlson School, advising the Dean and executive committee on related matters, aligning initiatives with the school's mission, and serving as the school's spokesperson for these matters as needed.
• Supervise the Director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence, providing strategic oversight and ensuring the Center's goals are integrated into the broader institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with academic leaders, department heads, and other units to incorporate DEIB best practices into faculty and staff recruitment, curriculum, and overall operations.
• Partner with key University diversity leaders to advance DEIB objectives for the school and the University.
• Develop and implement data-driven strategies to assess the impact of DEIB initiatives and make adjustments to drive meaningful progress.

2. Community Wellbeing (30%):

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of wellbeing programs that address the mental, emotional, physical, and relational health of Carlson School faculty, staff, and students.
• Collaborate with Carlson's student-facing mental health counselors, program staff who work on student wellbeing, and University-wide support services to ensure a coordinated approach to wellbeing for students across the school.
• Set a vision and goals for effective wellbeing programming and convene resources from within and outside of the Carlson School to execute the vision.
• Use data and feedback to continuously assess the effectiveness of wellbeing programs and make necessary adjustments to meet the evolving needs of the community.

3. Employee Engagement and Empowerment (30%):

• Develop and implement innovative employee engagement programs that create a sense of community, pride, and empowerment among faculty and staff.
• Work collaboratively with Carlson School Human Resources to implement comprehensive employee recognition programs that celebrate outstanding performance, work anniversaries, and other achievements.
• Plan, coordinate, and partner on engagement events and activities, such as social gatherings and team-building events, to enhance camaraderie, strengthen relationships across the Carlson School, and enable a spirit of fun.
• Partner with school and University leadership to identify strategies that promote employee retention and professional development.
• Gather and act on employee feedback to ensure programs and initiatives are responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Carlson School faculty and staff.

4. Community Building and Outreach (10%):

• Coordinate with Institutional Advancement to foster relationships with alumni, business leaders, and the broader community to enhance wellbeing and DEIB efforts.
• Support initiatives that strengthen connections among faculty, staff, and students, promoting an inclusive and empowered Carlson School community.
• Collaborate with University-wide efforts and external organizations to ensure that the Carlson School remains at the forefront of wellbeing and DEIB innovation.
  

The Executive Director will have responsibility for managing the budget for programs, services, and operations related to staff and faculty engagement and wellbeing initiatives and will have accountability for strategic budgeting for various DEIB initiatives, including the budget of the Center for Inclusive Excellence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a BA/BS degree and at least 12 years of relevant experience in DEIB strategy, employee engagement, and/or wellbeing initiatives.
• Proven experience and history of success in supervising groups
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing DEIB within a complex organization, including championing policies and initiatives that foster an inclusive culture.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to collaborate with diverse groups of stakeholders across all levels of an institution.
• Strong track record of building, leading, and facilitating successful wellbeing, engagement, and/or DEIB programs, as well as working across departments to achieve strategic goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in higher education or a large, complex institution.
• Proven success in measuring the impact of DEIB, employee engagement, and/or wellbeing initiatives and using data to guide improvements.
• Knowledge of wellbeing strategies and tools used to create a healthier work environment.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into operational outcomes.

Pay Range: $160,000 - $180,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. This position requires that you attach a cover letter for consideration.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).