Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Law School

Recognized as one of the country’s preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. We are distinguished by a rare collegial culture emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and persuasion. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from every part of the United States and countries around the world. 

• Learn more about DEI initiatives and programming at the Law School.
• Meet Dean William McGeveran [video]. 

Direct Strategic Initiatives in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (30%) 

• Direct, build consensus, and lead efforts to establish and strengthen strategic initiatives around diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and engagement at the Law School.
• Guide a comprehensive and integrated approach to DEI work, synchronizing, and leveraging current efforts and initiatives and introducing new concrete actions to move the Law School forward in this crucial area. 
• Partner with key stakeholders, including student affinity groups, senior staff, faculty, and alumni, to identify needs and to advance individual department DEI goals and Law School institutional goals. Strategically engage faculty, students, and staff to develop and lead a shared vision. 
• Form internal and external partnerships, including with area practitioners, to build initiatives that advance the Law School’s goals in DEI. 
• Coordinate DEI initiatives with both the Law School and University, including partnering with the University’s Office for Equity and Diversity, the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life, the Disability Resource Center, and the Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office. 
• Communicate internally and externally about the Law School’s ongoing efforts to promote DEI. Work closely with the Dean’s Office, Communications, and Advancement to align external messaging about the Law School DEI goals and initiatives. 
• Benchmark, measure, analyze, and report on progress toward DEI goals. Collect and analyze data, information, and stakeholder input to inform decision-making.
• Serve as an expert resource on DEI issues and trends in legal education and legal practice. 

Lead Educational Programming and Training to Advance DEI (30%)

• Plan and coordinate educational programming and training for all Law School constituencies to advance DEI goals, including community-wide climate and culture programming intended to foster an equitable, supportive, respectful, and professional environment at the Law School. 
• Serve as a resource to faculty to help them integrate DEI principles and topics into the classroom and learning environment, including in doctrinal classes, law clinics, and legal skills courses. 
• Examine the Law School and University’s existing DEI education and training infrastructure and strategize to increase access, broaden content, deepen engagement, and ensure cross-University cohesion in service of the student experience.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, faculty, and student affinity groups to establish priorities for programming, identify unmet needs, and ensure continuity and consistency in educational opportunities on DEI. Leverage University resources and experts, and engage external resources when needed. 
• Lead program development, including orientation, curriculum development, student and peer leader training, staff and faculty training, and other training and classroom needs related to inclusive classrooms, hiring practices, and development of staff and faculty.
• An opportunity to teach courses at the Law School on topics related to DEI may be available based on the assistant dean's expertise and preferences as well as institutional needs.

Support a Diverse Student Community (20%)

• Collaborate and partner with student-facing offices (including Student Affairs, the Career Center, and Academic & Bar Support, as well as with senior leadership, faculty, staff, student affinity groups, and alumni) to shape strategy and coordinate Law School-wide efforts to foster a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and counsel to the dean and as a critical senior leadership team member on issues related to DEI, including bringing a DEI lens to institutional decision-making. 
• Develop and build on the Law School’s existing programs and initiatives to advance equity and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and representative learning and working environment, including the Racial Equity and Justice Milestone program.

Support Recruitment Efforts for a Diverse Law School Community (20%)

• Support the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty, staff, and student body in collaboration with the dean and leadership, Admissions, the faculty, Human Resources, and other stakeholders at the University and Law School. 
• Assist the Admissions team in student recruiting by reading select applications when requested, connecting with admitted students in person and virtually, and assisting with pipeline initiatives.
• Identify policies and practices that support recruiting and retaining diverse senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students, reducing implicit bias and hiring and recruitment barriers.  
• Lead processes to embed the values of DEI in the selection, training, support, and advancement of faculty, staff, and students at all levels, collaborating on efforts to ensure that the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are embedded in the organizational culture and structure.

• Advanced degree and at least 5 years of experience in advancing DEI goals or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated track record of leadership and consensus building in advancing DEI in a law school, the legal profession, college or university administration, or a related field 
• Demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining productive relationships
• Capacity to effectively communicate and work collaboratively with staff, faculty, and students and at all levels
• Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural, and public communication skills; leadership, problem-solving, and consensus-building capacity; knowledge about universities, faculty governance, academic freedom, and the academic setting; counseling and advising expertise; professional judgment and discretion
• Experience in analyzing data and surveys, producing narrative data reports and presentations, and developing tools to measure progress toward programmatic goals

• J.D. 
• 5–10 years of experience in developing and implementing institutional DEI programs and leading DEI activities, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience

Starting salary range: $100,000–130,000

Work arrangements: In person

Benefits: As a Professional and Administrative (P&A) employee, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with low-cost health coverage, professional development opportunities, and retirement plan with 10% employer contribution. (See our benefits page for more information.) 

Relocation assistance is available for this position.

To be considered for this position, please submit both a cover letter and a resume (or CV). Applications without both documents will not be reviewed.

Apply here

The position will remain open until filled. For questions or nominations, please contact Jennifer Erickson (jrostami@umn.edu).