Job Description
The Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for an Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This is an academic-year tenure-track faculty position at the Associate or Full Professor level, with a concurrent half-time Associate Dean role. The expectation is that this individual will serve in the Associate Dean role for a minimum of 3 years. During that time, the individual will have half of the teaching and service load of a normal TT faculty member; they will teach one course per academic year and one graduate seminar once every four years. Faculty in all areas of computer science and information science will be considered.
In CICS, we are committed to increasing diversity, and we want our diverse populations to persist and thrive. We have many programs and efforts towards these ends. We strive to cultivate a sense of belonging and an inclusive environment, and to integrate these ideals with our missions of research and teaching. Simultaneously, we want diversity to be visible in the life of the College. We have made great progress in some areas, but see opportunities for further growth!
The Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion will serve as a thought-leader, strategist, and expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and will work to further those values in the CICS community. They will work with many stakeholders within the College, across the campus, and beyond to articulate a vision and goals related to DEI and to coordinate with staff and faculty to implement concrete plans to enhance recruitment, retention, and long-term success of students, faculty, and staff from historically marginalized and underrepresented groups in computer science.
The Associate Dean of DEI will work to effectively communicate and present our DEI strategy to partners, donors, foundations, and other organizations, and will work with granting agencies to secure funding for DEI programs. They will also inform and train faculty on inclusive and equitable practices in recruitment, evaluations, and promotion actions.
This position will oversee the Executive Director of Diversity & Inclusive Community Development and their team, which includes a Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator and student employees. The Executive Director and their team have built a rich set of diversity and inclusion programs for our College, and are now focusing on three key areas: (1) providing DEI expertise for students, staff, and faculty, (2) supporting students experiencing difficulties or from marginalized identities, and (3) running summer and term-time programs aimed at supporting marginalized populations, such as our residential academic program and our Massenberg STEM Institute summer program for high school students. The Associate Dean of DEI will also help define and recruit a new staff position in the Office of Diversity and Inclusive Community Development to focus on maintaining and growing other programming to meet our changing needs and goals.
Requirements
Before starting in this position, applicants must hold a PhD in Computer Science, Information Science, Engineering, or a related STEM field and should demonstrate excellence in research, teaching, and service. Applicants must also demonstrate evidence of commitment and sustained success at supporting DEI initiatives.
Additional Information
Starting Date: September 1, 2024. Other start dates (e.g., Spring 2025 or Fall 2025) may be considered.
UMass Amherst and CICS are very supportive of dual-career families. We have a Partner Employment Program and will work with candidates to find opportunities for partners within CICS, across the University, and in the nearby community. Although UMass does not guarantee job placement, efforts are made to help secure a position for spouses or partners. For more information on our Partner Employment Program or other faculty benefits, please see https://www.umass.edu/prospective-faculty/work/balance.
Salary will be highly competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Inquiries and requests for more information can be sent to: facrec@cs.umass.edu.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit an application on the UMass website.
We will begin interviewing in January 2024. To ensure consideration for a Winter/Spring interview, we encourage you to apply no later than December 1, 2023.
Candidates must provide the following in their application package.
Cover letter that explains your interest in this particular position and why you are a good fit for UMass and CICS. Candidates should describe their vision for advancing diversity and inclusion within CICS and highlight any past efforts that have been made to increase diversity and inclusion in previous roles.
Current curriculum vitae.
Statement of vision for the candidate's role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Statement of teaching, including your teaching philosophy and potential courses you might offer at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Include how you've worked to create an inclusive environment in the classroom and in your research lab/group.
Statement of research outlining your accomplishments and research vision, focusing on your future plans and potential fit at UMass Amherst.
Contact information for three professional references.
The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University's goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.