Brown University
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement
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Job Description:
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Campus and Community Engagement, the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement (“Director”), will ensure that all Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) institutional partnerships align with the core missions of the office and the university, and will act as a central bridge-builder, fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement among faculty, students, staff, and alumni - and across the divides between them - to create a lasting culture of belonging.
The Director role will drive institutional excellence by partnering across the university to oversee faculty and staff hiring, data-driven engagement surveys, and the integration of workforce priorities into performance and leadership expectations. By designing collaborative learning experiences and providing strategic thought partnership, the position fosters a culture of recognition and professional growth while aligning departmental goals with broader organizational change.
The Director will also use data-driven insights and people-focused strategies to improve our operations and support for the University. By aligning this work with the University-wide goals, we can ensure our office creates meaningful, measurable changes for everyone in our community.
Major Responsibilities:
People Strategy & Workforce Engagement
- In partnership with units throughout the university, lead the oversight of faculty and staff hiring and engagement surveys.
Cross-Community Engagement
- Build strong working relationships with the Brown university community and work with administrators to share opportunities, align and organize information, and distill complex updates into clear, actionable community engagement initiatives.
Analytics & Data-Informed Decisions
- In partnership with the ODI leadership team, and other partners throughout the university, leverage the existing DIAP foundation with a focus on people, curriculum, and accountability to support leaders in using data as a tool for improvement, not just reporting.
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Requirements:
- Graduate of advanced Degree required (Masters, PhD, JD, etc.)
- Minimum 7-10 years of administrative experience in compliance, equity and diversity.
- Experience in a university setting is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with students, faculty and staff members.
- Evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Excellent judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive, confidential data and information.
- Demonstrated responsibility in analysis, reporting, planning and data management.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively cover complex information to a wide array of audiences.
- Familiar with current best practices and a working knowledge of emerging issues in equity and diversity.
- Demonstrated experience with the development and alignment of complex processes.
- Demonstrated ability to influence through expertise with a proven record of success in working with all levels of leadership and staff in a rapidly changing and complex organization.
- Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to make difficult decisions.
- Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Work both autonomously and in consultation with the AVP of Campus and Community Engagement and colleagues.
- Evidence of creative strategic thinking.
- Integrity, flexibility and ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment working with staff, faculty and students.
Submission Guidelines:
- Please include a cover letter with the resume attachments when submitting the application.
- Successful completion of a background check.
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Benefits of Working at Brown:
- Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.
Recruiting Start Date:
- 2026-06-24
Job Posting Title:
- Director of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement
Department:
- Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Grade:
- Grade 12
Worker Type:
- Employee
Worker Sub-Type:
- Regular
Time Type:
- Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
- 37.5
Position Work Location:
- Hybrid
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.
Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.
Still Have Questions? If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.
Brown is an E-Verify Employer.
EEO Statement: Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.
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