Chief of Staff for Diversity and Equity

About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts:

At MCLA, we're here for all, and focused on each, of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2025, after earning the No. 7 spot the prior three years. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well school's graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Chief of Staff for Diversity and Equity provides leadership in support of the President's vision for collegewide diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Serving on the President's Executive Staff, the position is responsible for instituting and promoting responsive and sustainable structures and practices that increase access, inclusion, and success for all members of the MCLA community, especially students traditionally excluded from higher education. This role will work with administrative leaders across the College to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are prioritized and reflected across all administrative offices and that the institution continues to advance dignity, mutual respect, and belonging throughout the community. In addition, the position will work with faculty to promote and support equity and access across all academic opportunities, especially high impact practices.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the President

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: While not a direct supervisor, this role engages faculty and staff across divisions and serves as a member of the Committee on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. This position resides in the President's office.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Lead cross-campus initiatives to realize the College's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
2. Work in partnership with the President's Chief of Staff to support the Cabinet and Leadership Team in pursuing college-wide equity goals through strategic direction and planning, consistent communication, teambuilding, and collaboration.
3. Collaborate with offices across campus to develop and execute training and professional development that focuses on increasing competencies in areas of equity, inclusion, and belonging for the purpose of increased success in working across differences and with diverse populations.
4. Work with Human Resources and executive leadership to sustain equitable recruitment processes and retention practices for all employees to ensure a diverse workforce reflective of our student population.
5. Work directly with campuswide committees - including but not limited to Strategic Planning, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, and the Racial Equity and Justice Institute - to develop, implement, and execute a program for institutional equity and belonging that aligns with accreditation standards, strategic goals, and the mission of MCLA.
6. Monitor and assess institutional supports, policies, programs, and resources through a lens of increasing access, engagement, success, and belonging.
7. Optimize and utilize data collection and assessment tools, including the Campus Climate Survey and NSSE, with the expectation of improving enrollment, persistence, and graduation rates for all students, in particular student populations traditionally excluded from higher education.
8. Identify conditions, policies, and practices that impede the existence of an inclusive and equitable campus and work collaboratively at the President's direction and guidance towards resolution.
9. Lead campuswide programmatic efforts and communications that contribute to an inclusive community through collaborating with designated faculty and staff members on initiatives including, but not limited to, MCLA's annual Day of Dialogue, the Lavender Lecture Series, and the Summit for Racial Equity.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree from an accredited institution
2. Five to ten years of diversity and inclusion related leadership in higher education, non-profit, and/or other public sector experience
3. Demonstrated experience in leading organization-wide DEIB initiatives and programs
4. Demonstrated experience with data-informed decision making
5. Demonstrated experience facilitating group dialogue in a higher education environment or other setting
6. Demonstrated ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with stakeholders from diverse identities and backgrounds
7. Experience in teaching or facilitating learning and skill development, preferably in a college setting.
8. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret substantive written information, as well as to apply critical thinking skills to unique college issues, challenges, and situations
9. Strong interpersonal skills to establish effective relationships
10. Excellent writing, communications, and organizational skills
11. Demonstrated strong fiscal stewardship and budgetary acumen
12. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Earned doctorate or other terminal degree
2. Ten plus years of experience
3. Current and relevant certifications, training, and/or completion of professional development programs from established, reputable entities with a focus on cultural competency, restorative practices, and/or other skill sets that explicitly support the ongoing work of maintaining and sustaining an inclusive post-secondary education environment

Additionally, the MCLA community has identified the following desired leadership characteristics in a Chief of Staff for Diversity and Equity:

1. Provides action-oriented leadership rooted in theory and reflection
2. Values collaboration and communication
3. Respects diverse thoughts, solutions, and opinions
4. Hears others' ideas and shares her/his/their own ideas and thoughts
5. Values transparency
6. Values the ideals of social justice
7. Operates from a growth and asset-based mindset when serving students

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, permanent, benefitted position starting on 5/4/2026. There is some flexibility with the start date. Salary for this position is $115,000-$125,000 per year.

Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation, issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources.

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.

Lucas MorrillInterim Title IX and EO Coordinator 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247 Telephone: (413) 662-5103 [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights 33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424 Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172 [email protected]