The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is proud to invite qualified applicants for a newly established position of Director for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging. The Director will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team and be a strategic partner in meeting VIMS’ strategic priorities in a field that has a global impact on the health and well-being of coastal ecosystems and communities.
Chartered in 1940, VIMS is currently among the largest marine research and education centers in the United States. The School of Marine Science (SMS) at VIMS is the graduate school in marine science for William & Mary. It offers outstanding education and research opportunities for students who seek advanced careers in academia, government, or the private sector. The SMS offers research-based M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in marine science, a professional M.A. degree in marine science, and collaborates with William & Mary’s Arts and Sciences to offer an undergraduate minor in marine science.
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia to conduct research and provide sound scientific advice concerning issues surrounding the use and conservation of marine resources.
In the years since their founding in 1940, VIMS has developed unique capabilities in people, practices, and infrastructure allowing them to conduct research and advisory services that provide honest, unbiased science and guidance needed to help address the pressing issues facing our rivers, estuaries, coasts, and ocean.
The 42-acre main campus of VIMS is located on the York River in Gloucester Point, Virginia, with an additional campus on the Eastern Shore and a satellite in Topping, Virginia. VIMS has more than 450 faculty, staff, and students, with an annual operating budget of $52 million. As Dean of the School of Marine Science and Director of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Dr. D. Derek Aday has the primary responsibility to provide the vision and leadership for VIMS to be a world-renowned center of excellence in marine science, attracting the best students and scholars in the nation, expanding the frontiers of science through research and discovery, educating the next generation of marine science leaders, and making an impact on the state, nation, and world by applying new knowledge and understanding to important societal issues
Reporting to the Dean and Director, The Director for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging for VIMS will translate strategies into tactical plans with clear actions, accountability, and goals to promote the dimensions of Inclusive Excellence through diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices. They will have the authority to envision, strategize, advocate, implement, and document processes, initiatives, and measurable actions, leading to more purposeful integration of the institute’s values.
The Director of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging’s primary focus will be to foster an inclusive and equitable community and culture that values a diversity of lived experiences, thoughts, and expertise. Under direction of the Dean and Director, and in collaboration with other leaders and stakeholders, the Director of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging will manage the DEI goals and objectives as outlined in the VIMS Inclusive Excellence Plan, and lead campus-wide efforts and initiatives associated with inclusive excellence and belonging. As a member of the Dean and Director’s cabinet, the Director of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging will be a contributing thought-partner to VIMS senior leadership, strategic sections, faculty, staff, students, and the community, in addition to working closely with the William & Mary Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
The successful candidate must possess a master’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the position), have experience implementing inclusive initiatives and evidence of success in developing and supporting initiatives that promote belonging, have professional experience in workplace culture and climate development, and demonstrated experience overseeing, managing, and developing strategic initiatives, analyzing policies and workforce data, and providing guidance on priorities, strategic plans, and policies.
Preferred qualifications include work experience in a post-secondary academic setting, with an understanding of faculty and staff career trajectories and the intentions of a research institute, experience collaborating to manage budgets and to oversee office processes, and experience designing and conducting peer workshops and training sessions.
The Director of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging is a full-time position, located in Virginia. The compensation will be up to $125,000, commensurate with experience, and eligible for relocation assistance with a generous benefits package. William & Mary offers a variety of extensive benefits and perks to employees of all classifications, for more details about position benefits and leave, please click here: William & Mary Benefits and Leave Information.
The review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Nominations and applications for the Director of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging are welcomed as soon as possible. Applications should include a complete résumé or vitae, a letter of interest, and a list of five professional references. All application materials will be considered in full confidence. Please send all nominations, inquiries, and applications electronically to: VIMSDirectorIE@storbecksearch.com.
TaJuan Wilson, Managing Associate
Kate Phillips, Senior Associate
VIMSDirectorIE@storbecksearch.com
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.