Director of Equity, Inclusion, & Access

Founded in 1956, National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) is the oldest accredited naturopathic medical school established in North America. NUNM continues its vision of innovation and leadership by offering superior education and training in natural medicine. Our programs blend traditional healing knowledge with modern science in challenging curricula. NUNM offers degree programs in naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, integrative medicine research, nutrition, global health, integrative mental health and integrative health sciences. Located in Oregon near the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest city of Portland, the City of Roses, NUNM students, faculty, and staff enjoy the many benefits of living in a green and culturally thriving city.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director is a key leader in advancing a culture of inclusivity, equity, and accessibility across the university community. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives that foster a welcoming and supportive environment where all students, faculty, and staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. By promoting a sense of belonging, the Director will work to address systemic barriers, enhance access, and ensure equitable opportunities for all members of the university. The Director collaborates across departments to implement policies, programs, and resources that drive transformative change, contributing to the institution’s broader mission of social responsibility and academic excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

DEIB Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of university-wide strategies that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging for students, faculty and staff.
• Provide resources and educational materials to students and employees to support ongoing learning and development in the areas of DEIB and accessibility.
• Create and implement initiatives that enhance student, faculty, and staff engagement and foster a sense of belonging.
• Establish metrics and key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of DEIB initiatives.
• Generate regular reports and communicate progress to leadership and stakeholders.
• Work with HR to address and resolve DEIB-related issues.
• Work with students to facilitate DEIB-related discussions and topics in open forums and in private one-on-one settings.
• Collaborate with faculty to review and revise course syllabi and course content to ensure they reflect diversity and cultural sensitivity.
• Collaborate with the Dean of Students and faculty to conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps and opportunities for integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the curriculum.
• Serve as an advocate and resource for students from historically marginalized and oppressed communities.
• Organize and plan social and cultural activities for students and faculty/staff from historically marginalized and oppressed backgrounds, including international students.
• Work with Dean of Students and others to assure that events such as graduation, orientation, and other institutional events are designed to support the community as a whole.
• Develop resources and support systems to ensure accessibility for students with diverse needs, including those related to accessibility, socioeconomic status and other barriers.

Accessible Services Responsibilities

• Work in collaboration with other departmental leaders to increase accessibility services.
• Ensure compliance with ADA law in developing accommodation opportunities for staff and students (working closely with HR, program deans, and the dean of students).
• On behalf of the University, establish eligibility for accommodations and evaluate requests for accommodations.
• In collaboration with appropriate faculty and staff, oversee the implementation of accommodations.
• Coordinate academic accommodation testing with the Testing Center.
• Mediate conflicts regarding accommodations between students, faculty, staff, and Deans.
• Cultivate professional knowledge regarding legal requirements of accessibility services so that the director can advise the Deans, Provost, and President regarding student matters.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., HR, Sociology, Organizational Development) and/or 4 or more years of relevant experience.
• Training and experience in ADA regulatory and best practice work
• Proven experience in DEIB-related administrative roles, with a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion concepts.
• Higher-education experience is preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations.