The Associate VP of Access & Opportunity is responsible for managing initiatives and programs on the Norman campus, but also provides guidance and support to the Health Science Center and Tulsa Campuses. The joint oversight will focus on programs, outreach, and engagement designed to build community across campus, workshops/learning and development, and cultivating community connections. This position is the number two leadership position within the Division and serves on behalf of the VP Access & Opportunity in their absence, and provides leadership, guidance, problem-solving and makes data-informed decisions.
Essential Responsibilities:
Serves as an advocate, mentor, and resource for concerns and issues related to department initiatives.
Shares best practices and remains current on higher education trends, including staying abreast of the University, state, and national landscape impacting higher education.
Collaborates and advises academic and functional leaders to optimize recruiting and retention efforts in alignment with strategic objectives.
Performs complex data analysis, conducts needs assessment, and uses data collected for benchmarking, reporting, and evaluation of initiatives and programs.
Assists in the development and implementation of strategies, policies, or procedures from the Division of Access and Opportunity.
Promotes and facilitates collaboration with the university community across all levels of the organization; emphasizing the importance of an inclusive environment that creates opportunities for engagement.
Provides financial oversight and monitoring.
Participates in and assists with university and public events on a variety of subjects related to access and inclusion.
Supervises staff, graduate assistance, and student assistance.
Assists with Divisional retreats, team meetings, and strategy sessions.
Helps to convene the Vice President's Advisory Board and assist with setting the agenda.
Gives support, counsel, and advocacy to the VP, Access and Opportunity Leadership Team, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs.) and Divisional Team members across OU campuses.
Performs other duties as assigned.
This position will work primarily on the Norman Campus, but will require traveling to the Tulsa and HSC campuses approximately 10-15% of the time.
Required Education: Master's degree in business, education, social work, or related field, AND:
Six (6) years of experience working with access, inclusion, and success strategies. Successfully demonstrated experience with developing inclusive programs and engagement activities, raising awareness, and developing best practices.
Skills:
Ability to work collaboratively and to build consensus with a wide variety of constituents.
Ability to problem-solving when faced with complex and nuanced situations.
Offer viable solutions for problem-solving, analyzing, and making sound recommendations on complex management and administrative issues, including identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and making recommendations supporting larger university goals.
Ability travel to the Health Sciences Center, Norman and Tulsa Campuses.
Ability to adapt and be flexible to learning each campus diverse academic and organizational cultural and department dynamics for college students, faculty, and staff.
Operate with a focus on collaboration, consensus building, and an ability to manage change and sensitive topics and confidential information.
Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
Advanced knowledge of theories and principles related to higher educational policy and best practices.
Understanding of 1964 Civil Rights Act, the 1991 Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, and other applicable laws.
Ability to complete presentations, speak to large groups, and adjust information to address the targeted audience.
Program management and development principles specific to inclusive excellence and campus climate.
Higher education principles, practices, and training facilitator.
Strong knowledge of conflict resolution and mediation methods centered on group dialogue.
Certifications:
None
Working Conditions:
Prolonged periods working on a computer while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping.
Must be adaptable to performing under moderate levels of stress, imposed by frequent deadlines, increased workloads, and public or student contact.
Supervision:
Second in command of the Division of Access & Opportunity- will supervise approximately 30 employees.
Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.
Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.
