Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae / resume by 11:59pm on Monday, March 9, 2026. Please note that candidate selection will begin in late February for our March interview dates. To apply, click “Apply for this Job” at the top of this page.
Position Announcement Proposed Start Date
Proposed Start Date 05/01/2026
Classification Title
Classification Title Executive / Chief Officers
Rank
Rank N - No Rank
Working Title
Working Title Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Department
Department 100001 - POF President's Office
Position Number
Position Number D90570
Representation
Representation UU - Unclassified Unrepresented
Renewable
Renewable Renewable
End date, if applicable
Position FTE
Position FTE 1.0
Tenure Status N - not applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University
is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands‑on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.
More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree‑lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state‑of‑the‑art science labs. We are proud of our world‑class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
Position Summary
Overview:
Portland State University (PSU) seeks a visionary, relational, and strategic leader to serve as
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
(ED of DEI). Reporting directly to the President, the ED of DEI will be responsible for providing leadership, vision, and strategic direction for enhancing the innovativeness, participation and success of all members of the university community.
This critical role will focus on developing and championing comprehensive strategies to advance a culture of fairness, belonging, and respectful dialogue across all dimensions of difference. The ED of DEI will serve as a principal advisor to the President and senior leadership on all matters related to fostering a campus culture where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. This position does not directly supervise any functional area but will work collaboratively with leaders and various units, including the multicultural student services, across the university. The position will also work closely with community‑based organizations in collaboration with other staff and faculty.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Vision
Develop, articulate, and advance a comprehensive and achievable university‑wide strategy for promoting broad participation, fairness, and belonging that aligns with PSU’s mission and strategic goals.
Clarify and consistently communicate the University’s DEI position, commitments, priorities, and progress.
Lead and guide the University’s efforts to create a welcoming and equitable campus environment, promoting respectful dialogue and meaningful engagement across diverse perspectives.
Establish metrics and assessment strategies to measure the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at promoting fairness and belonging, track progress on diversity goals, and inform continuous improvement.
Executive Advising and Campus Insights
Provide expert advice and counsel to the President and senior leadership team on complex issues, challenges, and opportunities related to creating a fair and inclusive university, including best practices, emerging trends, and legal developments.
Assess and report on campus climate and equity outcomes for students, faculty, and staff using both qualitative and quantitative data.
Partner with legal counsel, human resources, academic affairs, student affairs, and compliance offices to support compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Support integrating DEI principles into university policies, procedures, and accountability practices.
Campus‑Wide Collaboration and Support
Build strong, collaborative relationships with deans, department chairs, faculty, staff, and student leaders, clearly define and communicate the role, scope, and services of the ED of DEI.
Connect DEI initiatives across the University, fostering transparency and amplifying impact.
Provide guidance and support to campus units as they develop and carry out DEI initiatives.
Work collaboratively with faculty governance bodies, staff councils, student leaders, and labor unions to advance DEI priorities within shared governance structures.
Provide visible and accessible leadership characterized by approachability, strong presence, and credibility, maintaining an optimistic and tenacious outlook in the face of complexity and challenges.
External Relations and Public Engagement
Serve as an ambassador and spokesperson for the University’s DEI vision, values, and impact, with government agencies, community organizations, and other external partners.
Collaborate with external relations and advancement teams to strengthen community partnerships and identify funding or program opportunities that support the University’s mission.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
A minimum of ~7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in roles focused on fostering broad participation, fairness, and belonging, in a similarly complex environment.
Demonstrated success in developing comprehensive DEI strategy and implementing, championing, and assessing initiatives to promote inclusive excellence, with deep understanding of fiscal and resource management, implementation, adoption, and accountability.
Extensive knowledge of current best practices, laws, theories, and challenges in creating inclusive and equitable environments in higher education.
Superlative interpersonal, communication (oral and written), and presentation skills the ability to engage effectively and empathetically across all dimensions of diversity, including race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background, etc.
Demonstrated ability to build consensus, manage conflict, and lead change in a collaborative environment.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a commitment to data‑driven decision‑making.
Proven ability to analyze data and use it to identify systemic inequities and drive measurable improvements in outcomes, particularly related to graduation and retention of students, faculty, and staff.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with the unique social, political, and economic landscape of Portland, Oregon, and its impact on efforts to promote broad participation and inclusion.
Experience working with diverse student and employee populations, including first‑generation students, persons of color, LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, and military‑affiliated.
Leadership experience in an urban, public university setting and/or an enterprise‑wide role within a complex organization.
Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
Work Days/Hours Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, schedule to be determined
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting annual salary for this position will be between $160,000 and $175,000.
An excellent
benefits package
includes 95% premium paid healthcare (and qualified dependents); a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.
Please visit our
total compensation calculator
to see the full value of our benefits package.
Portland State University is an Aff…
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No
Background Check Required Yes
Position End Date (if applicable)
Please email Diane Thurston at Wahl & Associates at diane@wahlandassociatesllc.com
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Do you have a Master's degree (or higher) from an accredited institution?
Yes
No
* Are you eligible to work in the U.S. indefinitely for any employer?
Yes
No
* This is an on-site position. Do you reside in the Portland metro area, or are you willing to relocate? (Please note that limited relocation assistance will be available for candidates outside the area).
Yes
No
* How many years of experience do you have leading and implementing successful equity initiatives in a similarly large, complex organization to PSU (i.e., as it relates to organization size, governance, public sector,/unionized staff, breadth of internal and external invested parties, etc)
0-3
4-6
7-10
More than 10
* How many years of experience do you have developing, implementing and assessing successful organization-wide DEI strategy?
0-2
3-7
More than 7
* How did you first find out about this position?
PSU Website
Indeed.com
HERCJobs
Urban League of Portland
Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
Oregon Employment Department
Social Media
Person Referral
Career Builder
Glass Door
Other - Please describe in the next Question
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Announcement Proposed Start Date
Proposed Start Date 05/01/2026
Classification Title
Classification Title Executive / Chief Officers
Rank
Rank N - No Rank
Working Title
Working Title Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Department
Department 100001 - POF President's Office
Position Number
Position Number D90570
Representation
Representation UU - Unclassified Unrepresented
Renewable
Renewable Renewable
End date, if applicable
Position FTE
Position FTE 1.0
Tenure Status N - not applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Portland State University
is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world. The city is our campus, giving students unmatched access to career connections, a vibrant cultural scene and hands‑on learning experiences with hundreds of community partners.
More than 20,000 students from all backgrounds bring diverse perspectives to our classrooms and campus life, from the tree‑lined Park Blocks to the bustling Urban Plaza and state‑of‑the‑art science labs. We are proud of our world‑class faculty, groundbreaking research and international reputation for excellence in sustainability, community engagement and innovation.
Position Summary
Overview:
Portland State University (PSU) seeks a visionary, relational, and strategic leader to serve as
Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
(ED of DEI). Reporting directly to the President, the ED of DEI will be responsible for providing leadership, vision, and strategic direction for enhancing the innovativeness, participation and success of all members of the university community.
This critical role will focus on developing and championing comprehensive strategies to advance a culture of fairness, belonging, and respectful dialogue across all dimensions of difference. The ED of DEI will serve as a principal advisor to the President and senior leadership on all matters related to fostering a campus culture where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. This position does not directly supervise any functional area but will work collaboratively with leaders and various units, including the multicultural student services, across the university. The position will also work closely with community‑based organizations in collaboration with other staff and faculty.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Vision
Develop, articulate, and advance a comprehensive and achievable university‑wide strategy for promoting broad participation, fairness, and belonging that aligns with PSU’s mission and strategic goals.
Clarify and consistently communicate the University’s DEI position, commitments, priorities, and progress.
Lead and guide the University’s efforts to create a welcoming and equitable campus environment, promoting respectful dialogue and meaningful engagement across diverse perspectives.
Establish metrics and assessment strategies to measure the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at promoting fairness and belonging, track progress on diversity goals, and inform continuous improvement.
Executive Advising and Campus Insights
Provide expert advice and counsel to the President and senior leadership team on complex issues, challenges, and opportunities related to creating a fair and inclusive university, including best practices, emerging trends, and legal developments.
Assess and report on campus climate and equity outcomes for students, faculty, and staff using both qualitative and quantitative data.
Partner with legal counsel, human resources, academic affairs, student affairs, and compliance offices to support compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Support integrating DEI principles into university policies, procedures, and accountability practices.
Campus‑Wide Collaboration and Support
Build strong, collaborative relationships with deans, department chairs, faculty, staff, and student leaders, clearly define and communicate the role, scope, and services of the ED of DEI.
Connect DEI initiatives across the University, fostering transparency and amplifying impact.
Provide guidance and support to campus units as they develop and carry out DEI initiatives.
Work collaboratively with faculty governance bodies, staff councils, student leaders, and labor unions to advance DEI priorities within shared governance structures.
Provide visible and accessible leadership characterized by approachability, strong presence, and credibility, maintaining an optimistic and tenacious outlook in the face of complexity and challenges.
External Relations and Public Engagement
Serve as an ambassador and spokesperson for the University’s DEI vision, values, and impact, with government agencies, community organizations, and other external partners.
Collaborate with external relations and advancement teams to strengthen community partnerships and identify funding or program opportunities that support the University’s mission.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
A minimum of ~7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in roles focused on fostering broad participation, fairness, and belonging, in a similarly complex environment.
Demonstrated success in developing comprehensive DEI strategy and implementing, championing, and assessing initiatives to promote inclusive excellence, with deep understanding of fiscal and resource management, implementation, adoption, and accountability.
Extensive knowledge of current best practices, laws, theories, and challenges in creating inclusive and equitable environments in higher education.
Superlative interpersonal, communication (oral and written), and presentation skills the ability to engage effectively and empathetically across all dimensions of diversity, including race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background, etc.
Demonstrated ability to build consensus, manage conflict, and lead change in a collaborative environment.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a commitment to data‑driven decision‑making.
Proven ability to analyze data and use it to identify systemic inequities and drive measurable improvements in outcomes, particularly related to graduation and retention of students, faculty, and staff.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with the unique social, political, and economic landscape of Portland, Oregon, and its impact on efforts to promote broad participation and inclusion.
Experience working with diverse student and employee populations, including first‑generation students, persons of color, LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, and military‑affiliated.
Leadership experience in an urban, public university setting and/or an enterprise‑wide role within a complex organization.
Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
Work Days/Hours Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, schedule to be determined
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
Salary is dependent on several factors, and new employees will typically start around the Q1 level to allow for later growth within the salary band. PSU has a structured process for determining starting compensation, taking into account years of related experience, applicable skills, knowledge and abilities, market parity, and internal equity.
The starting annual salary for this position will be between $160,000 and $175,000.
An excellent
benefits package
includes 95% premium paid healthcare (and qualified dependents); a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools.
Please visit our
total compensation calculator
to see the full value of our benefits package.
Portland State University is an Aff…
Does this position require the employee to drive a motor vehicle? No
Background Check Required Yes
Position End Date (if applicable)
Please email Diane Thurston at Wahl & Associates at diane@wahlandassociatesllc.com
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* Do you have a Master's degree (or higher) from an accredited institution?
Yes
No
* Are you eligible to work in the U.S. indefinitely for any employer?
Yes
No
* This is an on-site position. Do you reside in the Portland metro area, or are you willing to relocate? (Please note that limited relocation assistance will be available for candidates outside the area).
Yes
No
* How many years of experience do you have leading and implementing successful equity initiatives in a similarly large, complex organization to PSU (i.e., as it relates to organization size, governance, public sector,/unionized staff, breadth of internal and external invested parties, etc)
0-3
4-6
7-10
More than 10
* How many years of experience do you have developing, implementing and assessing successful organization-wide DEI strategy?
0-2
3-7
More than 7
* How did you first find out about this position?
PSU Website
Indeed.com
HERCJobs
Urban League of Portland
Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
Oregon Employment Department
Social Media
Person Referral
Career Builder
Glass Door
Other - Please describe in the next Question
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
#J-18808-Ljbffr