Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Opportunity Statement

Villa Academy is an independent, Catholic pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade school located in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Rooted in the Cabrinian tradition of whole child “education of the heart,” Villa Academy nurtures compassionate hearts and confident minds for lives of infinite possibility. 

Villa Academy seeks a full-time Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to join its administrative team beginning August 1, 2022 (start date can be flexible). The Director will lead the development and implementation of initiatives in support of Villa Academy's ongoing commitment to its diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and belonging (DEIJB) work across all stakeholder groups: faculty/staff, students, and families. The Director will guide a vision and strategy that champions Villa’s antiracist social justice work in alignment with the school’s mission and vision, which prioritizes the deep value of a diverse and inclusive school community. A critical member of the school’s administrative team, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion reports directly to the Head of School.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, student-centered individual eager to share their experience, enthusiasm, and expertise in school-based DEIJB work. They will inspire students, faculty/staff, and families to learn and grow, and will enjoy working within a team setting of shared ideas and constructive feedback. They will lead with great initiative and cultural humility, and have keen problem-solving and communication skills.

Essential Functions:

• Leads and guides Villa’s Diversity Strategic Plan
• Implements current research and best practices in the areas of DEIJB, culturally responsive teaching, and antiracism within the school’s model of teaching and learning to promote a climate and culture of equity and belonging for all Villa students and families; 

• Partners with Villa faculty and administrators in reviewing and renewing curriculum with a focus on systemic equity and justice;
• Partners with faculty, staff, and administrators to integrate inclusive pedagogies and experiences into Villa’s curricular and co-curricular programs;

• Designs and conducts DEIJB-centered professional learning opportunities for faculty, staff, administration, and Board of Trustees (as appropriate);
• Plans, develops, and promotes DEIJB-focused education, programs, and events for faculty, staff, students, and families;
• Measures and assesses the effectiveness of our inclusion work; monitors longitudinally, and initiates interventions as needed;

• Responds to diversity- and equity-related issues within the student body in partnership with the Division Directors, school counselor, and the Director of the Counseling and Wellness Center;
• Cultivates student leadership in matters related to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and belonging work;
• Supports the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty and staff in partnership with the Head of School and Division Directors;

• Assists the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Services in the recruitment and retention of students and families;
• Builds and grows partnerships with diversity coordinators at other independent schools, as well as off-campus cultural resource organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred;
• A commitment to the Mission, Vision and Core Values of Villa Academy;
• A commitment to ongoing professional growth and curiosity, cultural humility and an understanding of its important role in academic excellence and student preparation;  
• Strategic thinking skills and experience designing and implementing innovative, effective, and sustainable DEIJB programs;
• Organized, detail-oriented, resourceful, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously;
• Flexibility, sensitivity, and outstanding interpersonal skills necessary to work collaboratively with multiple constituencies;
• Project management skills in implementing complex programs, supervising personnel, and managing a budget;
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills;
• Strong work ethic and high level of integrity;
• Positive energy and enthusiasm for working in a preK-8th grade independent school. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please provide, via email, the items listed below (preferably in one PDF document): 

• A cover letter detailing interest in and readiness for the role.
• A current resume including relevant educational experience and three references.

Villa Academy is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal rules and regulations. Villa Academy does not discriminate in admission, access, treatment or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, creed, age, national origin, marital status or ability.