Chief Diversity Officer

Sixty percent are first-generation college students.

Virtually all LaGuardia students are ethnic minorities (89 percent), 58 percent are women, 27 percent are over the age of 25. Forty-six percent of associate degree students are Hispanic. Upon graduation most students transfer to four-year colleges, typically in CUNY, to complete their baccalaureate degrees. Graduates of career programs such as Nursing, Computer Technology, and Veterinary Technology enter the workforce. LaGuardia ranked fifth among U.S. community colleges in economic mobility – moving low-income students into the middle class and beyond – in studies by Stanford University (2017) and the Brookings Institution (2020). Please visit www.laguardia.edu to learn more.

Reporting to the President, the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) is responsible for overseeing and managing the diversity and compliance staff, campus diversity and compliance initiatives, federal, state, and CUNY policies/regulations while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and integrity with faculty, staff, and students.

Other responsibilities of CDO include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversees the implementation of the City University of New York’s Equal Opportunity & Non- Discrimination policy and will be leading the College’s Office of Diversity and Compliance, as well as the creation of diversity and compliance programs, activities, and initiatives designed to foster a climate that encourages respect for diversity amongst faculty, staff, and student groups;
• Investigates and oversees investigations of complaints asserted under Titles VI and VII, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title IV, federal, state and local Disability Law, CUNY policy and under any other law that prohibits discrimination based on a protected status;
• Prepares memoranda, reports and other written material; planning and coordinating educational and training workshops on EEO issues, policies and procedures, and working with external administrative agencies, compliance audits and initiatives;
• Oversees the preparation of internal and external reports regarding the College's equal employment opportunity and affirmative action efforts and accomplishments including the federally mandated Affirmative Action Plan;
• Collaborates with the Office of Legal Affairs and Labor Relations, Human Resources and Public Safety to implement and compliance of the City University of New York’s Title IX policy, ensure the College's EEO/OFCCP regarding Section 504/ADA, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and other related matters are in compliance with federal, state, and city regulations and University mandates;
• Monitors the recruitment, appointment and retention processes for all faculty and staff positions in accordance with University Bylaws and federal and state laws pertaining to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action;
• Counsels College's administration, faculty and staff regarding equal employment opportunity and affirmative action policies, procedures and compliance issues and fosters the integration of best practices;
• Collaborates with various stakeholders and student groups to address diversity and inclusion issues on campus and faculty and staff grievance issues related to diversity and inclusion;
• Serves as Chief Diversity Office Liaison to the City University of New York and attends meetings of The City University of New York Chief Diversity Officer Council;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the President or designee.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree and eight years' relevant experience required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctorate with admission to the New York State bar and experience in the field of higher education or employment law preferred.
• Master’s Degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience in a higher education institution conducting investigations and a record of success in EEO/AA and DEI.
• Demonstrable familiarity with regulatory requirements, laws and guidelines, including federal, state and local laws such as Title VI, VII & IX, New York States Human Rights Law, and New York City Commission of Human Rights Act.
• Ability to draft, review and comprehensively apply the law to fact-based investigations & scenarios.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical and oral/written communication skills essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a high-level administrative team is vital.
• Proficiency in computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access.
• Familiarity with investigative/case management software is a plus.
• Background as a trauma informed investigator is a plus.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish, French, Mandarin or Arabic is a plus.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Oversees programs, activities, and initiatives designed to foster a climate that respects pluralism and diversity.

- Develops effective strategies to promote diversity in faculty and staff hiring and actively participates in building strong networks and recruitment sources

- Serves as a key recruiting team member, coordinating recruitment plans, advertising, and selection processes

- Implements the College's Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity policies and ensures compliance with relevant city, state, and federal statutes such as Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, responding to and conducting investigations of non-compliance complaints

- Collects and analyzes data for College and University reports

- Develops and presents training programs and disseminates information related to Diversity, EEO, and other compliance at the College

- Coordinates with University offices to assure consistency of University-wide policies

- Maintains current knowledge and materials related to laws, rules, regulations, and best practices for advancing EEO/Diversity

- Performs related duties as assigned.

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$131,440–$141,325

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information. 

Candidates should provide a resume and cover letter.

CLOSING DATE

September 29th, 2026 (Extended)

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity.  EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.