Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled.

Portland State University

• Proposed
  
  Start Date:
  
  05/01/2026
• Classification
  
  Title:
  
  Executive / Chief Officers
• Rank: N - No Rank
• Working Title:
  
  Executive Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Department: 100001 - POF President's Office
• Position Number: D90570
• Representation: UU - Unclassified Unrepresented
• Renewable:
  Renewable
• Position FTE: 1.0
• Tenure Status: N - not applicable

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.

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.

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…