Penn State mark
All Jobs Student & Academic Services Group
Academic Programs Academic Records Admissions and Financial Aid Advising International Programs Residence Life Student Advocacy Student Engagement Student Support
Management Professional Supervisory

Penn State Job Catalog

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Specialist (Academic) – Advanced Professional (PSU1227)

Additional Levels

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

Job Summary

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Specialist (Academic) plays a vital role in advancing the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment for all students; focuses on developing and supporting initiatives that promote equity and belonging particularly for students from historically marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds; collaborates with student organizations, campus partners, and administrative units to build community, enhance cultural competency, and promote student success.

Representative Duties

  • Design, implement, and assess programs that support identity development, belonging, and cultural celebration
  • Serve as a visible and accessible resource for students seeking support around issues of equity and inclusion
  • Participate in the creation of the strategic vision related to equity and belonging efforts for the assigned area
  • Facilitate student forums, focus groups, and listening sessions to ensure student voices inform institutional practices
  • Provide education through presentations, workshops, and trainings
  • Support signature events such as heritage month celebrations, first-generation student support programs, and intergroup dialogues
  • Advocate for policies and practices that remove barriers to student success and promote a sense of belonging across all student populations
  • Partner with student affairs, academic departments, and other campus units to embed equity and inclusion into student-facing programs and services
  • Collect data to assess the success of programs and initiatives; prepare and provide reports to leadership
  • Meet with students related to equity and belonging concerns and issues; participate in the creation of a remedial action plan
  • Educate students about avenues and resources for reporting concerns
  • Administer the budget for assigned area; allocate resources appropriately
  • Maintain industry awareness; update leadership on best practices to create a more inclusive environment
  • May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level Matrix

Level:
Advanced Professional
Base Description:
– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding
Problem Solving:
– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems
Independence of Action:
– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
Communication and Collaboration:
– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 8
  • Minimum – $51,000.00
  • MidPoint – $62,500.00
  • Maximum – $74,000.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
3+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Additional Job Requirements