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Leadership Opportunity: Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Invitation to Apply

The Bethlehem Central School District (BCSD) invites applications for the position of Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). BCSD seeks a strategic leader and collaborative district partner with an innovative and resilient spirit, as well as a proven record of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to serve as its Director of DEI.

Reporting directly to the Superintendent of Schools and serving on the District Leadership Team, the Director of DEI will be a highly influential leader with the ability to empower others to collectively deepen BCSD’s ongoing efforts to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community for all faculty, staff, students, and families. The Director of DEI will lead a districtwide effort to evaluate existing programs, policies, and practices currently in effect, making recommendations leading to a more efficient and cohesive operation.

About BCSD | Role | Qualifications | Application Process and Timeline

About Bethlehem Central School District

The Bethlehem Central School District’s reputation for excellence has attracted families to the Town of Bethlehem since the district was formed in 1930. Well-known throughout the Capital Region for its exemplary and innovative educational programs, BC is dedicated to preparing students to meet the demands of a Regents diploma, and much more, on their way to successful careers and rewarding lives. As public education continues to evolve in New York State, BC vows to meet mandates without losing sight of local priorities. With a philosophy that puts student achievement first, Bethlehem Central seeks to provide a safe and respectful learning environment that promotes academic rigor, embraces technology, and responds to students’ individual abilities while remaining responsible to taxpayers. In return, Bethlehem schools have enjoyed the support of active, involved residents who have passed nearly every budget and bond referendum proposed by the district in recent decades and who recognize their schools as the heart of their community.

The District at a Glance

Encompassing most of the Town of Bethlehem and part of the Town of New Scotland in Albany County, Bethlehem Central is a Suburban Council school district that serves approximately 4,200 students in kindergarten through grade 12. There are five neighborhood elementary schools, serving students in kindergarten through grade 5; a 6-8 middle school; and a 9-12 high school. We strive to maintain an average class size of 22-24 students, with lower enrollment common in the primary grades and in some advanced and specialized high school courses.

Bethlehem’s schools consistently are among the top-performing schools in the Capital Region and across the state. Our instructional staff consists of professionals who are well respected for their competency and contributions to education. This exceptional staff is supported by subject supervisors who oversee K-12 curriculum and instruction in addition to teaching. Our educational support staff consists of many full and part-time individuals equally committed to our students.

Mission Statement

To educate and prepare all students to reach their potential, discover their purpose, and be engaged members of the community.

Core Values

Academics

Instructional and assessment practices that are aligned to a strong and relevant curriculum.

Character

Positive character traits are essential to becoming contributing members of society.

Community

Strengthening family, school and community partnerships through transparent communication.

Wellness

Enhancing social-emotional wellness and balance for students and staff by supporting active, healthy lifestyles and promoting positive behavior.

Role

The new Director of DEI will address the following Opportunities and Challenges:

Serve as a thought leader, trusted advisor and effective communicator 

The Director of DEI will serve as a thought leader, trusted advisor, and effective communicator in helping create an inclusive environment across the district. The Director of DEI will bring subject matter expertise and a record of proven leadership involving cultural change in an organization around diversity, equity, and inclusion. This will require creative and adroit communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively across a diverse range of constituents with varying levels of fluency around DEI work, the ability to influence individuals at all levels of the district, and a bias towards action and accountability.

Develop and execute a cohesive vision and implement a DEI plan across the institution 

The Director of DEI will serve as a resource to administrators, faculty, and staff and provide and infuse frameworks, best practices, networks, and common language and definitions to ensure collective and cohesive understanding of the work across the district and within the community. The Director of DEI will coordinate initiatives to develop the skills to bridge differences and to debate and disagree respectfully, as well as develop and execute a cohesive vision, and implement a DEI plan. The Director of DEI will coordinate, lead, and embed a cohesive DEI strategy across the district and galvanize the ongoing commitments and talents of faculty, staff, students and families engaged in existing efforts and initiatives. The Director of DEI will need to assess and better coordinate existing efforts and initiatives and infuse a greater sense of accountability and sustainability in future efforts to address district climate and develop a sense of belonging, particularly for students, faculty, and staff from minoritized groups.

Co-create, implement and assess DEI programs and initiatives 

The Director of DEI will collaboratively create a consistent and clear DEI strategy that can be implemented and assessed districtwide. The Director of DEI will be a proactive leader with the ability to engage district stakeholders to implement and assess an all-encompassing DEI strategy. The Director of DEI will also be a skilled educator, facilitator, and trainer and will develop and deliver equity and inclusion training programs for faculty, staff, students, and families.

Build partnerships and coalitions across district and beyond 

The Director of DEI must be a relationship builder who generates support for DEI work by developing strong partnerships and coalitions with all district stakeholders. The work of the Director of DEI will be accomplished through influence, empowerment of others, and the strength of relationships. The Director of DEI will help identify and implement best practices and policies and coordinate district efforts to recruit, retain, and develop diverse administrators, faculty and staff.

Qualifications

BCSD seeks a candidate who integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that they do. The ideal candidate embodies the following educational background, knowledge, skills and abilities.

Required Qualifications

    • An earned Master’s degree or higher in sociology, education, public administration, ethical studies, communication or a closely related field or a
    • Bachelor’s degree with DEI work experience.
    • New York State Certification as School District Administrator or meet the qualification criteria under Civil Service.
    • Minimum of five years experience in teaching or related field (e.g. teacher preparation, educational research, counseling, social work, psychology, etc.)
    • First-hand experience with systemic barriers that perpetuate inequitable practices.
    • Demonstrated management and supervisory skills to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of students and staff in a school setting or equivalent.
    • Demonstrated cultural awareness along with the ability and agility to build trust and credibility in the navigation of a complex political and ideological landscape.

    Preferred Qualifications

      • Strong knowledge of current educational trends, methods, research, and advancements in diversity, equity, and inclusion in public schools and institutions.
      • A sophisticated understanding of district, state, and federal policies, guidelines, laws, and rules related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in K-12 education including DASA, Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, IDEA, ADA, and Section 504.
      • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
      • Planning and organizational skills.
      • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
      • Ability to identify important issues or problems in the coordination of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
      • Proven skills and ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
      • Strong desire to build coalitions and work collaboratively with a broad range of diverse individuals.
      • Ability to articulate the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to the broader Bethlehem community.

      Application Process

      To apply for this leadership opportunity

      For an application please visit the Capital Region Online Applications System (OLAS) at https://www.olasjobs.org/. All inquiries, questions, and requests for clarifications are to be directed to Ms. Jody Monroe, Superintendent of Schools at 518-439-7481 or by email at jmonroe@bethlehemschools.org.

      A completed application will include:

      • Competed OLAS Application Form
      • Formal job-specific cover letter
      • Current resume
      • Current letters of recommendation

      Timeline

      • April 22, 2022 – Application Deadline
      • May 9, 2022 – Initial Interviews
      • May 16, 2022 – Finalist Interviews
      • July 1, 2022 – New Director of DEI Begins

      BCSD actively fosters a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment and is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified individuals from all racial, ethnic or other minority groups, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply for open positions.