Director of Equity and Inclusion

Founded in 1774, Newark Academy has a rich history as an independent, coeducational school, for grades 6-12, located on a beautiful 68-acre campus in Livingston, NJ. The mission of Newark Academy is to “contribute to the world engaged individuals instilled with a passion for learning, a standard of excellence, and a generosity of spirit.”

Newark Academy is seeking a dynamic Director of Equity and Inclusion to provide leadership, vision, and support for the school’s efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). The Director will serve as a member of the senior administrative team and report to the Head of School. The Director will lead existing programs, supervise Middle School and Upper School Equity and Inclusion Coordinators, and provide oversight and assessment of initiatives designed to promote equity, inclusion, and a greater sense of belonging among members of our diverse community of learners. As an academic administrator, the Director serves as the course coordinator for the Upper School Creating Community course and will teach one or two sections of this course.

Reports to: Head of School               

Responsibilities:

Student and Faculty Support:

• Lead, develop, and implement initiatives and programs to foster a school climate reflective of our Community Commitments for Belonging 
• Oversee Newark Academy’s Bias Education and Response System aimed at addressing reported bias-related incidents that may occur inside or outside of the classroom.
• Work with faculty and grade-level leaders to build cultural competency through special programs and ongoing processing of school, community, and national events
• Work with E&I Coordinators and student leaders in the US and MS to equip students with tools for constructive communication around difficult issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Serve as a dynamic resource and support for underrepresented students and their families
• Serve as a resource for diversity-related clubs and activities
• Oversee the academic and social success of underrepresented students in concert with the School Counselors, Principals, and Dean of Students
• Support and ensure the school’s ongoing development and implementation of a multiculturally competent curriculum
• Serve as the course coordinator for the Upper School Creating Community course and teach one or two sections of this course.
• Serve as a resource for teachers in addressing sensitive material intentionally addressed in the classroom, and with strategies to address everyday interactions on campus
• Provide guidance, support, and formal professional development/capacity building for faculty and staff
• Build strong relationships between and among students, parents, faculty, and staff, fostering trust, rapport, and collegiality in the school culture
• Serve as a resource and support to the Newark Academy Parents Association (NAPA) and the Alumni Board of Governors in those organizations’ efforts to educate constituents and create thoughtful, diversity and inclusive programming. 

Institutional Outreach and Planning:

• Act as an essential participant and/or thought partner in institutional conversations and decision-making to help ensure ongoing commitment to DEIB
• Strategically guide members of the school community, including the Board and Head of School, to review and develop policies and practices designed to promote greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Work with the Director of Admissions and Admissions staff to attract and retain, welcome new families of color and with all families to build a culture of inclusion
• Work with the Directors of Development and Alumni Relations to inform and engage donors and alumni to build understanding and buy-in regarding the school’s efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Participate in the recruitment and hiring of teaching and professional staff with the Dean of Faculty and the Director of Human Resources to attract and retain a diverse pool of candidates
• Act as an advocate and “ombudsperson” for staff, students, or parents who encounter equity-related issues, and help them find the most appropriate route for dealing with particular concerns
• Establish systems of accountability and promote the evaluation and continuous improvement of institutional diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals using data-driven metrics to measure success
• Disseminate information on the impact and effectiveness of key diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals to all constituents by way of reports and presentations
• Serve as a representative of the school at community and professional events, workshops, and conferences
• Consult with Communications staff to assess the outreach plans of the school and see that the school’s “message” and communications regarding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are being directed to a wide audience
• Facilitate and coordinate school outreach activities in the broader NJ area