Senior Affirmative Action Specialist

** POSITION ELIGIBLE FOR FULLY REMOTE WORK **

Under the direction of the Director of Affirmative Action, the Senior Affirmative Action Specialist serves in an important leadership role that ensures institutional compliance with applicable affirmative action and equal opportunity responsibilities. The individual must have a good comprehensive knowledge of relevant federal and state laws and university policies and be able to apply that knowledge to the facts of specific situations. Success in this position requires the ability to develop and maintain partnerships with all levels of campus administration and employees to ensure effective communication regarding the status of affirmative action efforts, areas requiring attention, and advancing ongoing good faith efforts.

The Senior Affirmative Action Specialist is a subject matter expert who provides advice to management, expert consultation to HR and campus deans, and maintains an awareness of and compliance with emerging Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity obligations. In addition, this position is responsible for satisfying reporting requirements, assisting the Affirmative Action Director in evaluating institutional efforts, and developing the infrastructure for compliance and ongoing improvement. Finally, this position must collaborate broadly with campus stakeholders at all levels, be an advocate for promoting diversity and inclusion at an institutional level, and systematically contribute to the work and mission of Virginia Tech University and the Office of Equity & Accessibility.
 
Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in managing the development and implementation of the institution’s affirmative action plans.
• Monitor compliance with the plans including progress against goals, development of good faith action programs, assessment of problem areas, and review of employment transactions.
• Assist with Department of Labor, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program's (OFCCP) OFCCP compliance audits to include preparation of audit submission, and working with HR partners.
• Prepare and submit data files for annual government compliance VETS 4212 reporting, and ad hoc reporting requests related to compliance and government audits.
• Collaborate with Recruitment teams and applicable vendor(s) to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
• Provide data support and reporting for ad hoc requests and projects including voluntary self-identification surveys for individuals with disabilities and veterans; and, make recommendations on how EEO data is maintained in the Applicant Tracking System and HRIS platform.
• Analyze, interpret and report performance trends; identify areas performing outside of expected results; and, recommend additional data for review.
• Determine methods to increase efficiency and effectiveness of reports, and develop presentations and executive summaries for senior management; ensure reports generated meet the Office of Equity and Accessibility standards for accuracy, timeliness and consistency.
• Collaborate with data requestors in defining requirements and provide guidance on existing reports to strive for consistency.
• Collaborate in developing work force measurements and analyses systems to track the representations of under-represented groups and women throughout the institution.
• Conducting new hire orientation and search charge committee training, as well as other new EEO/AA training programs that are developed.

• Deep knowledge of Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, VEVRAA and related EEO laws and regulations. Strong ability to develop practical solutions for implementing and communicating Affirmative Action Plans goals and metrics.
• Strong portfolio and project management skills with focus on delivering results.
• Able to build partnerships with internal and external key stakeholders quickly, and strong collaboration and influencing skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to research and collect data from many internal and external sources and draw insights, synthesize themes and make recommendations for relevant application to the organization.
• Extreme results orientation with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal effectiveness and communication skills (verbal, written, presentation), with the ability to work effectively with a diverse employee population throughout the institution.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to travel occasionally.
• Demonstrated skills in interpersonal relations and working with diverse populations.
• Experience with faculty search/hiring processes to include recruiting, outreach, and/or equitable employment practices.
• Experience developing and presenting training, preferably on affirmative action and equal opportunity issues.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory practices, rules, and policies to workplace situations.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited higher learning program. Ideal candidates will have majors in organizational development, communications, multi-cultural studies, HR or a related degree.

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience with EO/AA compliance as a federal contractor.
• Experience with faculty search/hiring processes to include recruiting, outreach, and/or equitable employment practices.                       • Proven familiarity using MS Excel and Adobe Acrobat

Regular

Salary range of $63,000-$75,000

2/20/2023

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.