Providence College - Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Providence College (PC), a Catholic and Dominican liberal arts institution of higher education, invites nominations and applications for the College’s inaugural vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Providence College is a close-knit community committed to academic excellence, growth in virtue and service of God and neighbor. The college was established in 1917 and represents a distinctive identity and mission as the only college or university in the United States founded by, and conducted under the auspices of, the Dominican Friars.

The College is located on a picturesque, 105-acre campus two miles from downtown Providence. With an undergraduate population of approximately 4,600 students, 342 full-time and 207 part-time faculty members, PC boasts a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring a highly personalized education. Providence College employs more than 1,000 employees and is among the top 30 employers in the State of Rhode Island. The college competes in eight men’s and 11 women’s varsity sports, all at the Division I level, with membership in the NCAA, the BIG EAST Conference and the Hockey East Association.

The vice president serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet and is responsible for spearheading the College’s development and implementation of a robust, strategic diversity and inclusion agenda across all divisions with the purpose of advancing a campus climate and a common vision that respects, values and supports the academic, social and personal development of diverse students, faculty and staff. Working across campus constituencies, the vice president ensures the successful accomplishment of diversity and equity-related goals within the College’s strategic plan.

This is an exciting opportunity for a transformative and courageous leader to build upon the many assets of the College and support a campus environment where all are welcome and invited to participate meaningfully. Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. ’78, ’82G, President of Providence College, has set a vision for the College to work towards becoming a Beloved Community as articulated by Martin Luther King, Jr. Reporting to the president, the vice president will advance efforts towards this end and challenge the community in ways that are not confrontational but unify its members and promote the dignity of all people. 

The successful candidate will be a relational and strategic leader who has a deep grasp of and passion for the mission of Providence College and Catholic Social Teaching who uses the mission as the motive, guide and goal for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion for the institution. Candidates should also have exceptional communication and relational skills with an ability to find common ground with people from diverse backgrounds. A minimum of seven years of experience in successfully advancing diversity initiatives in a college, university or professional setting or equivalent combination of experience and training and a master’s degree are required.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.

WittKieffer is assisting Providence College in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 1, 2023.  Application materials should be submitted using the buttons below. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Christine J. Pendleton, Lucy Leske and Sarah Seavey at ProvidenceVPDEI@wittkieffer.com.

Providence College, a primarily undergraduate, liberal arts, Catholic institution of higher education conducted under the auspices of the Dominican Friars, seeks candidates who can affirm and contribute to its mission. The College is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment that supports all of its students, faculty, and staff. All members of the community share a responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning experience valuing differences and practicing inclusion. We invite applications from qualified individuals who possess the experience, knowledge, and commitment to work within a diverse learning environment. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Providence College is an equal opportunity employer.

Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy and Grievance Procedures
Providence College is committed to maintaining educational, working, and living environments in which all students, staff, and faculty are treated with dignity and respect, as created in the image and likeness of God. Discriminatory harassment based on a person’s (or group’s) race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, veteran status, or genetic information is prohibited. This Policy applies to all Providence College students and employees (i.e., faculty, staff, administrators), and to all “third parties” (defined for this Policy as visitors, guests, contractors, vendors, and other third parties).