Chief Diversity Officer

The Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) will lead a transformational agenda to infuse equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into the fabric of the American Psychological Association (APA). EDI is a core value and responsibility of the entire association, as reflected in its strategic plan and mission, and is essential for optimal organizational functioning and a robust, impactful field of psychology. As the architect of APA’s evolving EDI framework, the CDO will work with APA staff, leaders, and members to refine and build consensus for an overall plan, operationalize its goals, and establish accountability metrics to monitor progress. The CDO will serve as a spokesperson and advocate for EDI in the field of psychology, both within and outside the association. The CDO will be housed in the Executive Office, report directly to the CEO, and serve on the Executive Leadership Team. The CDO will work with APA’s Board of Directors, Council of Representatives, Divisions, and other membership groups, as well as external partners.

Job Summary:

The CDO will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing an organizational emphasis on EDI. The CDO will work closely with other APA staff and members to develop innovative strategies, initiatives, and tactics to advance EDI goals for the association, the field of psychology, and society at large. The CDO will also play a leading role in interpreting, communicating, and promoting these goals, with an orientation toward ongoing assessment and evaluation. In so doing, the CDO will also collaborate with key external partners, including ethnic minority psychological associations, human rights organizations, state, provincial, and territorial psychological associations, and other stakeholders, to further engagement toward achievement of EDI goals.

The CDO will lead efforts to promote EDI throughout the organization with a focus on membership, advocacy, leadership, policies, practices, culture, and climate. EDI efforts related to the field of psychology will aim to enhance the cultural responsivity of psychological practice, education, and research. Societal efforts to advance EDI will include promoting human dignity, human rights, and social justice. The CDO will help to guide, integrate, monitor, and evaluate EDI-related activities in keeping with APA’s strategic priorities, to increase the effectiveness of APA’s efforts. The CDO will also serve as a resource for education, training, and consultation related to EDI for association staff, members, other organizations, and the general public.

Job Qualifications:                                                                       

• Advanced degree required, with doctorate in psychology preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in a nonprofit, academic, or other organization.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in leading, developing, and implementing diversity-related programs or initiatives to change organization or systems.
• Demonstrated competence in administration, fiscal management, and strategic planning and implementation.
• Scholarly and evidence-based psychological knowledge related to equity, diversity, and inclusion across an array of social identity domains (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender/gender expression, age, sexual orientation, disability status, and intersectionality).
• An understanding of the major EDI-related issues within the discipline and profession of psychology.
• Ability to set ambitious, yet realistic, goals and performance metrics to achieve the association’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Refined analytical, decision-making, and project management skills, with demonstrated success in utilizing data to shape compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with teams of professionals within a large, complex, and diverse organization and to foster staff engagement.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and constituents and to skillfully navigate sensitive diversity-related discussions and dynamics.
• Sound professional judgment and demonstrated ability to function well under pressure, attend to details, meet deadlines, and respond effectively and responsibly to feedback and results.
• Outstanding verbal/written communication skills and the ability to serve as an inspiring spokesperson for APA’s commitment to EDI in all its work and processes.

About APA:

The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 121,00 psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization categorized as a 501c(3) and has an annual operating budget of about $130 million. Along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc., APA has about 500 employees. For more information related to APA, please visit our website at www.apa.org. APA is located at 750 First Street, NE, Washington D.C., near Union Station. It is Metro accessible from the Red Line, VRE (Virginia), and MARC (Maryland/West Virginia) commuter trains.

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates must apply online through APA’s applicant system and attach their CV and cover letter specifying salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law.