Career Center

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator

FT/PT:  FT beginning August 2022

Status: Exempt

Reports To: Assistant Head of School

The Orchard School
Founded in 1922, Orchard is an independent, non-sectarian, Progressive school for 500 students in preschool through the 8th grade. Orchard is committed to advancing each student’s academic success, self-confidence, open-mindedness, ethical character, leadership, and love of learning. Located in north Indianapolis on a 43- acre wooded campus with a state-of-the-art facility, Orchard promises academic excellence through a well-rounded education, engaging the natural curiosity of students in an active, child-centered, and experiential learning environment.  We seek, and strive to maintain, a diverse and inclusive school community, and are committed to the principles that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the skills, knowledge and experiences a diverse workforce brings to our school. 

The Position
The position is focused primarily on curriculum and program, and the internal work of our school. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator  is also a member of the academic leadership team, reporting directly to the Assistant Head of School, and collaborating with Division Directors in our Early Childhood/Elementary School and Middle School programs, and the Director of Student Services.  Orchard seeks an educator who possesses a passion for equity and social justice, and who is  eager to grow personally and professionally in the field of education and leadership.  This is a 10-month position that runs concurrent with the faculty instructional calendar.

The DEI Coordinator  will work with administrators and faculty members to build our individual and institutional capacity to support faculty, students, and families as we strive for a curriculum and program that puts diversity, equity, and inclusion at the center of our school’s work.  Particular domains of responsibility include:

• Curriculum and Instruction 

-Deliver developmentally appropriate lessons on topics of diversity, equity and inclusion on both a regularly scheduled and an as needed basis.
-Collaborate with divisional directors and faculty to support inclusive and culturally appropriate curricula, teaching practices, and learning spaces across academic divisions.

• Program Support
  -Develop thoughtful programming and school-wide practices that reflect the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and empower students to be thought leaders and problem solvers (examples may include student clubs, affinity groups, and community outreach and student leadership opportunities).
• Student and Family Support
  -Serve as a resource for faculty as they have authentic and courageous conversations with students and families in our pursuit of equitable and inclusive teaching practices.
  -Serve as a resource for families by providing ongoing parent education about the importance and impact of our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Professional Development
  -Attend the NAIS People of Color Conference and other diversity workshops and conferences on a regular basis in order to stay current in innovative diversity and inclusion work.
  -Maintain active local and national networks amongst educational leaders and organizations.
  -Seek out professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, and lead internal professional development workshops proactively, and in response to current needs.
• Other Responsibilities
  -Attend and present at open houses and school events to educate our community about Orchard’s ongoing work around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  -Attend the Board of Trustees Diversity Committee meetings.
  -Actively participate in the Indianapolis Area Private Schools Diversity Consortium.

-Support the recruiting, onboarding, and mentoring process for faculty 

- Collaborate in Orchard’s institutional efforts to retain  faculty members that represent the diversity of our Indianapolis community.

Required Qualifications and Attributes 

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrated passion and proactive work for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Orchard
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively with colleagues, parents and students
• Capacity to strive for unity, harmony and cooperation through empathy, respect, tact, helpfulness and recognition of individual differences 
• Capacity for team building, and to lead and inspire others
• Ability to lead a group to consensus
• Passion for the mission and the vision of The Orchard School
• Thoughtful judgment and effective interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills
  
  

Benefits
The Orchard School values our employees and offers a total compensation package designed to attract and retain talented individuals who make our school successful.  Benefits include:

• 11 paid personal days
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employer Paid life insurance
• Employer Paid long and short term disability

Candidates should apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Human Resources (hr@orchard.org) , and include “DEI” in the subject line.

Orchard values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. Orchard does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or national origin in the administration of its admission, tuition assistance, or employment determination. 

The Orchard School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. 

For more information about The Orchard School, please visit: www.orchard.org.

Required Qualifications and Attributes 

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrated passion and proactive work for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Orchard
• Demonstrated success in working collaboratively with colleagues, parents and students
• Capacity to strive for unity, harmony and cooperation through empathy, respect, tact, helpfulness and recognition of individual differences 
• Capacity for team building, and to lead and inspire others
• Ability to lead a group to consensus
• Passion for the mission and the vision of The Orchard School
• Thoughtful judgment and effective interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills