Career Center

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Francis W. Parker School, a renowned institution of progressive education in Chicago, IL, is seeking an inspiring, authentic, and strategic changemaker to join them as the new Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). Founded in 1901, Parker has since provided an exceptional, timeless, and transformative learning environment for their students. Their progressive educational mission is more relevant today than ever. Their founding principles are rooted in teaching the skills necessary for civic engagement, civil discourse, and speaking up for social justice. Collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking propel Parker students to lead lives of purpose and foster a connection to the wider world. With 945 students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade, Parker continually re-evaluates its academic and advisory curricula so that students: regularly see windows into different identities and cultures and mirrors of their own; meaningfully engage with others across differences; and learn that the power to create a more just, inclusive, and equitable society originates from the establishment of diverse communities where all members feel a deep sense of belonging. As Parker embarks on a historic $125M capital campaign, which includes supporting the values of equity of access, diversity, and inclusivity within the student body and affordability of education by creating a transformative financial assistance fund, the Director will be the central figure guiding Parker’s strategic and on-the-ground DEIB efforts.

Reporting to the Principal and Assistant Principal, the Director of DEIB will be focused on the long-range and day-to-day review, assessment, and integration of DEIB practice into the Parker education and community. The Director will have strong experience in the DEIB field and the ability to build trust and build bridges. Although the focus of the role will be with adults in the community, the Director will also have an affinity for children and will become part of the student community as well. A diverse and inclusive school like Parker does not happen by accident, but rather through commitment to mission, and consistent engagement by all constituencies. The Director will lead the charge, but must galvanize others in order to be successful.

Applications are due February 28, 2023

For more information on the position and instructions on HOW TO APPLY, view the full opportunity Statement at https://www.strategenius.org/opportunity-parker-director-deib.

Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender, gender identification, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience planning, facilitating and leading diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
(DEIB) training and education programs for students and educators
• Experience gathering, writing about, presenting, and utilizing data on issues of DEIB in an organizational setting
• Knowledge of human development and the developmental hallmarks of school-aged children during the Lower, Intermediate, Middle, and Upper School years
• Strong interest in furthering the Mission, Citizenship, and Diversity Statements of Francis W. Parker School
• Knowledge of current trends and thinking concerning diversity, equity, inclusion, and
belonging and commitment to personal and professional growth in DEIB concepts
• Detail-oriented with highly effective communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills
• Capacity for teamwork and collaboration, and for developing meaningful working relationships with students, faculty and staff, parents/guardians,
and alumni
• Ability to thoughtfully manage and communicate the complex dynamics related to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in schools
• Ability to facilitate and cultivate meaningful dialogue on topics of DEIB
• Demonstrate a deep empathic concern and compassion for people and have a knowledge of social emotional learning and its connection to DEIB
• Proven success in making a school or organization better with DEIB practice
• Previous experience as an administrator
• Experience in K–12 schools

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in related area
• Experience in independent schools
• Experience as a classroom teacher
• Understanding of Admissions, Hiring, and Retention practices
• Knowledge of Chicago, greater Chicago, and the Midwest