As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Equity and Inclusion are core values at the University. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable, racially and socially just, affirming culture. To support this mission, The University of Rochester's Office for Equity & Inclusion is looking for an experienced and dedicated Affirmative Action Program Officer to lead our efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across our staff community.   

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, the Affirmative Action Program Officer plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity objectives while also driving transformative change to our university culture. You will work closely with the AVP for Civil Rights and Compliance to develop strategic initiatives that go beyond mere compliance, aiming to create an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered to thrive.  

Responsibilities will encompass strategic partnership, AAP data analysis, reporting and evaluation, along with program compliance. Key tasks include:  

• Writing and administering the University's annual OFCCP Affirmative Action Program, aligning efforts to create sustainable change to our climate and culture. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of the plan and identifying barriers, challenges, and progress to goal attainment.  

• Working across the institution to develop strategies to address underemployment in underutilized job classifications, based on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action statutes.   

• Collaborating with the Office of Disability Resources, Veterans Alliance, and Human Resources on accessibility and access to job opportunities. Supports the University’s outreach efforts with community-based organizations, state and federally funded programs to enhance career pathways.  

• Developing long and short-range goals for Affirmative Action plans and good faith efforts, working in partnership with the AVP for Civil Rights Compliance and Office of Human Resources. Benchmarks best practices and strategies with other higher education institutions as part of the planning effort.  

• Presenting underutilization findings to departments and leadership; providing resources and direction for documenting good faith efforts and diversifying candidate pools where underrepresentation exists. 

Our ideal candidate will have:  

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience related to Affirmative Action, preferably within the higher education sector.  

• A solid understanding of federal and state laws concerning civil rights, discrimination, and Affirmative Action, along with the ability to navigate complex issues within diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.  

• Knowledge of trends and issues impacting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and/or academic medicine.  

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and drive positive change within our university community, we invite you to join us. Please note that while this is a remote work opportunity, the candidate must reside in New York State and regularly will be expected to report to the office located in Rochester, NY. 

 Job ID: 251568 

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better.    

In support of our values and those of our society, the University will select faculty and staff without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law.  This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations. 

About University of Rochester

Founded in 1850, the University of Rochester is one of the nation’s leading research universities and is the cultural, artistic, healthcare, and educational leader for the region. The University is home to nearly 12,000 students and 3,900 full- and part-time faculty, who serve the university’s teaching, research, and clinical missions in eight schools and colleges and its renowned medical center. The University of Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better. The University’s academic programs are delivered through seven units: •Arts, Sciences & Engineering •The Eastman School of Music •The School of Medicine and Dentistry •The School of Nursing •The Eastman Institute for Oral Health •The Simon Business School •The Warner School of Education

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