JOB
Nestled in the heart of Washington’s Puget Sound region, Tacoma is a city that effortlessly blends natural splendor with urban energy. Surrounded by towering mountains, serene waters, and the iconic silhouette of Mount Rainier, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, boating, and camping at your doorstep. Known for its livability, Tacoma thrives on a strong economy, rich cultural diversity, and a tightly knit community. It’s a place where you can create lasting impact while enjoying a lifestyle that balances adventure, opportunity, and connection.Tacoma Community College (TCC) embodies the inclusive and forward-thinking spirit of Tacoma. Since its founding in 1965, TCC has been a leader in providing equitable access to higher education. Serving over 11,000 students, at two campuses, TCC offers more than 60 associate degrees, four applied bachelor's degrees, 24 professional certificates, as well as continuing education and corporate training. The student population reflects the community's diversity, with 51% identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), 42% receiving need-based financial aid, and 20% participating in dual enrollment programs. TCC’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and anti-racism is a cornerstone of its mission, vision, and values. The college has undertaken transformative EDI initiatives, achieving milestones that include: Anti-Racist Training: Mandatory professional development for faculty and staff to address systemic racism and foster inclusive practices.Policy and Curriculum Reviews: Comprehensive evaluations to ensure equity is embedded in institutional policies and academic content.Hiring and Workforce Diversity: Strengthened recruitment, onboarding, and pay equity processes to attract and retain a diverse and talented workforce.Student-Centered Equity Efforts: Initiating the Center for Student Advocacy and Cultural Support, fostering culturally relevant teaching practices, and designing tailored retention programs, including those still in development, to better serve students of color and other historically marginalized groups.Data-Driven Accountability: Implementation of disaggregated metrics to measure progress in closing equity gaps in student retention and graduation.Community Partnerships: Active collaboration with organizations like the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, Mi Centro, Korean Women’s Association, and local Indigenous tribes to advance equity goals and foster community engagement. TCC’s innovative work, though still evolving, has already achieved significant results, including enhanced campus climate survey outcomes, greater employee diversity, increased satisfaction with diversity initiatives among students and staff, and a growing sense of community and belonging on campus. As the Vice President of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, you will join a dedicated team committed to fostering a culture of equity and belonging.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
ResponsibilitiesTCC places equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging at the core of its mission and has made significant progress in advancing these values across the institution. To build upon this foundation and create an even more inclusive and equitable environment, the college seeks a strategic, forward-thinking, and visionary leader to serve as Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (VPEDI). The Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (VPEDI), reporting directly to the President and serving as a vital member of the college’s Leadership Team, will drive transformative efforts to embed equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into every corner of the college experience. Partnering with leadership and key stakeholders, the VPEDI will champion a vibrant campus culture where every student, faculty, and staff member feels valued, supported, and empowered to excel. In addition, this leader will oversee the college’s professional development program, fostering continuous growth and creating an environment where the entire TCC community can thrive. Provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight on matters related to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), fostering a culture of belonging and respect throughout the institution.Supervise and mentor a team including the Director of Equity, Leadership & Development; Associate Director of EDI; Administrative Operations Coordinator; Staff Professional Development Coordinator; and Faculty Professional Development Coordinator.Design and lead the implementation of a comprehensive EDI strategy that aligns with the College’s mission, vision, values, and goals, creating an inclusive environment where all students, faculty, and staff thrive.Analyze and recommend transformative changes to policies, procedures, practices, and institutional structures to eliminate barriers and advance equitable outcomes for students and employees.Collaborate with academic leadership and faculty to develop and implement inclusive curricula and innovative pedagogical practices that reflect diverse perspectives and learning needs.Partner with Human Resources to design strategic initiatives that attract, retain, and develop a diverse and talented workforce that is representative of the student population and broader community.Develop and sustain comprehensive and adaptable metrics to monitor, assess, and report on the progress of EDI initiatives, drawing on data from focus groups, climate surveys, demographic analyses, and diverse quantitative and qualitative sources.Lead the development and execution of programs and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff that address the diverse social, educational, and professional needs of the campus community, emphasizing both EDI-focused growth—such as cultural competency and equity awareness—and broader professional skills development.Actively monitor legislation related to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and develop and implement comprehensive strategies to ensure full compliance with all regulations and reporting requirements while proactively identifying and addressing areas for institutional improvement.Serve as a key member of the College Leadership Team, providing thought leadership on EDI challenges and opportunities while contributing to strategic decision-making at the executive level.Lead and oversee the Equity & Diversity Council, and actively participate in other college councils and committees to promote integration of EDI principles across all areas of the institution.Champion institutional progress by fostering innovative ideas and addressing emerging challenges that enhance the College’s ability to achieve excellence in EDI.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
All complete applications received by the priority consideration date will be reviewed by a screening committee. Application Materials & ProcedureComplete application packages must include the following.Tacoma Community College online application.Resume & cover letter describing how your educational background and experience align with the responsibilities and qualifications. Copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended.Tacoma Community College is committed to eliminating barriers and systems of oppression so we may serve all learners AND support each other as colleagues. We strive to be an anti-racist institution and value compassion, respect, and continuous improvement. A critical component of this is the understanding that the work of establishing, cultivating, and championing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) belongs to all employees. Please share with us, in an attached statement (maximum two pages), how your experiences and understanding of EDI will contribute to, foster, and support this crucial work here at TCC.Timetable - The priority consideration deadline is January 25, 2025. The selection process will begin in mid-February, to identify and onboard a candidate by July or August 2025.Compensation and BenefitsThis is a full-time administrative position contracted on an annual basis. The salary for this position is $165,000 — $175,000. Tacoma Community College offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package for you and your dependents including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition for the employee; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page/employment benefits: https://www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment/. Degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and verified by the National Clearinghouse. International degrees will be verified for U.S. equivalency. Successful completion of a criminal history background check is required upon employment. Tacoma Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Stephen Smith, Title VII and Title IX, Building 14, 253-566-5055; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer, Building 7, 253-566-5328. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice. Tacoma Community CollegeHuman Resources6501 S 19th St Bldg. 14, Tacoma WA 98466www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment