Campus & Community

Staff Invited to Apply for Office of Diversity and Inclusion Administrative Fellowship

Wednesday, March 22, 2023, By News Staff

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is offering staff members the opportunity to further elevate diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility on campus through a new fellowship position. The ODI Administrative Fellowship promotes leadership and professional development of University employees who are mid-level staff.

Fellows will engage in a two-year program or research project to advance the priorities outlined in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan. The deadline to submit an application is March 31, 2023.

“An administrative fellowship is rather unique, and one we were intentional in developing, understanding that our esteemed staff, along with our faculty and students. also develop work that aligns with academic and scholarly outcomes,” Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Mary Grace A. Almandrez says. “I encourage anyone interested in generating ideas, incubating them in ODI and integrating them across the university with our campus colleagues to apply for this new fellowship.”

As part of the appointment, fellows will receive the following:

  • a $10,000-per-year stipend,
  • up to $5,000 in program funds for approved projects,
  • up to $1,500 for professional development opportunities,
  • mentorship from the vice president for diversity and inclusion and other senior leaders, and
  • opportunities to participate in ODI meetings, DEIA committees and community engagement events.

Fellows will develop, implement and measure the impact of an innovative program or project in one of the following areas:

  • inclusion and belonging
  • DEIA learning and development
  • DEIA research and assessment
  • disability access
  • strategic communications

To execute their program or project, fellows will collaborate with students, campus leaders and key stakeholders and present their projects to the University community at the end of their fellowship. Fellows are expected to be able to commit 96 hours for active participation in the program (i.e., two hours/week).

To be considered for the fellowship, staff members must have demonstrated commitment to advancing DEIA; be a full-time, benefits-eligible employee; and have completed a minimum of five years of administrative experience in the current position at the start of the fellowship. For a listing of all requirements, visit the ODI careers and opportunities webpage.

Applicants need to submit a resume; statement of purpose; program or project rationale; and a letter of recommendation from their direct supervisor. Materials must be submitted to diversity@syr.edu with the subject line “Administrative Fellowship Application – [lastname, firstname].” The deadline for applications is March 31, 2023.

For more information, visit the ODI careers and opportunities webpage or contact diversity@syr.edu.