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Diversity Inclusion Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Inclusion Aide

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$36K - $38K/yr

... diversity , excellence , learning , and communication . The Inclusion Aide will assist students ... with disabilities and special needs, including safety, personal care needs, facilitating total ...

Inclusion Aide

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$36K - $38K/yr

... diversity , excellence , learning , and communication . The Inclusion Aide will assist students ... with disabilities and special needs, including safety, personal care needs, facilitating total ...

Inclusion Aide

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

... diversity , excellence , learning , and communication . The Inclusion Aide will assist students ... with disabilities and special needs, including safety, personal care needs, facilitating total ...

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Diversity Inclusion information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.7K

$102.2K

$192.5K

How much do diversity inclusion jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for diversity inclusion in Chicago, IL is $102,242.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,690.00 and $128,815.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Diversity Inclusion job?

A Diversity Inclusion job focuses on creating and promoting policies, programs, and initiatives that foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Professionals in these roles work to ensure that employees from all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities for growth. They often collaborate with HR, leadership, and employee resource groups to drive organizational change through training, hiring practices, and community outreach.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Diversity Inclusion position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Diversity and Inclusion role, you should have a solid understanding of equity practices, organizational change management, and cultural competency, often supported by degrees in human resources, social sciences, or related fields. Familiarity with diversity analytics tools, HRIS systems, and certifications like the Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) are valuable assets. Outstanding soft skills include strong communication, emotional intelligence, and the ability to facilitate difficult conversations across different departments. These skills are essential for effectively driving inclusive initiatives and fostering a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and engaged.

What are some common challenges faced in a Diversity and Inclusion position, and how are they typically addressed?

One common challenge in Diversity and Inclusion roles is overcoming resistance to change and addressing unconscious bias within the organization. Professionals in this field often address these issues through ongoing education, tailored training programs, and by facilitating open dialogues that engage staff at all levels. Another challenge is measuring the impact of D&I initiatives, which is typically managed through careful data collection and analysis to inform future strategies. Successful practitioners are proactive collaborators, working with leadership, HR, and employee resource groups to create actionable plans that foster sustainable inclusion. By anticipating these challenges and working closely across teams, you can help advance meaningful progress within the organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Diversity Inclusion jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Diversity Inclusion jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Diversity Inclusion jobs in Chicago, IL? For Diversity Inclusion jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Diversity Inclusion jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Diversity Inclusion jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Diversity Inclusion jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Diversity Inclusion job openings:
Executive Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Executive Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.
Job Summary:
The Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is a multifunctional leadership position that works with and serves the University's faculty, staff and students by advocating and implementing initiatives that lead and inspire the University community to uphold and advance the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion as pillars of institutional responsibility. The Executive Director of EDI provides leadership in advancing initiatives, policies and practices that affirm and promote the University's mission, vision and values as a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI), Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The Executive Director of EDI provides leadership, supervision and support for the development of an intentionally inclusive University community that supports a diverse student body through programs and services that support multiculturalism and social justice.
The Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion reports to the President and is a member of the President's Cabinet.
Job Description:
  • Provides strategic vision and leadership for university-wide equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, including enhanced cultural competence, equity-based practices, and institutional accountability.
  • Supports the development and design of initiatives that reflect the University's mission as an HSI and MSI and that promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging; Provides specific support for Latinx/a/e, Black, and AANAPISI students, faculty, and staff to advance retention and success.
  • Leads the development and implementation of proactive equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives to create a teaching, learning and working environment that reflects and supports the University's diverse, intercultural and multilingual community; Provides training and development for faculty and staff that enhances cultural competence, that promotes a culture of equity, inclusion and belonging, and that supports faculty, staff and student success.
  • Works collaboratively across University areas, including Academic and Student Affairs, Student Success and Retention, Center for Teaching and Learning, Human Resources, and the University Ombuds, to implement strategies, programs and services that support equitable faculty, staff and student success in alignment with the University's mission and goals.
  • Provides University-wide EDI programming, events, education and training to cultivate knowledge and understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion and access, and to build cultural competency skills across the campus community.
  • Supports the development, evaluation and monitoring of metrics to assess the effectiveness of the University's equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives and programs; Conducts and/or collaborates on campus climate assessments and gathers quantitative and qualitative data to produce EDI-related reports; Makes data-informed recommendations for continuous improvement.
  • Prepares and presents reports to the campus community, the University's governance boards, as well as other agencies and stakeholders on EDI-related related matters that highlight the University's initiatives, successes, challenges and future actions.
  • Oversees the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs (APCDIA) and provides leadership and support for its affinity groups, programming and initiatives; Supports University committees such as the University Diversity Council (UDC) and Land Acknowledgement Committee (LAC).
  • Performs other duties necessary to accomplish the University's goals and objectives, and/or assigned by the President in the role of Executive Director of Equity Diversity and Inclusion.

Minimal Qualifications:
  • A Master's degree from an accredited institution in higher education administration, student affairs, social justice, public policy, organizational development, or related field; A minimum of 5-10 years of progressively responsible EDI leadership experience in roles focused on institutional accountability, fostering broad participation, fairness, and belonging within a similarly complex environment.
  • Strategic Leadership: Demonstrated knowledge and experience leading and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives in higher education or similarly complex mission-focused organizations or environments; Record of development and advancement of institutional policies and practices, as well as state-level equity initiatives.
  • Mission-Centered Experience: Specific experience with the design and development of initiatives in support of the University's mission as an HSI and MSI that promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging; Demonstrated experience serving and supporting the retention and success of Latinx/a/e, Black, AANAPISI, and international students, faculty, and staff.
  • HSI Leadership and External Partnerships: Specific experience and expertise in HSI affairs, including leading HSI initiatives and/or working collaboratively in support of institutional partnerships with organizations, such as HACU and Excelencia in Education; Administrative and/or leadership in related professional organizations, such as ACPA and NADOHE preferred.
  • Disciplinary Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of EDI through practice, advocacy, scholarship and/or research; Experience, training and/or professional development in culturally responsive and equity-minded approaches to institutional leadership, training and development; Experience with restorative justice practices.
  • Organizational Development, Programming and Training: Demonstrated experience with strategies for organizational change, change management and capacity building; Experience in facilitating programs, training and development for faculty, staff and students, including coaching and/or mentoring; Experience with conflict-resolution, problem-solving, de-escalation and consensus-building skill development in organizations.
  • Policy and Compliance: Demonstrated knowledge of discrimination, harassment and equal opportunity laws, policies, regulations, and other guidelines, with ability to interpret and effectively communicate such laws, policies and regulations; Experience with addressing equity, diversity and inclusion and compliance issues.
  • Cultural Competency: Evidence of cross-cultural and intercultural competencies; Demonstration of emotional intelligence, culturally responsive and inclusive approaches; Ability to engage diverse stakeholders to foster community and belonging.
  • Relational and Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication and presentational skills; Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated empathy; Demonstrated ability to foster trust and collaboration across diverse populations and constituencies in service of consensus-building, conflict management, and institutional change; Experience in crisis and trauma-informed contexts a plus.

OTHER INFORMATION:
The Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is a senior leadership position that requires regular in-person/on-campus attendance to meet the needs of the University and to foster strong and collaborative interactions across the University.
This position requires a background check.
Salary Range
$165,000 - $175,000
Benefits
University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.
Transcripts
Copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts for all earned degrees will be required of candidates selected for final interviews.
Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.