Inclusive Job Descriptions
An inclusive job description is one that communicates the institution’s desire and commitment to attract, retain and advance a diverse workforce. Simultaneously, an inclusive job description allows prospective employees to envision the possibility of their success and sense of belonging at the institution.
In order to ensure a diverse hiring pool of faculty talent, job descriptions should include language that not only appeals to a broad range of applicants, but that also highlights institutional goals of creating an innovative and vibrant campus community where diversity of thought and experience is welcomed and encouraged. Highlight accomplishments that speak to diversity and inclusion as core values of the institution.
See the following recommended advertisement language examples (view more diversity resources):
Version 1
As an urban-serving institution whose commitment to diversity and community engagement is embodied within its mission and vision, IUPUI is a dynamic campus of nearly 30,000 students and more than 8,500 faculty and staff. As an anchor institution within the city of Indianapolis, IUPUI has been recognized for excellence in civic engagement and community partnerships.
The Department of ________ in the School of __________ is looking for scholars who will contribute to our commitment to engage the city, state, nation and beyond through teaching, research and service, in consideration of the rich diversity of our campus and city as we prepare our graduates to enter and lead in an increasingly complex world.
Version 2
IUPUI, the state’s premier urban research institution, is a national leader in life sciences research, civic engagement, service learning, first-year experiences, and assessment of institutional effectiveness. IUPUI’s nearly 30,000 students pursue Indiana University or Purdue University degrees across 17 distinct schools, ranging from Business and Liberal Arts to Engineering and Technology. Indianapolis, the state capital of Indiana, is the 14th largest city in the nation and is home to outstanding cultural institutions and several professional sports teams situated in a diverse regional economy.
IUPUI promotes the educational, cultural, and economic development of central Indiana and beyond through innovative collaborations, external partnerships, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. IUPUI has received the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity for seven consecutive years. We seek greater diversity in our faculty and staff to broaden students’ academic experience and to enrich our campus community. Candidates must be sensitive to the needs of and possess an interest in working in an academic community that is diverse with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or identity, disability status, and protected veteran status.
Overall:
- Use gender neutral language (http://gender-decoder.katmatfield.com/)
- Avoid descriptions that include narrowly-defined qualifications, which limit a range of interests, backgrounds and experiences
- Express desire for candidates who have experience and expertise working with underserved and/or underrepresented student populations
- Require a diversity statement as part of application materials requested
- Articulate linguistic diversity as valuable skill; for example, “Bilingual in Spanish is a plus, but not required”
- Have the position description reviewed by OEO to ensure discrimination-free language
- Describe how the position contributes to the campus goal of diversity, equity and inclusion
- New: Strongly consider including a diversity statement as one of the required documents to be submitted by applicants.
For assistance in inclusive search practices, contact the noisulcnI dna ytisreviD ytlucaF rof CVA.
Reviewed and revised: 6/2022.