Position Information
About Fordham
Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program (EAP); tuition remission; and generous time off.
Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.
Title of Position Special Assistant to the Vice President for Inclusive Strategy Position Number A08895 FLSA Exempt Scheduled Hours Per Week 35 Department Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Campus Rose Hill Work Arrangement Hybrid Hybrid Policy: Please review the Hybrid Policy at www.fordham.edu/hybridpolicy. Position Summary
Reporting to the Vice President for Equity & Inclusion (VP), the Special Assistant to the Vice President for Strategy serves as a strategic partner and advisor to the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion. This role is designed for an innovative and detail-oriented professional who can advance the university's equity, inclusion, and opportunity priorities by ensuring effective execution of high-impact initiatives, advancing strategic planning efforts, and supporting institutional accountability measures.
Acting as a bridge between the Vice President, University stakeholders, and external partners, the Special Assistant will provide strategic project management, policy alignment, and operational oversight. The role supports the implementation of university-wide DEI initiatives, oversees strategic reporting processes, and ensures integration of OEIO's programs, including CSTEP/STEP, HEOP, and Student Support Services, into broader institutional goals.
Essential Functions
Serves as a key advisor to the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, providing analysis, recommendations, and briefings on equity, access, and inclusion strategies.
Partners with university leaders to align OEIO initiatives with the University Strategic Plan and Mission Priority Examen.
Drafts executive-level communications, reports, and presentations for the Vice President, senior leadership, trustees, and external partners.
Leads and monitors project timelines, deliverables, and outcomes for strategic initiatives within OEIO, ensuring institutional accountability.
Supports policy development and compliance related to federal, state, and institutional regulations, particularly as they pertain to opportunity programs and DEI initiatives.
Coordinates strategic plan reporting, annual DEI Council deliverables, and Board of Trustees' Mission and Social Justice Committee activities.
Serves as a liaison between OEIO and senior leadership, faculty, staff, students, trustees, and external partners, including government officials and community organizations.
Prepares, tracks, and reconciles annual divisional budgets in collaboration with the Vice President and divisional program directors; monitor financial expenditures and maintain accurate records in accordance with university policies and grantor requirements.
Compiles, organizes, and submits data reports for internal and external stakeholders, including for annual reporting, accreditation, and grant compliance purposes.
Collaborates with the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Implementation to manage the institutional portfolio of the university's strategic plan, establish performance-tracking structures, and coordinate cross-unit initiatives across administrative and academic sectors.
Assists with the logistics, scheduling, and coordination of divisional events, workshops, and trainings designed to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging across the university community.
Provides administrative support to the Vice President in connection with the University's Council on Equity, Belonging, and Accessibility, including coordinating meeting schedules, preparing materials, tracking action items, and supporting communication with council members.
Essential Functions Note This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list.
The University may assign additional related duties as necessary. Management Responsibilities May provide peer-level coordination or subject-matter guidance to colleagues performing similar work and/or student, part-time workers, including helping organize tasks, clarify priorities, or review work for quality or consistency. Additional Functions Required Qualifications: Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in education, public administration, business, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, project management, or organizational strategy.
Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills
Demonstrated success in supporting senior leadership in complex organizational environments.
Strong understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in higher education.
Exceptional organizational, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to translate data into compelling narratives.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise discretion, and work both independently and collaboratively.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, data reporting tools, and project management software.
High degree of discretion, intellectual agility, and a commitment to Fordham's Jesuit mission, with particular attention to advancing equity and belonging for all members of the university community.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in education, leadership, business administration, or a related discipline.
Project Management certification (PMP, CAPM, or equivalent).
Experience with federally/state-funded opportunity programs (HEOP, TRIO, CSTEP/STEP).
Familiarity with Jesuit, Catholic higher education and mission-driven work.
Minimum Starting Salary $80,400 Maximum Starting Salary $100,000 Note Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills. Is this a Union position? No
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number A1087P Number of Vacancies 1 Start Date ASAP Posting Date 06/29/2026 Special Instructions EEO Statement
Fordham University is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.
Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Physical Activity and Work Environment
Physical Activity
Sitting Often Repetitive Hand Motion (such as typing) Often Hearing, Listening, Talking Nearly Continuously Standing Not Required Walking Not Required Running Not Required Bending, Stooping, Kneeling, squatting, Crouching, Crawling Not Required Climbing stairs Not Required Climbing ladders Not Required Reaching overhead Not Required Pulling, pushing Not Required Shoveling Not Required Lifting - up to 20 pounds Not Required Lifting - up to 50 pounds Not Required Lifting - over 50 pounds Not Required
Work Environment
Work Environment Office Environment: Employees are protected from weather conditions or contaminants, but not necessarily occasional temperature changes.