A new program is offering University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty and staff an opportunity to help advance diversity and inclusive excellence via the campus hiring process.

Organized by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Diversity Ambassador Program will allow participating faculty and staff to assist search committees and hiring officials. Primary duties include encouraging all involved to follow university procedures and incorporate a focus on diversity and inclusive methods for the recruitment, selection and retention of diverse faculty and staff.

Faculty and staff interested in participating as diversity ambassadors must commit to attend training; follow search procedures specified by the offices of Diversity of Inclusion, and Institutional Equity and Compliance; assist with assigned searches; and help facilitate the university’s required search compliance training.

Ambassadors will serve for up to two years (starting in fall 2021). They will have an opportunity to recommit for a second year, following a program assessment. Participants will receive an annual stipend of $4,000 for the added work.

Full-time faculty and staff should email applications to diversity@unl.edu by July 26. The application should include a curriculum vitae or resume; statement of interest that describes personal interest in being a diversity ambassador, understanding of inclusive excellence, past and current engagement with diversity and inclusion on and off campus, and how the candidate envisions themselves in the new role. A brief letter of endorsement from department/unit leadership is also required.

For more information on the Diversity Ambassador Program, contact Gwendolyn C. Combs at gcombs2@unl.edu.