Senior Director, EDI Application and Implementation

Note: APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week with one hour lunch breaks each day. APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA.

The Senior Director of EDI Application and Implementation will play a pivotal role in advancing evidence-based knowledge production within the field of psychology, particularly as it relates to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). This leadership position, reporting both to the EDI Executive Office and the Office of Psychology Strategy and Implementation, will embed scientific and evidence-based approaches into the strategic planning, evaluation, and implementation efforts of both offices. The Senior Director will be instrumental in updating and refining the EDI framework to ensure it incorporates the latest scientific findings and best practices. This role will support the Senior Director of Planning and Integration by helping integrate evidence-based models into the planning and architectural work of the office. The Senior Director will also develop and implement strategies to enhance diversity within psychological science, practice, education, and applied psychology.

Education and Experience Required

• Doctoral degree in psychology or related field, with a strong background in scientific research and evidence-based practices.
• Minimum of 15 years of senior management experience in EDI-focused roles, ideally within the realm of psychological science, education or practice.
• Expertise in embedding evidence-based science and research into strategic planning and operational frameworks.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, particularly in working with scientific, academic, and professional communities.
• A demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion through evidence-based methodologies.

Computer Skills Required

• Advanced user of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Advanced email and communication tools.
• Proficient in using research databases, including PsycINFO, and other internet search tools for scientific literature.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to integrate scientific evidence into the application and implementation of EDI strategies across the discipline of psychology.
• Lead the advancement of knowledge production and health equity objectives within the APA Racial Equity Action Plan.
• Oversee the integration of scientific research into APA's EDI Framework, ensuring that new evidence and emerging best practices are systematically incorporated to maintain an evidence-based and scientifically rigorous approach.
• Partner with the Senior Director of EDI Planning and Integration to ensure that evidence-based psychological science is embedded within APA's strategic planning and implementation processes for EDI.
• Tap into networks of psychology researchers, practitioners, and educators to explore opportunities for integrating research findings into APA's EDI efforts and applied practices.
• Partner with Heads of Applied Psychology, Education, Practice, and Science to identify and develop strategies to dismantle barriers to diversity within the discipline of psychology.
• Lead initiatives to update and advance APA's EDI framework, ensuring that it reflects the evolving needs of psychology practice, education, and applied psychology, with a specific focus on enhancing diversity across racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic, and religious lines.
• Develop and support initiatives to promote the recruitment and retention of diverse scholars, trainees, and professionals in all areas of psychology.
• Create resources and educational materials aimed at mitigating systemic barriers to equity and diversity within psychology, including community partnerships, diversity science, and systems-based approaches.
• Support the creation and expansion of mentoring programs to connect diverse scholars with leaders in the scientific community.
• Foster collaboration with the Senior Directors and Deputy CDO of the EDI Office to ensure psychological science plays a critical role in the design and application of APA's EDI strategies.
• Continuously monitor and update APA's EDI strategy to ensure alignment with evolving research and best practices in the field.
• Other related duties as assigned to support the goals of the Racial Equity Action Plan and ongoing strategic EDI efforts.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Sr. Director of EDI Planning and Integration to ensure psychological science informs APA's strategic planning and implementation of EDI models.
• Develop and manage initiatives to diversify the manuscript and grant review processes, ensuring a broad representation of voices in the scientific community.
• Collaborate with relevant teams to ensure that the psychological assessment and treatment evidence base is reflective of the needs of diverse communities.
• Contribute to the continuous evaluation and improvement of APA's Racial Equity Action Plan, ensuring the integration of scientific knowledge and evolving evidence in all strategic EDI initiatives.

This position will be a key driver in advancing the scientific understanding and application of diversity and inclusion within the field of psychology and in shaping the future direction of EDI work at the APA.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Engage in a variety of other activities, as assigned by the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer and Chief of Psychology Strategy and Innovation, that serve to promote the goals and objectives of APA, EDI, and the interests of APA staff, members, and governance.
• Some travel (<10%) may be required.

About APA:

The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 122,000 psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization with about 500 employees and is categorized as a 501(c)(3) along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc.

Job Location: Remote: APA jobs may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA's Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work employees may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates must apply online through APA's applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law. #LIRemote