D&I Officer

At a technical university (TU) like ours, diversity and inclusion are of essential importance. We believe that a diverse and inclusive research and teaching environment fosters innovation and excellence. By bringing together different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, we stimulate creativity and enhance our research and teaching efforts. As D&I Officer, you will play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive culture that contributes to the growth and development of our faculty. We strive for greater awareness, a culture where people can be themselves, greater diversity in student recruitment and role models, and the interactive dissemination of lessons and insights.

For the 3mE Faculty, diversity and inclusion are essential to fostering cohesion and collaboration and ensuring that everyone feels at home. The faculty has approximately 6,000 students enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s programs and a large (international) research organization with over 800 staff members. Our current community brings together different perspectives, cultures, and experiences, which inspires us in our research and teaching. As a D&I officer, you will play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive culture so that it contributes even more to the diversity of our faculty.

What will you be doing?

As D&I Officer, you will have the unique opportunity to take the lead in establishing and shaping diversity and inclusion within our faculty. You will develop a faculty-wide D&I strategy, draw up a multi-year D&I plan, and initiate and implement concrete initiatives. Together with the dean, the management team, and the staff, you will build a strong community in which all employees and students feel valued, heard, and represented. You will collaborate with the faculty D&I project team (comprising academic and support staff and students) and the TU Delft Chief D&I Officer to develop activities, gain inspiration, and exchange best practices across the entire organization. You will identify the specific needs and challenges of the 3mE faculty and develop tailored strategies to address them. You will ensure (together with the MT) that faculty policies on diversity and inclusion are integrated into the faculty’s policies, processes, and culture.

In addition, you will play an active role in raising awareness and fostering engagement with D&I issues. You will organize events, workshops, and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills in the area of inclusion. You will serve as a point of contact for staff and students who encounter discrimination, prejudice, or inequality and provide the necessary support. You will be responsible for drafting, implementing, and monitoring the D&I policy plan for the coming years and ensuring the coherence of the projects. Our goal is that, through the appointment of a D&I officer, we will become more aware of inclusion and diversity within our faculty, as well as how to achieve a diverse student body and which role models can help us gain insights or acquire knowledge in this area.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strong-willed individual with a pioneering spirit and extensive experience in the field of diversity and inclusion within large organizations. You have proven leadership skills and can inspire and motivate others. You have a clear vision of diversity and inclusion and can effectively translate this into concrete actions. You have extensive experience in developing and shaping policy and the decision-making process behind it, and you are not just a planner but also a doer.

You have excellent communication skills (in Dutch and English) and can adapt to different levels, interacting with staff and students at operational, tactical, and strategic levels. You report directly to the dean. You have a positive attitude, an open personality, and are honest and approachable. You have experience in establishing and leading communities and building networks. You are proactive in collaborating with various stakeholders, both within and outside the faculty.

What do we offer?

As D&I Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on an inclusive and diverse faculty. You will be given the freedom to develop your own vision and strategy—while following a clear direction and plan—and to implement them using the allocated D&I budget. The position requires a minimum of 26 or 38 hours per week (0.7–1.0 FTE). The appointment is for one year, with the prospect of a permanent contract. The position is classified under the VSNU collective labor agreement, scale 12 (min. €4,814 gross per month to max. €6,181 gross per month) based on 1.0 FTE. Salary classification depends on knowledge, education, and experience. In addition, we offer excellent employment conditions and development opportunities to further expand your expertise. We are open to flexible contract arrangements within these guidelines.

Who are we?

Delft University of Technology has a strong foundation. As the builder of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and a pioneer in biotechnology, TU Delft is a top-tier international university that combines science, engineering, and design. TU Delft is committed to world-class education, research, and innovation to address challenges in the fields of energy, climate, mobility, health, and the digital society. Generations of Delft engineers have proven themselves to be enterprising problem solvers in both the business world and the social sphere. At TU Delft, we embrace diversity and strive to be as inclusive as possible (see our code of conduct). Together, we devise and develop solutions that have a positive impact on a global scale. Challenge. Change. Impact!

School of Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Engineering, and Materials Science

The 3mE Faculty conducts groundbreaking research that leads to challenging applications and new fundamental insights in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control engineering, and robotics, to smart materials, nanoscale structures, and autonomous ships. The foundation and results of this research are reflected in excellent, modern education that trains students to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and researchers. The 3mE Faculty is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, production, application, and improvement of products, materials, processes, and mechanical devices, thereby contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society as well as to prosperity and well-being.

Click here (https://www.tudelft.nl/3me) to visit the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Engineering & Materials Science.

Within the TU, we distinguish three levels of governance: the Executive Board, the faculties, and the academic departments. One of the eight faculties is the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maritime Engineering & Materials Science (3mE). The dean has overall responsibility for the faculty and is therefore responsible for both the core academic processes and support services. All support services are consolidated into a University Service (such as HR, finance, IT, and communications). The 3mE Faculty consists of approximately 6,000 students and 800 staff members. The D&I Officer reports directly to the dean.

TU Delft is strongly committed to becoming a university that strives for the highest standards of education and research based on the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A university that is inclusive for everyone, offers a rich and diverse work and study environment, provides equal opportunities, and brings people together. Respecting and embracing individual differences is essential for staff and students to thrive, feel at home, feel safe, and realize their full potential. TU Delft views this as a moral duty and as an enrichment of innovation and societal impact, and has therefore incorporated these values into the Strategic Framework 2018–2024.

TU Delft has a Diversity & Inclusion Office dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and accessible TU Delft community. Since 2020, Professor David Keyson has served as Chief Diversity Officer and also heads the Diversity & Inclusion Office, which, in addition to Keyson, consists of a diversity coordinator and a policy advisor.

Would you like to comment?

TU Delft is working with the executive search firm Colourful People for this recruitment and selection process. Are you interested in this position? If so, please apply via the Colourful People website. For more information about the organization and the position, please contact Monique Spaansen, a partner at Colourful People (M.Spaansen@colourfulpeople.nl). You can express your interest by submitting a cover letter and resume by June 20 via the Colourful People website. Interviews with the selection committee are scheduled for the morning of July 4, with the goal of having the D&I Officer start as soon as possible.