Being the Diversity Hire: Negotiating Identity in an Academic Job Search

Abstract

A diverse faculty is a goal of all social work programs. However, recruiting and retaining diverse faculty is often a struggle. In this article, narratives of 3 recent doctoral graduates are analyzed to identify the role that diversity played in their academic job searches. Autoethnographic analysis revealed 2 broad themes: identity and institutional/structural issues. The narratives explore being the potential “diversity hire” and difficulties related to identity negotiation. Issues related to disciplinary and departmental politics as well as structural concerns are represented in the narratives. This study highlights the multiple challenges for minority faculty candidates and the work that still needs to be done to honor diversity and to integrate it into a faculty and institution.