Washington, Pennsylvania
Durham, North Carolina
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Hanover, New Hampshire
Canton, New York
Blacksburg, Virginia
Posted: 24-Jul-24
Location: Washington, Pennsylvania
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Summary
The Senior Director for Diversity and Inclusive Strategies is a member of the Vice President of Student Life & Dean of Students team who works collaboratively to promote an inclusive and equitable environment for students at the college. Building on the work of the President's Council on DEIB, this newly created position is responsible for the development, coordination, planning, and delivery of programs, trainings, and services that addresses the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. The Director will promote effective processes and procedures that facilitate dialogue and strengthen a welcoming campus climate of respect, innovation, and commitment to social justice. The Director will provide expertise and consultation to college leadership and relevant constituencies based upon best practice standards in support of the college's strategic plan, including strategies on closing equity gaps among students. The Director will also provide leadership, support, programmatic development, and administration for equity efforts and capacity building at the college.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Advisory Role: Serves as a consultant to multicultural organizations. Provides support and advice to the VPSL & Dean of Students, along with the senior leadership to drive strategy and capacity building efforts.
- Capacity Building: Leads initiatives aimed at building capacity for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the campus.
- Collaboration: Fosters collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance the college's DEIB goals and objectives. Enlists support for and assists college leaders, faculty, and staff with adoption and implementation of DII strategies.
- Confidential Matters: Handles sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism, ensuring compliance with college policies and applicable laws. As part of this facet of the work, the individual in this position will lead the Bias Response Team and provide consultation to the Office for Community Standards on matters related to Bias incidents, as needed.
- Liaison Role: Identifies, coordinates, and maintains strategic liaison relationships throughout the W&J campus and with community organizations who are aligned to support DEIB efforts.
- Crisis Management: Provides advice to senior leadership on DEIB matters and support to individuals involved.
- Policy Development: Assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the college community.
- Program Development and Assessment: Develops and implements programs and initiatives that support the college's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Develops and monitors key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and programs.
- Strategic Support: The DII Director works to develop and implement strategies intended to support DEIB initiatives to promote a greater sense of support, safety, and connection.
- Training: The Director will design training initiatives on cultural competency, gender differences, disability, and other topics designed to increase awareness and support of equity and inclusion values.
Qualifications
Master's degree in higher education or related field required, plus 3-5 years of higher education relevant experience. Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess:
- Strong interpersonal skills can advocate for and support the academic, personal, and professional goals of underrepresented students.
- Joy in working with students at a residential, liberal arts college, and a commitment to supporting their development and growth.
- Demonstrated commitment and contribution to fostering and advancing diversity and inclusiveness.
- Broad working knowledge of key issues and best practices related to diversity, equity, inclusion, multiculturalism, and social justice.
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong organizational and administrative skills.
- Experience with program development, implementation, and assessment.
- Ability to work effectively with all campus constituents and represent the college to external organizations.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Flexibility and adaptability in an emerging and changing environment.
This is a full-time position within the Division of Student Life requiring availability to students. Occasional nights and weekends for programming and student support are likely.
Supervisory Duties
No supervisory duties.
Disclaimer
The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the position.
Job Description Status
The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Washington & Jefferson College reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.
Application Instructions
Apply for this job at https://washjeff.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Please submit a cover letter and resume. It is recommended that all documents be in PDF format and uploaded at one time. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Employee Benefits
Washington & Jefferson College offers a comprehensive benefit package for benefit eligible employees; including health, vision, and dental coverage, group life insurance, AD&D and LTD coverage, retirement plan, generous leave time, and the tuition benefit programs. These benefits add significantly to the employee's total compensation package.
Getting to Know W&J
Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Founded in 1781, W&J College is a private, residential liberal arts college that is focused on student success. Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.
Celebrating Diversity
Washington & Jefferson College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators and employees are able to live, study and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, W&J College complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.