23-208 Associate Director of The Dowdy Multicultural Center (SUA 3) – ODEI

Salary: $56,704.00 Annually

Location: West Chester University, PA

Job Number: 23-208

Department: Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)

Division: Dowdy Multicultural Center

Opening Date: 06/30/2023

Position Summary

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success.  West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion invites applications for the position of Associate Director of The Dowdy Multicultural Center (SUA 3).

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; generous retirement plans; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) provides leadership and expertise to West Chester University to advance its commitment to the principles of inclusivity, service, and academic excellence. Through programmatic and educational initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and outreach we cultivate an environment that welcomes all. As part of the division, The Dowdy Multicultural Center (DMC) promotes holistic success and development of Students of Color through collaborative co-curricular experiences that promote multicultural awareness, create a sense of belonging, affirm racial and cultural identity, and empower all students to challenge systems of oppression. The DMC Peer Mentoring Program supports students of Color through their first academic year.

Reporting to the Director of the Lawrence A. Dowdy Multicultural Center, the Associate Director assists with developing, implementing and facilitating programs, services and resources to promote success for multicultural students. As part a dynamic team, this position leads efforts to increase awareness and appreciation for racial and cultural diversity; improve retention and graduation rates for multicultural students; advocacy; and improved understanding and appreciation of issues related to multiculturalism.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, communication, organizational, and critical thinking skills; a genuine commitment to student success; and experience working with a diverse college student population.  

Responsibilities include: 

• Develop marketing plan to recruit a team of undergraduate student peer mentors to multicultural students who are new to the institution
• Hire, train and supervise peer mentors
• Plan, implement, and manage programs and outreach activities
• Monitor the academic performance of peer mentors and mentees and provide referrals
• Assess the effectiveness of learning outcomes for all aspects of the Peer Mentor Program
• Manage data and prepare reports related to Peer Mentor program
• Oversee the Peer Mentoring program budget
• Create materials and facilitate presentations prospective students and their family members
• Collaborate with campus constituents, community partners, and donors to plan and implement workshops and conferences related to diversity education and cultural awareness
• Coordinate and execute annual Brothers of Excellence Conference
• Provide support for student concerns, including developing professional relationships and provide referrals to appropriate resources
• Prepare grant proposals to secure external funding sources for department programs and initiatives
• Recruit multicultural students to explore study abroad opportunities with the Global Engagement Office
• Serve on University committees
• Keep current on relevant issues and trends with professional development
• Assist with diversity training and presentations
• Assist with strategic planning, reporting, and department assessment efforts
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling education or related field
• Three years of diversity and inclusion experience
• Experience supervising and training student employees and graduate assistants
• Public speaking experience 
• Availability to work evening and weekend shifts

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising multiple full-time professionals and student workers
• Experience developing and managing department budgets
• Experience collaborating with campus constituents including students, staff and faculty
• Experience with systems used in higher education including SAP/ BI, Banner, D2L, OnBase, OU Campus, Qualtrics, and 25LIvePro
• Experience using social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube  

Special Instructions

Ask about opportunities to work from home and alternate work schedules. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.   

Candidates should apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Application materials must include a resume, cover letter and references (all required for consideration). 

Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered as a finalist. 

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU’s educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
 
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks.