Director for Student Diversity and Belonging

IT
June 12, 2023
Apply Now

Job Description

The University of Lynchburg, a private regional university, located in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia is seeking a full-time Director for Student Diversity and Belonging to join our Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) team. 

The Director for Student Diversity and Belonging reports to, is supervised by, and evaluated by the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence. The evaluation of work performance will be ongoing and will be carried out by the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence. It will include the specific duties and responsibilities of this position description plus employee attitude and general working behavior.

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt, Benefits Eligible

Schedule: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with considerable hours worked each day beyond the normal workday, and nights and weekends. Some travel is required.

Work Remotely: No

Job Purpose:The Director for Student Diversity and Belonging will provide leadership and support for the continued development and implementation of services for the University’s multicultural, first-generation, underrepresented, and historically marginalized populations. The Director will have experience cultivating and sustaining relationships with historically underrepresented and underserved communities. The Director will coordinate, design, and deliver cross-cultural activities and programs that support the academic and co-curricular goals of the University for multicultural awareness, understanding, diversity, inclusion, appreciation, and belonging. The Director must be able to work responsibly and independently to address and proactively engage with people in a highly demanding environment.

Specific Job Duties: 

  1. Ensure implementation of educational programming for and on-behalf of students representing various cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status , abilities, age, etc., and promote a greater awareness of and appreciation for the presence of these students within the institution.
  2. Recruit, educate, supervise, and evaluate the Graduate Assistant(s) for OEI, Summer Transition Program peer counselors, and Student Diversity Liaisons.
  3. Implement services and programs which enhance students’ orientation to the University and support their ongoing academic endeavors, and encourage campus involvement (e.g. Summer Transition Program).
  4. Provides individual advising, academic coaching, and mentoring to students.
  5. Oversee and serve as support/liaison for the office’s diverse affinity groups/activities (e.g., Asian Pacific-Islander Students Association, Black Student Association, Hispanic Student Association, etc.) that promote a sense of student belonging.
  6. Serve as a liaison/advocate for students to various campus and community groups/constituents and committees (Academic Standing Committee, Student Success Team, Administrative Judicial Board, etc.).
  7. Collaborate with the campus community and provide diversity education as needed/requested, including the greater Lynchburg and regional community.
  8. Maintain partnerships with Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications (EMC), Advising and Academic Resource Center, and Center for Global Education for collaboration with recruitment, admissions, and support services for multicultural students.
  9. Research best practices, professional development opportunities, and implement programs and services for multi-ethnic students that help ensure their success. 
  10. Provide students with leadership opportunities to aid them in their personal and professional growth and development (e.g. Multicultural Leadership Conference, peer mentoring).
  11. Sponsor social, educational, and academic support programming that encourages and celebrates multicultural awareness among all members of the Lynchburg community (e.g., ethnic heritage months, National Coming Out Day, Multicultural Gala).
  12. Oversee the University’s main Food Pantry and ensure all regulations are adhered to.
  13. Implement programming for Dimensions of Diversity first year residential learning community.
  14. Prepare annual reports, Board updates, and webpage content.
  15. Performs any other related duties as may be assigned or required. 

Manuals and References:

  • Hornet – Student Handbook 

  • Staff Handbook of Personnel Policies and Procedures

Oral or Written Requirements:

  • Excellent English-language oral skills for effective communication (e.g., public speaking and presentation) in individual and large group presentations.

  • Excellent English-language reading comprehension and writing abilities. 

Benefits:

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice frameworks and best practices.

  • Ability to provide culturally competent and inclusive advising and support services for students from various underrepresented communities.

  • Understanding of intersectionality and how to support individuals with multiple marginalized identities.

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

  • Ability to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet responsibilities.

  • Ability to work with a wide diversity of stakeholders (internal and external).

  • Ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion, tact and confidentiality.

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively with diverse people in an open office atmosphere.

  • Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and assign work to others.

  • Strong planning and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities.

Required Experience/Skills:

  • 3+ years of full-time experience is required. 

  • Knowledge of and ability to complete evaluations and assessments.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Three or more years of full-time experience is required. Knowledge of and ability to use theories of student development (specifically moral/values development) and environmental assessment and change is desirable.

  • Prior experience in higher education is highly desired.

  • Prior experience developing and delivering presentations to diverse audiences.

  • Prior experience in a leadership role is preferred. 

Education: 

  • Master’s degree required in student personnel administration or related field of study. 

Physical Demands:

  • The functions of this position are usually performed sitting but may involve significant amounts of walking or standing.

  • Some amount of stooping, kneeling, bending, lifting or carrying may be required.

  • The normal work schedule is from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional hours beyond the normal workday, and nights and weekends, sometimes required.

  • Some travel is required.

Equipment Used:

  • Computers

  • Telephone

  • Copier

  • Printer

  • Scanner

  • Laminator

University’s website:

Please provide the following items (upload all documents under resume link)

  • Cover Letter

  • Resume

  • Undergraduate Transcripts

  • Master’s Transcripts

  • 3 references to include name, email, phone number, and affiliation to applicant

  • A diversity statement that describes one’s accomplishments, goals, and process to advance excellence in diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging

We seek candidates who are committed to the University of Lynchburg’s efforts to create an environment that fosters a student-centered environment, develops the breadth of knowledge associated with liberal education, respects and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, values and celebrates diverse faith traditions, and sustains close working relationships among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.

Candidates must successfully pass a background check that is satisfactory to the University. 

The University of Lynchburg is committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from persons of color, women, Indigenous/aboriginal people of North America, persons with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University of Lynchburg community.

The University of Lynchburg is an equal opportunity employer.

Source