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Assistant Director for Belonging and Engagement for the Mosaic Center for Diversity
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Shenandoah University’s Department of Student Affairs is accepting applications for an Assistant Director for Belonging and Engagement for the Mosaic Center for Diversity. This is a full-time benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, Virginia.
The Assistant Director for Belonging and Engagement directly supports and advocates for students as they navigate the University experience and build meaningful connections and engagement in our community. They are responsible for creatively developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating engagement, student leadership, diversity initiatives, programming, and workshops that enhance the overall student experience and support the educational mission of Student Affairs and the University.
They are knowledgeable of the challenges facing students from historically underrepresented, marginalized, and under-resourced student populations (inclusive of all forms and intersections of identity, such as race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, national origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, ability, age, size, socio- economic status, Veteran status, etc.).
The position will also develop and implement integrated programming to advance diversity and intercultural awareness, support underrepresented student populations, and increase diversity awareness and world citizenship. The Assistant Director will also collaborate with campus and community partners on opportunities that align with the services offered by the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity, when possible.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to facilitate workshops and trainings for students on a wide range of topics related to belonging, engagement, inclusion, equity, access, leadership, and social change.
Experience managing a programmatic budget, including the preparation of budget reports related to ongoing initiatives as needed. Has a demonstrated ability to advise and support student organizations. Develops learning outcomes and assessment tools for training, events, programs, and workshops. Able to review data for constructive improvements of programs and services.
This position is part of a team responsible for planning and implementing programming related to belonging and inclusion. This involves providing ongoing advising and support services to student groups, including training, budgeting oversight, consulting on diversity issues and topics, and allocations, as well as funding and spending management.
Additionally, this position recruits, hires, supervises, and oversees student staff members (Peer Advocates), and assists in managing and training student employees to ensure the delivery of services, programming, and activities from the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity, thereby fostering and promoting student engagement, success, persistence, and retention.
Participates in performance evaluations and corrective action for student staff. Processes personnel paperwork for assigned employees. Provides oversight and coordination of the day-to-day operation of the Mosaic Center for Diversity and the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity. Serves as a liaison in providing information on available resources and services. Participates in a variety of meetings, committees, or other related groups to communicate information regarding services, programs, areas of opportunity, and other pertinent information related to equity. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Job Duties:
Student Support, Program Design/ Implementation
- Collaborate with the Assistant Dean to design, implement, and assess programs.
- Advise the Assistant Dean on student-related issues that may emerge
- Serve as a resource to designated student organizations
- Collaborate with the graduate assistant on designing, marketing, and implementing programs for the Mosaic Center for Diversity and campus programming, specifically annual programming including Welcome Receptions, Graduation Celebrations, Study Breaks, etc.
- Serve as an informal mentor to students who frequent the Mosaic Center for Diversity.
- Assist in compiling data and preparing reports of student support programs and activities.
- Attend and participate in meetings, training, and professional development activities.
- Oversees MC student employees, including training, supervision, and evaluation of Peer Advocates.
- Assist with university-wide and division-wide programs such as Summer Orientation, Move-In, Homecoming, Family Weekend, Admissions events, and Welcome Week.
Administration and Operations
- Manage all MC reservations.
- Manage and maintain physical space.
- Manage operational and programmatic budget with the Assistant Dean.
- Be a visible presence in the office.
Required Skills
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
- Demonstrated experience in student affairs and student-facing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing specialized programming and support to various students from underrepresented groups.
- Demonstrated experience in project management and coordination.
- Previous experience managing and supervising student staff in the higher education context.
- Engagement with the institution and its audiences.
- Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including weekend and evening hours.
- Commitment to working with students of color, LGBTQ+ students, non-traditional, and first-generation students, their families, and campus support structures to facilitate their academic, co-curricular, and personal success and development.
- Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and student privacy as appropriate.
- Effective interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and the ability to coordinate resources and staff within the college community.
- Solid understanding of the academic and social challenges experienced by marginalized students in a college environment.
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment.
- Proficiency in basic data management systems, computer applications, and social media platforms.
Required Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in communications, public relations, public administration, marketing, education, etc.). Preferred: Master's Degree in related field (e.g., public relations, communications, public administration, marketing, education, counseling, journalism, social sciences, etc.) from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent work experience.
Experience:
- Relevant experience in program design, development, administration, and project management.
- Experience in preparing and overseeing various publications (e.g., print, web, email, social media, networking).
- Experience with or knowledge of student development.
- Experience with recruiting and retaining volunteers and developing and managing budgets.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and working knowledge of public relations, marketing strategies, and event planning.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, university administration, faculty, and staff, and build successful community partnerships with other educational institutions, businesses, or non-profit foundations.
- Strong management skills, proven ability to recruit, hire, and professionally develop staff and managers to create a highly productive team.
- Excellent organizational, entrepreneurial, creative, and strategic skills.
- Appropriate judgment and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to successfully perform the duties of the position.
- Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment with diverse colleagues and constituents, including faculty, students, staff, and community members.
How to Apply:
The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.
Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through its faculty, administration, and staff diversity. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing how they can contribute to that commitment.
**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.
Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.