Director of Student Inclusion and Belonging

Description

About Us:

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

 

 

Position Overview:

 

Southwestern University has an immediate opening for a Director of Student Inclusion and Belonging This position will report to the Associate Vice President for Student Life / Dean of Students. The Director of Student Inclusion and Belonging has primary responsibility for building community, developing programs, and providing resources, support and advocacy for all students, with a strong emphasis on fostering inclusion and community for students from historically underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds—including students of diverse racial, ethnic, gender, disability, and religious identities. The director is an active contributor to the overall goals and responsibilities of the Division of Student Life and to the University’s strategic priorities related to inclusion and belonging. These initiatives are supported through intentional opportunities for education, skill development, and dialogue. This is a full-time exempt position eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

 

Essential Duties:

 

·         Create and implement university-wide, student-centered programs that foster dialogue, increase cultural competencies, and provide support and resources for all diversity and social justice organizations, mentoring programs, and advocacy groups.

·         Serve as a campus resource to support students navigating identity-related concerns or conflicts, working collaboratively with relevant offices to promote understanding, inclusion, and respectful engagement.

·         Manage the department administratively, including budget management, report writing, web page management, social media, and supervision of professional staff and student employees.

·         Conduct ongoing assessment of the department’s work and collect data to drive decision making.

·         Oversee the operations and mission of the JEDI Center.

·         Host an annual campus-wide recognition ceremony for graduating seniors.

·         Model inclusive excellence in leadership, including active participation in and administrative support for the university’s Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity Committee.

 

Additional Duties:

 

·         Demonstrate effective communication, planning, and organizational skills as they relate to job responsibilities.

·         Ensure clear, timely, and professional communication with students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

·         Represent the department and Student Life in formal and informal capacities across campus.

·         Serve as a referral agent to other University departments and services.

·         Perform other duties assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

 

·         Master’s degree in education, social sciences, counseling, student development, or related field. An additional three years of professional experience may be considered in lieu of a master’s degree.

·         Five or more years of experience in providing student development services in a college or university setting, including the conceptualization, planning, implementation, and evaluation of relevant programs. Similar experience in a field other than student development may be considered.

·         Effective