Director of Culture and Belonging

Description

Simpson College seeks applications and nominations for the newly configured position of Director of Culture and Belonging. This position reports to the College Chaplain. The Director of Culture and Belonging is a full-time professional who provides leadership to create a culture of belonging for all students regardless of background, identities, or nationalities. Working with colleagues across various divisions of the college, the director will develop, implement, and supervise programs and initiatives that support students with the goals of fostering a better understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity and promoting a campus climate that is inclusive and supportive of all its constituents. 

 

Simpson College is an independent, selective, and comprehensive liberal-arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The College encourages innovative teaching and seeks colleagues who will help its students of all ages develop critical intellectual skills and nurture values that foster personal worth and individuality for the purpose of living fulfilled lives within a creative, diverse, and just community. We recognize that many great ideas and discoveries are a result of a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. Simpson College provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.  

 

Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to: 

• Develop, plan, and implement campus-wide diversity related resources, services and programs for multicultural and/or underrepresented students to ensure student success and belonging. 

• Organize programs for all students that deepen cultural awareness and understanding and highlight cultural contributions, including annual events such as MLK Jr. Day, Heritage Months, “Event to End the Isms,” and George Washington Carver Day/annual Carver Medal ceremony. 

• Collaborate with campus partners to coordinate retention and graduation goals for multicultural and/or marginalized students. 

• Provide strategic direction for building a climate of belonging and cultural and identity awareness.  

• Oversee the design and implementation of initiatives leading to new policies, procedures, and programs with college-wide impact that address internal and external issues related to belonging and identity. 

• Counsel students, advise student groups (at least secondarily), and serve as a student advocate.  

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and assist PDSO with all levels of immigration advising and processing.  

• Help guide institutional responses to incidences of bias. 

• Provide leadership to the ACDEI (All-Campus Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)  

• Provide oversight and direction for departmental budget

About Simpson College 

Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines, and online. Founded in 1860, the college has 1,201? undergraduate and graduate students. Simpson offers more than 70 majors, minors, and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts seven Greek houses on campus, and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement. To learn more, visit simpso