Director of Inclusive Connections - Washington & Jefferson College

Summary

The Senior Director for Fostering Inclusive Connections is a member of the Vice President of Student Life & Dean of Students team who works collaboratively to support connections which help all students develop strong connections with peers, alumni, and the college. This inaugural position works to support affinity-based programming that spans all phases of the student lifecycle. The Director will assume leadership for summer leadership programs for prospective and fall matriculants, affinity-based programming for students with connection to alumni, and collaborate on elements of institutional strategy to ensure representation and support for all student communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advisory role: Serve as a consultant to cultural student organizations. Provide advice to the VPSL & Dean of Students, along with the senior leadership to drive strategy and capacity building efforts.
• Capacity building: Lead initiatives aimed at building opportunities for affinity-based connections.
• Collaboration: Fosters collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance student connections. Enlists support for and assists colleagues to enhance opportunities for students.
• Confidential matters: Manages sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism, ensuring compliance with college policies and applicable laws. The Director will lead the Bias Response Team and provide consultation to the Office of Community Standards on matters related to Bias incidents, as needed.
• Liaison role: Identifies, coordinates, and maintains strategic relationships throughout the W&J campus.
• Program development and assessment: Develops and implements programs and initiatives that support the college's commitment to supporting all students, throughout their lifecycle at W&J. Develops and monitors key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and programs.
• Strategic support: The Director works to develop initiatives to support greater connection for affinity student/alumni populations.

Qualifications

Master's degree in higher education or related field required, plus 3-5 years of higher education relevant experience. Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong people skills and can advocate for and support the academic, personal, and professional goals of underrepresented students.
• Joy in working with students at residential, liberal arts college, and a commitment to supporting their development and growth.
• Demonstrated commitment and contribution to fostering and advancing student connections.
• Broad working knowledge of key issues and best practices related to inclusion and care of students.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Experience with program development, implementation, and assessment.
• Ability to work effectively with all campus constituents and represent the college to external organizations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability in an emerging and changing environment.

This is a full-time position within the Division of Student Life requiring availability to students. Occasional nights and weekends for programming and student support are likely.

Disclaimer

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the position.

Job Description Status

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Washington & Jefferson College reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Application Instructions

Apply for this job at https://washjeff.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Please submit a cover letter and resume. It is recommended that all documents be in PDF format and uploaded at one time. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Employee Benefits

Washington & Jefferson College offers a comprehensive benefit package for benefit eligible employees; including health, vision, and dental coverage, group life insurance, AD&D and LTD coverage, retirement plan, generous leave time, and the tuition benefit programs. These benefits add significantly to the employee's total compensation package.

Getting to Know W&J

Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Founded in 1781, W&J College is a private, residential liberal arts college that is focused on student success. Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.

Celebrating Diversity

Washington & Jefferson College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators and employees are able to live, study and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, W&J College complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.