199002 - Director of Multicultural and First Generation Student Support

Company Description:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub

Job Description:

Clark University

Director of Multicultural and First Generation Student Support

Full- time

Clark University seeks a Director of Multicultural and First Generation Student Support.  Reporting to the Associate Dean of Students overseeing student engagement at Clark University, the Director of Multicultural and First Generation Student Support (MFGSS) will provide vision and oversight for developing and implementing a comprehensive program of activities to promote the academic success of historically underrepresented student communities. The position is focused on supporting students of color and first-generation college students who benefit from a strong, integrated program of academic and support services.

The Director will evaluate and lead strategic program expansion in support of LGBTQIA+ students, including supporting the existing QTSOC (Queer and Trans Students of Color) program. Building on multiple years of data (including MFGSS surveys as well as institutional data) that detail the social and emotional support needs of Clark underrepresented students, the Director will assess existing and new projects, including two college transition programs, academic skill development programs, and several mentoring programs, in addition to management of the Sheila McCann resource room, a safe space dedicated to students of color with a lending library, study space, and meeting space. In building support among the campus community for the success and persistence of the target student populations, the Director supervises an Associate Director and Administrative Coordinator.

As a hallmark program from MFGSS, the Director is responsible for developing and implementing the Advancing Clark Excellence (ACE) Summer Institute (a fourteen-day, summer pre-orientation program for students of color and first-generation college students) in collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Equity and Student Success in the Division of Student Affairs, who will oversee the academic development of the program.

The Director will also oversee the implementation of Connections@Clark, a four-day pre-orientation program for students of color. Programming during the academic year in MFGSS currently includes on-going ACE support, monthly student success workshops that assist students in navigating the college experience, Sisters in Stride (for woman-identified students of color), FOCUS (for men-identified students of color), and QTSOC (for queer and trans students of color).

In addition, the Director of MFGSS also serves as Clark's liaison to other similarly positioned institutions, in particular, the ALANA Support Network, the alliance of Worcester area colleges that support students of color. In collaboration with the Office of Student Leadership and Programming, the Director of MFGSS also advises the Millennium Leadership Club (MLC), a student-led, two-day conference for surrounding area college students of color that has traditionally taken place in November.

Provide vision and oversight for the Office of Multicultural and First Generation Student Support in the development and implementation of a comprehensive program of activities to promote the holistic success of historically underrepresented student communities.

Duties and Responsibilities include: 

• Supervise the Associate Director and Administrative Coordinator.
• Meet regularly with students individually and in groups to assist them with personal, social, and emotional growth, as well as general academic-success support. Promote students' skills for resource-attainment, self-advocacy, and personal success in college; when appropriate, assist campus partners in understanding individual or student group needs in order to promote those students' success at Clark; escalate student cases when needed to the Dean of Students office.
• Evaluate and continue to build on current programs in support of the success and retention of students of color and first-generation college students; and in light of unit and institutional data, evaluate and strategically lead program expansion in support of other underrepresented student populations, including LGBTQIA+ students.
• Serve as the primary On-Call Administrator during the ACE program, connecting with other Cark University emergency responders as needed (e.g. represent the University in responding to student and/or University community emergencies; response may involve working with off-campus agencies, university police and university departments. Manage and triage projects and communications for the Dean of Students Office, and follow-up appropriately as well as serving as liaison to parents/guardians, families and/or designated contact of Clark students as appropriate, on behalf of the Division).
• Serve on various division, institutional, and external community committees that address the needs and success of underrepresented students.
• Serve as needed as a hearing officer and/or facilitator, including University Conduct Board and/or the Title IX Hearing Board.
• Prior experience working with and contributing to a diverse workplace with the ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents on campus.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in higher education administration, student development, student personnel or related field from an accredited institution.
• Two to four years relevant experience in student affairs, higher education administration, or related field. Content knowledge of racial equity, especially methods of addressing anti-Blackness will be critical to the success of this role.
• Possess a high level of intercultural competence, including demonstrated experience working with students of color and first-generation college students. Experience working with LGBTQIA+ students strongly preferred. 
• Experience developing and delivering identity-centered resources, workshops and trainings, required.
• Ability to work collaboratively, as well as a proven ability to think both critically and strategically.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a dynamic and diverse environment, with a committed and engaged faculty, and with a highly creative student population; ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently and effectively; work well under pressure, and have understanding for the work of a small, dynamic, highly-collaborative student affairs team.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations; understanding for the appropriate management of sensitive information and records; and proficiency for promoting college student development and equitable student success constructs within the student affairs field.
• Extended hours will be required on an as-needed basis, including evening, early morning and weekend assignments.
• Experience with supervision and assessment, preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, required; familiarity with Banner, preferred.

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits, which include employee and family tuition benefits, 4 weeks' vacation, generous retirement plan, free use of campus fitness center and many more.

Additional Information:

Clark University embraces equal opportunity and affirmative action as core values: we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. This commitment applies to every aspect of education, services, and employment policies and practices at Clark. Our commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. All positions at Clark share in the responsibility for building a community that values diversity and the uniqueness of others by exhibiting integrity and respect in interacting with all members of the Clark community to create an atmosphere of fairness and belonging. We strongly encourage members from historically underrepresented communities, inclusive of all women, to apply.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

• Resume
• Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.

Application review will begin on October 16, 2020 and priority will be given to applications submitted by that deadline. Position will remain open until filled.

Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Apply Online