Associate Director for Multicultural and Affinity Engagement

Vassar College

Associate Director for Multicultural and Affinity Engagement

Department: Alumnae/i Affairs & Development Office
Duration of Position: Full year / Full time
Work Schedule:
Employee Type: Administrator
Posting Date: 05/19/2021
Union Representation: Not Applicable
Posting Number: AS069P
Pay Rate:

About Vassar College
Located in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley, Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Vassar is deeply committed to fostering a community that reflects the values of a liberal arts education and to promoting an environment of equality, diversity and inclusiveness. Vassar seeks to create a pluralistic community for all staff, faculty and students. Vassar College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer, and applications from women, individuals with disabilities and members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged. Vassar College is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus.

Position Summary and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Senior Director of Alumnae/i Engagement, The Associate Director for Multicultural and Affinity Engagement will have primary responsibility for the oversight and stewardship of all affinity group volunteers, activities, and events. Affinity groups presently include the following: African American Alumnae/i of Vassar College (AAAVC), LGBTQ+, Latinx (LAVC), and Asian Pacific Alumnae/i of Vassar College (APAVC). The Associate Director will prioritize engagement of campus partners and alumnae/i leaders in discussion about the history and current state of alumnae/i affinity groups to ensure that history is appropriately documented and understood. In addition, the Associate Director will work with these stakeholders to develop plans for the future that honor history and, if needed, evolve practice to meet emerging needs.

In addition to these volunteer-driven groups, the Associate Director will also consider and organize activities that engage alums and students who share other affinities, including FGLI (First Generation Low Income), International students, veterans, athletes, religious identities, VSA organizations, residence halls, and more as time and strategic focus warrant and allow.

The position's goals include deepening and increasing engagement among alums around shared social identities and activity affinities outside the traditional channels of class (reunion) and club (geography-based communities). This work will require heightened awareness of and sensitivity to experiences shared by those from historically marginalized populations, as well as a demonstrated commitment to relationship building with colleagues and volunteer leaders (both student and alumnae/i).

Responsibilities:

• Recruit, train, set goals with, and support volunteers for existing identity-based affinity groups.
  
• Develop and lead a training program for affinity volunteers that would become part of the annual Vassar College Volunteer Conference (VCVC).
  
• Develop communications and strategies for engaging alumnae/i around other shared affinities (as appropriate and needed).
  
• Staff and support the Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) Board of Directors.
  
• Ensure that affinity programming is in alignment with College priorities and support volunteers with the administrative execution of event logistics.
  
• Plan and execute periodic events for affinity groups when volunteers are not able to do so.
  
• Attend affinity events when strategically important and feasible.
  
• Work in close collaboration with colleagues in Student Growth and Engagement (ALANA, Transitions, International, LGBTQ+, the Women's Center, First-Year Experience), Athletics, Career Development, Religious and Spiritual Life and Residential Life to strategize about the best and most appropriate ways to engage alumnae/i in support of students specific to identity and activity-based affinities.
  
• Work in close collaboration with the Associate Director of Annual Giving, Leadership and Affinity, to ensure alignment and synergy around Advancement priorities.
  
• Occasional responsibilities in support of large-scale department and college programs that require “all hands on deck” to ensure smooth operation. Examples include, but are not limited to, Reunion, Commencement, and Sophomore Career Connections.
  
• Occasional evening and weekends required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
  
• Three to five years of progressively responsible alumni relations or student-facing higher education administration experience desired, preferably in a liberal arts college setting.
  
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity in all engagement work.
  
• Experience working with and supporting historically marginalized populations.
  
• Excellent organizational, communications, and program planning skills.
  
• Strong customer-service orientation.
  
• Ability to manage technology platforms to facilitate information sharing, networking, and career advancement for students and alumnae/i.
  
• Proven success in volunteer management and an ability to work effectively with a multigenerational and diverse population.
  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  
• Ability to function effectively and flexibly in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  
• Commitment to working in a diverse and inclusive team-oriented environment.

Special Instructions to Applicants
To complete your on-line application, you will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references. All attachments must be in PDF format. Review of applications will begin immediately. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources, 845-437-5820.

For full consideration applicants should apply by:

All applicants must apply online at: https://employment.vassar.edu/postings/1909.



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