Assoc. Director of Multicultural Affairs

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Multicultural Affairs Job Description

Job Summary

Work collaboratively with the Dean of Multicultural Affairs to lead initiatives that focus on student development and implement programs and services that support the work of all recognized cultural heritage organizations. Collaborate with campus partners from the faculty, staff and student communities to identify and implement a range of activities and educational opportunities which support diversity and inclusion within a social justice advocacy context.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Multicultural Advising (40%)

Serve as adviser, mentor and advocate for the recognized cultural organizations, within and outside of the Unity organization structure. Provide support and develop a strategy that will increase membership, strengthen leadership skills and enhance the overall development and advancement of each organization. Provide budget management assistance to cultural organizations and advise students on successfully navigating the college by connecting them with campus and community resources. Be a visible and recognizable presence on campus by attending events sponsored by the cultural organizations.

Supervision (20%)

Hire, train, and supervise the Mwangi Cultural Center student coordinators. Provide ongoing training to improve customer service and event planning skills. Provide relevant feedback to deepen professional development skills.

Space Management (20%)

Manage the Mwangi Cultural Center and Unity House to include space reservations, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to sustain engagement through the curation of support and empowerment systems. Assess the use of the Mwangi Cultural Center and Unity House through ongoing surveying and transparent updates. Stay abreast of required facility upkeep and ongoing advocacy for the expansion of resources available within the center.

Multicultural Programming/Event Collaboration (20%)

Provide guidance for and create outreach programs to engage students in the Smith College community and beyond. Collaborate with cultural organizations and campus partners to plan and implement cultural events to raise awareness and support cultural and racial preservation, education, and engagement. Serve as an engaged member of various campus committees and working groups; especially those with a focus on student services, recruitment and retention.

Other Functions

Assume responsibility for special projects and committee work and other duties as assigned.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree required and a Master’s degree in higher education administration or related field preferred with 3-5 years’ experience in multicultural or social justice education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong leadership skills and passion for helping students; and experience in programming, event coordination, and managing a budget.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in student counseling or advising is preferred. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in working with diverse student populations, including LGBTQ students, cultural organizations, international students, first generation students, BIPOC students; as well as a substantive understanding of diversity as it relates to the intersections of multiple identities (such as gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, ability, and socio-economic status).

Skills

Demonstrate an ability to communicate, both orally and in writing; exercise effective independent professional judgment; establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with faculty, staff, students and student organizations; and relate successfully in one-on-one and group situations with persons representing diverse backgrounds and interests. Show knowledge of principles, practices and theories of student learning and development, and an understanding of the cultural, social, recreational, and educational needs of students. Illustrate understanding of leadership theory with the ability to integrate into practice and student programs.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

February 1, 2022

Compensation Grade:

Grade I

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Diversity and a culture of inclusion among students, staff, faculty, and administration are crucial to the mission and values of Smith College. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religions, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.