Director of Multicultural Student Services

Director of Multicultural Student Services


Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community, inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition and Benedictine values. We seek employees who will contribute to the advancement of our mission by helping students shape lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the Earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures, and promote the common good.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Job Title: Director of Multicultural Student Services

Department: Division of Student Life

Reports to: Chief Student Engagement Officer

Status: Full-Time, Benefit Eligible

Location: Lisle Campus

Position Summary: The Director of Multicultural Student Affairs will provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. The Director will lead the development of a vision and effective strategy that champions the importance and value of a diverse and inclusive student experience.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement effective means of welcoming students into the community and help create opportunities and service structures that increase their chance of retention and graduation. Provide guidance and support to culturally identified student organizations and will enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion opportunities within the Division of Student Life.

2. Work the Chief Student Engagement Officer and collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to develop, implement, coordinate, market, and assess activities, events, programs, initiatives, and processes connected with intercultural education, global learning, gender and sexuality education, and interfaith dialogue/religious pluralism on campus.

3. Direct inclusion and diversity efforts by managing and developing resources for the Division of Student Life. Research, develop and implement processes to measure the effectiveness of diversity, equity, and inclusion education, support, coaching and other interventions through collaborations students, staff and faculty.

4. Collaborate with outside agencies to develop a wide range of resources such as those that provide extended services for crisis intervention, gender-based violence victim services, immigration and citizenship support, veterans’ services, social justice advocacy, and resources for housing and food insecurities.

5. Assist the Bias/Report/ Response Team and Protocol as well as working will all reporting groups on campus (Title IX Coordinator, PEACE Team, CARE/ Threat Assessment Team, Human Resources, and the Jeanne Clery Act Team) to provide a clear outline for reporting incidents on campus and also outline steps to support faculty and staff in handling disclosures.

Other Functions:

1. Adherence to all Benedictine University and Division of Student Life policies and procedures.
2. Work independently and creatively within established guidelines, while at the same time functioning as a member of a team.
3. Attend departmental and University related meetings and events.
4. Strong leadership, administrative, planning and presentation skills, including oral and written communications
5. Work in coordination with University offices and departments to coordinate and facilitate program needs, serve on University committees as needed.
6. Maintain high level of organization and ability to manage multiple tasks.
7. Ability to attain goals through knowledge of regulation and accreditation requirements, as well as incorporate best practices into initiatives.
8. Ability to create a culture of collaboration with all campus constituents.
9. Proven ability to organize information; assess, utilize and navigate online platforms; and conduct detailed data analysis and develop reports based on data
10. Ability to serve as an advocate and resource for persons of color, all ethnicities, all genders, all ages, LGBTQ*, all faith backgrounds, first generation learners, and differently abled persons
11. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive situations and matters with diplomacy and superior judgement.
12. Ability to complete high-level analysis of data.
13. Demonstrated analytical, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
14. Demonstrated ability to work with and lead educational workshops and training and experience creating and delivering training to employees and/or students.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Master's Degree Required, Doctorate Degee Preferred

Experience: 2-5 year’s experience working in academic settings with diverse communities; 1 year of inclusion and diversity related work experience; project management work experience; experience leading collaborative teams and employee

Specific Skills: Strongly articulated support for the University’s Catholic and Benedictine mission. Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, communication (written and spoken), organizational skills. Computer and digital proficiency (desktop applications, web-based applications, and social media). Familiarity with CommonSpot CMS. Ability to manage multiple priorities including relating well to students, staff, and faculty of diverse intellectual, cultural, and national backgrounds. Strong planning and organizational skills, ability to manage multiple tasks. Strong leadership skills. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive situations with diplomacy and excellent judgement and to act calmly and objectively.

Specific Knowledge, Licenses, Certifications: Database management, desktop publishing, web design, and cross-cultural communication experience are not required but would be desirable. Must have completed either separate 40 Hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Trainings or combined 60 Hour training through an Illinois certified victim services provider(s) or be willing to complete training within 6 months of hire. Expertise and understanding of trauma-informed approaches, including bystander intervention. Strong knowledge of principles, research, and best practices as they relate to primary prevention, specifically in a college setting. Broad acquaintance with Catholic social teaching on peace, justice, cultural diversity, sexuality, and interfaith dialogue.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Use of computer screen, phone and customer service. May require bending, or sitting for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Travel (If applicable):

Supervisory Responsibility (if applicable):

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Nights and weekends sometimes required.

Benedictine University does not discriminate in its admissions or educational policies, programs or activities; scholarship and loan programs; athletic and other University administered programs or employment practices on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The laws applicable to Benedictine University include constitutional and statutory protections of the University's rights as a religiously sponsored institution. This policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all employment and personnel practices including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, promotion, training and compensation.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Per Gov. Pritzker’s Executive Order proof of vaccination or weekly COVID-19 testing is required.

Benedictine University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.