Director of Multicultural Affairs

Overview

The Division of Student Affairs at St. John Fisher University invites applications for the Director for the Office of Multicultural Affairs. This is an exciting time in the division and at the University with the recent appointment of our Senior Diversity Officer, the development of the University’s Inclusion Council, and the implementation of a new CORE curriculum that inspires students to apply their education to the big questions that face us as a community today. The successful candidate will enhance the student experience through culturally relevant services, guided by the mission of St. John Fisher University and goals of our Strategic Plan regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position supports the success and well-being of traditionally underrepresented students, serving as an advocate and mentor. This position also engages and educates the broader student body in learning experiences through education programs focused on diversity, self-understanding, inclusion, and advocacy. The director will partner across the institution to deepen the sense of belonging and prepare our students to positively impact today’s complex, global world. This work will be accomplished in close collaboration with the Senior Diversity Officer.

St. John Fisher University is a coeducational liberal arts institution located just outside of Rochester, New York with approximately 2,700 full-time undergraduate students and 1,000 graduate students. The University is a collaborative community dedicated to teaching, learning, and scholarship in a student-centered educational environment. The University engages individuals in lives of intellectual inquiry, professional integrity, and civic responsibility, where diversity and service to others are valued and practiced.

Job Responsibilities

Support

• Serve as a resource, mentor, and advocate for traditionally underrepresented students
• Review student life policies and make recommendations to ensure underrepresented students are supported and successful
• Provide educational and cultural support to student organizations
• Advise student groups, particularly underrepresented student groups and multicultural student organizations on campus
• Be visible and available to students who desire to learn, engage, and discuss diversity issues

Education

• Utilize the Fisher Outcomes and implement continuous improvement in educational and cultural programs, services, and resources sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs
• Develop, execute, and benchmark student workshops and trainings focused on diversity, social identity development, cultural humility, intersectionality, allyship, and related topics.
• Engage in on-going professional development to remain knowledgeable on current issues

Leadership

• Foster multicultural awareness and cross-cultural interaction among students
• Collaborate with, and provide consultative services to, the division related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Engage with the restorative practices model at the University and assist in mediating conflicts or student incidents that pertain to students’ sense of belonging
• Support Strategic Plan initiatives in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion for students
• Prepare and manage annual office budget aligned with annual goals
• Complete other duties as assigned by Vice President for Student Affairs

We are seeking candidates with genuine passion for working with and supporting students in their academic, professional, and personal development; knowledge and understanding of student development and identity development; the ability to serve as a collaborative team member and build relationships across the institution and with external constituents; demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives independently; and experience with advising. The Director must be trustworthy and approachable with a demonstrated history of working with integrity, sound judgement, and problem-solving skills; have effective verbal and written communication skills; and have strong organizational and administrative abilities.  

Education / Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in student affairs, counseling, higher education administration, or other discipline, or a terminal degree in a relevant field required
• Three to five years of progressive relevant experience in a collegiate setting in multicultural affairs, student life, or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with persons from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Experience working with traditionally underrepresented students or communities
• Experience in advising and programming
• Experience with budget management

Competencies / Skills

• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and initiatives independently
• Established pattern of high attention to detail
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Multicultural competence and the ability to work effectively with a diverse student body
• Effective human relations skills and a thorough understanding of student development
• Strong desire to build relationships with students, colleagues, and college partners
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, including the ability to engage one-on-one and in public forums
• Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Demonstrated history of working with integrity and sound judgment, as well as the ability to make difficult decisions.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

The position will remain open until filled, however priority consideration, and application review, will begin on May 8, 2023. To be considered for this position, please submit your cover letter, resume and the names and contact information for three references online at https://jobs.sjfc.edu/postings/2896.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of St. John Fisher University to provide Equal Employment Opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with the applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in each locality in which the University has employees.

The University does not discriminate against applicants or employees in hiring, promotion, termination or the terms and conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, perceived sex, gender identity, gender expression, the status of being transgender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, military status, veteran status, predisposing genetic, characteristics or genetic information, arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Title IX Coordinator is the designated University official with primary responsibility for coordinating compliance with Title IX and related federal and state laws. The Title IX Coordinator, Meg Flaherty, Ph.D., can be reached by phone (585-385-8232), email (titleix@sjfc.edu), in-person in Campus Center 206, or outside of business hours by contacting the Office of Safety and Security (585-385-8111).