DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR IDEAS

JOB SUMMARY :

Oversee the Center for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Social Change (IDEAS) to develop and implement innovative and transformative programs and services that support inclusion, diversity, equity, social change, and identity. Formulate long-range strategic plans and establish consistent operating procedures, policies, and initiatives; prepare and execute the department's annual financial and activity plans. Serve as a primary liaison to the campus community to ensure equity and justice are at the core of the student experience. Work to enhance the awareness and commitment towards cultural and racial diversity on the Ithaca College campus. Collaborate in developing, coordinating, and designing educational experiences and learning opportunities to enhance students' intellectual, social, and leadership development. Provide leadership in developing and implementing programs and services designed to enhance historically underrepresented and under-resourced students’ personal and social development. Organize the Bias Impact Response process and coordinate the Bias Impact Response team.

SUPERVISION:

This position reports to the Executive Director for Student Equity and Belonging and is a member of the leadership team in Student Affairs and Campus Life. This position provides guidance, direction and supervision to the Associate Director and Program Coordinator assigned to the Center for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Social Change.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Duties may include but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Lead innovative and transformative student-centered programs, services, and strategies that promote and support inclusion, diversity, equity, social change, and identity development.
2. Establish and implement long and short-term goals and objectives and develop methods to improve the overall effectiveness of programs and services offered through the Center for IDEAS.
3. Lead programs and services designed to enhance underrepresented students' personal and social development. Establish and cultivate working relationships with deans, faculty, and staff to develop strategies that address the needs and concerns of historically underrepresented, marginalized, under-resourced, and students of color.
4. In collaboration with campus, partners develop and implement strategies for the retention of underrepresented and under-resourced students.
5. Promote and enhance the campus community’s competencies to understand and appreciate the experiences of historically underrepresented, marginalized, under-resourced, and students of color.
6. Organize the Bias Impact Response process and co-chair the Bias Impact Response Team.
7. Lead and implement a yearly Diversity, Equity, and Belonging online training via our selected campus partners, i.e., EverFi.
8. Direct various personnel actions, including hiring, merit recommendations, promotions, transfers, vacation schedules, and other actions. Provide guidance and direction to the Associate Director administering the Ithaca Achievement Program and Program Coordinator administering the IDEAS Peer Educators.
9. Lead the budget planning process for the Center for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Social Change and administer the Center's annual budget. Prepare and submit budget recommendations; monitor, verify and oversee reconciliation of expenditure of budgeted funds. Oversee the purchase and acquisition of capital equipment.
10. Cultivate and lead alumni, parent/family, and community outreach efforts on behalf of the Center and advocate for historically underrepresented, marginalized, under-resourced, and students of color.
11. Evaluate programs and services and prepare various reports and analyses reflecting progress, trends, and appropriate recommendations and conclusions.
12. Foster and demonstrate equity, inclusion, and diversity competencies and cultivate an inclusive, diverse, and respectful College community. Model civil and inclusive behavior when interacting with staff, faculty, students and visitors to the College. Promote a flexible, collaborative and inclusive work and living environment and engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of equity, diversity, belonging, and inclusion.
13. Represent the Center for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Social Change on committees and task forces and participate in special projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's Degree in higher education, social justice education, or relevant social science and a minimum of five years of experience in higher education and working with population-specific programming, a demonstrated ability to design, evaluate and implement targeted experience programs with a preference for historically underrepresented, marginalized, under-resourced students in a higher education setting and social justice education. Experience in curriculum development and implementation and knowledge of student success literature. Proven success working with student populations in an advising or mentoring role and working as a team member is required. Strong written and verbal communication skills, budget management, and the ability to work evenings and weekends supporting campus events are required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Demonstrate a familiarity with a range of social justice, social change, and equity-based models; Excellent interpersonal, written, and communication skills; Strong organizational and research capabilities; Ability to work with diverse stakeholders; Significant supervisory experience and the ability to cultivate an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment; Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels; Commitment to advancing social justice and ensuring the success of underrepresented students; Proven ability to work across complex organizations and ability to achieve critical priorities and outcomes. Grant writing experience preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Ithaca College is a small liberal arts school that is looking for bold and creative individuals to join our team as we move forward with our Ithaca Forever strategic plan. Most of the work of the incumbent is carried out within a generally accessible, safe, indoor environment. The incumbent will be required to operate a personal computer provided by the College and associated equipment such as computer printers as well as other office equipment used in day-to-day operations. The incumbent will be required to attend workshops, conferences, and meetings on and off campus and during and after normal business hours and must be able to walk or drive or make alternative arrangements.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional supervisory references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or humanresources@ithaca.edu

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.