Cultural Programming & Activities Specialist

Position Summary:

The JSU Global/International Programs Department at Jackson State University is accepting applications for its Cultural Programming & Activities Specialist position. The Cultural Programming & Activities Specialist will help create and promote cultural celebrations that honor the rich diversity of our community and school. Through the equity, inclusion and belonging initiative within the JSU Global & International Programs Department, partnerships are sought with local community groups and agencies to support and implement cultural community events. These events are held within the University, free and open to the public, welcoming and inclusive to families and systemically marginalized celebrating diverse culture and heritage; uplifting, educational, enriching, and positive.

Reporting to the Director of the department, the Cultural Programming and Activities Specialist will work in collaboration with community event partners, university members, and department staff to implement a series of established university cultural events and administer support and resources for the department, university, and community stakeholders. We are seeking an experienced, highly organized individual who will embrace this collaborative, diverse relationship-building approach with enthusiasm.

Minimum Required Education:  Master’s degree or higher required.

Minimum Required Experience:  

• Minimum of three years of professional or volunteer experience managing and planning public events with multiple stakeholders, deadlines, target audiences, and project objectives.
• Experience must include events that highlight diverse groups or cultures.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (MS Word, MS Outlook).
• Experience and understanding of practices and policies within local or state government as it
  pertains to community events.
• Experience setting up accessibility, language access, and other reasonable accommodations.
• Grant writing and/or fundraising experience.

Qualifications: 

• Proven ability to work harmoniously and successfully with a broad spectrum of students and colleagues with diverse cultural or ethnic backgrounds, sexualities, gender identities, neurodiversity or physical abilities, communication styles, experiences, and/or belief systems.
• Ability to lead with respect, empathy, professionalism, and diplomacy with a focus on the  cultivation and preservation of relationships.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks, deadlines, challenges, and priorities while keeping complex projects on track. 
• Must be organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to take direction and/or be coachable.
• Ability to be a creative problem solver and view challenges with a growth mindset.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a high-functioning team.
• Professional experience managing finances within an allotted budget.
• Understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, systemic racism, and how they apply to this work.
• Cultural competence to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people
  across cultures.
• Visual art, graphic design, or photography skills.
• Speak, read, and write in multiple languages.

Job Duties:

• Responsible for collaborating with community partners and coordinating events to include logistics, permitting, securing vendors, rental of facilities, compliance with applicable laws, accessibility, ADA, emergency, and safety planning.
• Facilitate regular event planning meetings with event services.
• Assist with event implementation, plan and track deadlines, milestones, and action items.
• Develop event/project planning documents and processes, work breakdown structure, and other project documents that include all ethnicities for JSU Global.
• Work within a budget, track expenses, and reconcile receipts.