Multicultural Student Success Advisor for African American Students

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Office of Multicultural Affairs is offering an exciting career opportunity as a Multicultural Student Success Advisor for African American Students. This position is part of the Student Affairs Division, which is committed to maintaining a campus environment that encourages and values multiculturalism, commitment to diversity of thought, and inclusion. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, progressive program dedicated to the continuing multicultural awareness and education on campus.

This position will provide support to underrepresented students; advise the Black Student Alliance; serve as student success specialist to assist with the retention of underrepresented student groups; design and initiate a peer mentoring program for a variety of students; initiate and implement educational programs concerning multicultural issues; coordinate multicultural programming with Office of Multicultural Affairs staff and student organizations. South Dakota State University currently has over 230 African American students.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

This is a 12 month, full-time, benefit-eligible position. This position is supervised by the Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement early intervention retention strategies including academic monitoring and collaborating with academic departments/advisors for students' success.
• Provide supplemental academic advising for African American students utilizing ConnectState to track academic progress.
• Serve as success specialist for African American students and provide overall support for the SDSU Student Success Model.
• Provide training to cultural student organizations on topics such as program planning, leadership development, heritage celebration, etc.
• Provide students with personal, social, cultural, leadership, and academic growth.
• Advise the Black Student Alliance cultural organization.
• Coordinate Black History Month Celebration, Martin Luther King Jr Week, Annual BSA Step Show, multicultural educational, and programs from a variety of audiences celebrating heritage and culture.
• Serve as an advocate for underrepresented student concerns and issues.
• Provide leadership and support to the Multicultural Center Advisory Committee.
• Participate in New Student Orientation to provide support to underrepresented students.
• Responsible for evening and weekend programs and meetings with Black Student Alliance cultural organization.
• Fulfill other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a closely related field by application date;
• At least three years of experience working with college students;
• Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff;
• Effective human relations skills;
• Effective communication skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences;
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to work as a contributing team member;
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs;
• Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in Student Affairs or a closely related field and one year of related experience including Graduate Assistantships by start date;
• Understanding of issues facing underrepresented students in higher education;
• Knowledge or techniques for the implementation of student retention programming;
• Knowledge of the development of peer mentoring;
• Knowledge of programming and assessment;
• Knowledge of recruitment and retention initiatives;
• Ability to supervise and enforce policies;
• Basic computer/website skills.

SALARY:

Commensurate with qualifications.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

UNIVERSITY AND THE BROOKINGS COMMUNITY:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.

South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As a part of its land-grant mission, South Dakota State university (SDSU) strives to serve the state of South Dakota by broadening access and opportunity to the benefits of higher education for all people. Thus, here at the Office of Multicultural Affairs, we have a commitment to aid in the assurance that all students have access to academic excellence, have the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment and leave the university with the skills, perspectives and abilities to serve as leaders in their future work, communities and society.

The Multicultural Center at South Dakota State University develops campus initiatives that demonstrate the valued practice and philosophy of multiculturalism within the university community. Programs and activities developed by the office promote high achievement among the increasing number of minority students at South Dakota State University. The office enhances and compliments the University mission by broadening the social, cultural, educational, and recreational experience of students.

As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of South Dakota State University is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Brookings is listed as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, and is rated among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.

The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school, and a high school.

The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center, and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by May 26, 2022.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, or resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. 

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is university policy to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. 

For questions on the position, contact Kendra Eichten at 605-688-4927 or kendra.eichten@sdstate.edu.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.