Director of Student Inclusion, Belonging & Engagement

SUMMARY:

Kaeppel Consulting is looking for a Director of Student Inclusion, Belonging and Engagement to work at a client's site at a higher education institution in San Antonio on a contract to possible hire basis. You will be responsible for the strategic direction for and oversight of the Student Diversity and Inclusion office, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Involvement, and Orientation and Transitions. Reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs and is an integral member of the Student Life Leadership Team. Provides advise, management and guidance to the director(s) and assistant director(s) that will in turn provide support for their staff--with the goal of providing the best possible student experience. Works with students however the main function is to serve as a senior administrator. Serves as the primary diversity, equity, and inclusion strategist for the division of Student Life. Leads through establishing and using best practices and creating equitable policies for the division.

• Maintains ultimate responsibility for the offices housed within Student Inclusion, Belonging, and Engagement operations, including setting and overseeing strategic directions of the Student Diversity and Inclusion Office, Student Involvement, Orientation and Transitions, and Fraternity and Sorority Life programs and those student-facing programs which impact the client's education community at-large. Develops and manages the departmental budget. Monitors all sub-budgets within the department. Organizes and oversees the direction and structure of professional and student staff. Develops and updates policies and procedures. Develops and implements the University initiatives centered on students that builds and supports proactive, diverse, inclusive, and equitable practices to increase a sense of belonging within the division and for university partners of the division.

• Directs, coordinates, and evaluates the Student Inclusion, Belonging, and Engagement (SIBE) professional staff members (director, associate director, and program coordinator). Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with all policies and applicable laws. Maintains oversight of interviews, hires, and onboarding of SIBE; plans, assigns, and directs work; creates work schedules and conducts performance appraisals, counsels, and disciplines employees; and addresses complaints and resolves problems.

• Ensures that ongoing, comprehensive, and research-based departmental planning and assessment occurs, to include the establishment and review of departmental goals and outcomes with the mission of the University; regular assessment of the accomplishment of goals and outcomes; timely completion of annual planning; and the integration of assessment results with budget requests.

• In Collaboration with Academic Affairs, Human Resources, and Student Life, develops and hosts educational workshops on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging practices to build the collective capacities and skills of the campus community. Also, collaborates with Advancement, Alumni Relations, and Sponsored Research to identify and secure funding opportunities to support new initiatives that deepen the institution's commitment to and capacity for diversity.

• Ensures that ongoing, comprehensive, and research-based departmental planning and assessment occurs, to include the establishment and review of departmental goals and outcomes with the mission of the University, regular assessment of the accomplishment of goals and outcomes, timely completion of annual planning and assessment reports, and the integration of assessment results with budget requests.

• Serves as a co-chair of the Inclusive Excellence Advisory Council (IEAC) and assists in guiding the work for the core IEAC leadership as well as the IEAC at-large.

• Provides support to student organizations (RSOs/USOs) related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programming and advising.

• Collaborates with other Student Life staff and participates in the life of the University by serving on committees, attending functions, and being available for special assignments. Represents the University in relevant professional organizations.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
• Collaborates with other Student Life staff and participates in the life of the University by serving on committees, attending functions, and being available for special assignments.
• Cooperates and collaborates with other employees in the spirit of teamwork and collegiality and interacts with confidence, patience and integrity to provide professional leadership during emergencies.
• Manages divisional DEIB data collection, analysis and representation.
• Represents the University in relevant professional organizations.
• Complies with all University's policies and guidelines.
• Performs other duties as required.

EDUCATION

Required:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred:

Master's degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, Education, Counseling, or other closely related field.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the field of student affairs or closely related area.

Preferred:

Demonstrated leadership in designing and implementing strategic initiatives around diversity, equity, and inclusion and anti-racism that promote success for faculty, students, and/or employees, within a complex environment.

Expertise in translating a vision and strategy into a practical plan with concrete methods of implementation and

anticipated, measurable outcomes.

Understanding of the national trends and issues related to inclusion, equity, and belonging in higher education.

Ability to identify and implement innovative approaches to engage underrepresented faculty, students, and staff.

Experience with the development, implementation, and evaluation of training programs for students, faculty, and/or

staff on issues related to inclusion, belonging, and transitions.

Demonstrated ability to set priorities, analyze data, and think systematically from both a detailed and a strategic perspective.

Proven ability to build coalitions with and mobilize leaders within a large, decentralized organizational structure; an aptitude for building consensus and trust and the ability to move confidently through ambiguous, non-hierarchical situations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Required:

Demonstrated ownership of work and evidence of initiative-taking in prior roles.

Evidence of strong communication skills, including excellent writing/editing/formatting abilities.

Knowledge of Google Suite and Microsoft Office.

Knowledge of office procedures and customer service.

Knowledge of student development theories and student leadership theories. Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to problem solve and think critically.

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Ability to provide excellent customer service.

Ability to use time efficiently in projects.

Ability to manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs.

Ability working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple tasks with poise and patience.

Evidence of developing and facilitating professional development workshops for faculty, staff, and students.

Preferred:

Knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging student development theories.

An understanding of student development theory.

Proven commitment to and appreciation for issues of diversity and community.

Ability to articulate issues and trends in higher education.

Ability to manage multiple tasks with poise and patience.

Ability to assess the performance of others to make improvements.