Director, Cultural and Identity Centers

California State University, Bakersfield • Bakersfield, CA

5h • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Cultural and Identity Centers provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all of CSU Bakersfield’s existing cultural and identity centers, as well as future centers as they are established to meet the campus mission to create an inclusive and equitable space for all students. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management, and with a dotted reporting relationship to the Dean of Students, the Director supports the University’s mission to promote student access, engagement, retention, and timely degree completion The position ensures that programs, services, and initiatives offered through the centers contribute to a welcoming campus environment and support the academic and personal success of students from a broad range of backgrounds.

Requirements

• EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in higher education or related field and a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in student success, student development or related area including at least two years of leadership or supervision over staff or students.
• LICENSES – Possession of a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s) – Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Ability to lead and coordinate complex operations across multiple centers while ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and consistent service delivery.
• Ability to analyze complex student, programmatic, and organizational issues and exercise sound judgment in addressing concerns that may involve multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands in a dynamic, student-centered environment.
• Ability to foster a professional, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Knowledge of student support models and engagement practices that promote student success, belonging, and persistence across diverse student experiences.
• Knowledge of higher education administration, including CSU and campus policies and procedures related to student services, personnel management, budget administration, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of student development, retention, and persistence frameworks as they relate to student belonging, leadership development, and co-curricular learning.
• Knowledge of assessment and evaluation methods used to measure program effectiveness, student outcomes, and center impact.
• Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating professional staff, support staff, and student employees, including setting performance expectations and providing ongoing feedback.
• Skill in budget development, fiscal oversight, and resource allocation for multiple operational units.
• Skill in collaboration and relationship-building with academic departments, campus service units, and external partners to advance center missions and student success initiatives.
• Ability to utilize computerized student information systems and the ability to effectively leverage technology.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure.
• Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
• Must be able to work occasional holidays and adjust working hours to meet special jobs.
• May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree from an accredited university.
• Formal education and or formal training in cultural studies or student identity development.
• Experience with program development and implementation.
• Leadership or supervisory experience over professional staff.
• Knowledge of campus and community resources for incoming students.
• Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment possessing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Center Development Provide vision and direction for all cultural and identity centers in alignment with CSU Bakersfield’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Lead the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that support academic success, sense of belonging, student engagement, persistence, and leadership development for all students.
• Guide the establishment of future centers based on institutional priorities, student needs, and available resources.
• Develop goals, outcomes, and assessment measures specific to each center’s mission to evaluate program effectiveness, student impact, and inform continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, alumni, and external stakeholders that facilitate the support of student engagement and educational pathways.
• Participate in outreach, grant development, and fundraising activities as appropriate and in collaboration with University Advancement.
• Administrative Operations & Personnel Management Oversee day-to-day operations of all centers, ensuring each center operates in alignment with its mission while maintaining consistent service delivery and adherence to CSU and campus policies and procedures.
• Manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
• Prepare reports, summaries, and assessments for senior leadership regarding center activities, utilization, emerging needs, and student impact.
• Coordinate space utilization, facility needs, and operational procedures across all centers.
• In consultation with the Vice President for Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management, lead the recruitment, selection, assignment of work, evaluation, and professional development of staff and student employees within a supportive and inclusive working environment, ensuring that they are equipped to meet the centers’ goals.
• Foster a collaborative and professional work environment focused on student service and operational effectiveness.
• Establish clear performance expectations and provide ongoing feedback and professional development.
• Campus Collaboration & Student Support Work collaboratively with academic departments, campus service units, and administrative offices, faculty and staff affinity groups, Academic Senate, Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) and student clubs and organizations to integrate center-based programs and initiatives into broader student success efforts.
• Participate in campus committees and working groups related to student engagement, campus climate, and institutional effectiveness.
• Support coordinated efforts with Enrollment Management, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, and other student support areas.
• Serve as an escalated resource for students seeking guidance, referrals, and support related to academic and campus life.
• Respond to and manage complex student concerns by assessing issues, coordinating appropriate referrals, and resolving matters in accordance with campus policies.
• Promote student leadership development and co-curricular learning opportunities through center-based programming.

Benefits

• CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 15 paid holidays per year and more!
• See our benefits website for additional information.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director