Director of the Multicultural Student Center & Urban Leadership Learning Community
About The Position
Canisius University serves approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. As a Catholic and Jesuit University, Canisius has its foundation in the fundamental values of academic excellence, leadership, faith and social justice. Canisius is committed to educating and preparing men and women to become leaders in their professions and their communities, and in service to humanity. The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The Director reports to the Assistant Vice President for Student Success and oversees the Multicultural Student Center (MSC), while also supervising the Center for International Education (CIE), and directing the Urban Leadership Learning Community (ULLC). In addition, the Director collaborates with the Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion and the Division of Enrollment Management, as appropriate and in consultation with the Assistant Vice President. The Director will work within a framework that promotes inclusive excellence and an equitable environment for underrepresented students. The Multicultural Student Center is committed to inclusive excellence and the academic and personal success of undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds. The Center focuses on supporting all underrepresented student populations, including but not limited to African American, Latin American, Asian American, and Native American (ALANA). This includes creating tangible opportunities for all underrepresented students who may not be eligible for campus State/Federal or scholarship programs like HEOP/MLK and ULLC. The Director works in collaboration with the university community to assist students with academic, financial, and personal life matters. In addition, the Director serves in a consulting role to members of the college, alumni, and the broader Buffalo community. In keeping with the University’s Catholic and Jesuit mission and identity in pursuit of cura personalis, the Director facilitates strategic direction, operational and budgetary overview, and guidance for staff and students served in both MSC and CIE.
Requirements
- Master’s degree required.
- Relevant experience in Student Affairs, Counseling, Education or related fields.
- Appreciation of both the liberal arts and Jesuit core values essential
- Passionate and discerning in building relationships with a wide range of constituencies.
- Budget/management skills
- Evidence of supervising professional and support staff
- Flexibility for evening and weekend hours as involvement dictates
- Collegiate writing skills, communication skills, and computer competency
- Must be eligible to work in the United States.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as an administrator in higher education or a related field, with a proven record of accomplishment working with African American, Latinx, Asian American, and Native American (ALANA) student populations
Responsibilities
- Help to increase campus awareness of multiculturalism, diversity, and underrepresented student populations, particularly when associated with first-generation college students
- In partnership with campus constituencies and stakeholders, formalize processes for mentoring, supporting, and advocating for students from historically underrepresented groups through meaningful and developmental interactions
- Develop workshops, trainings, and other opportunities to foster inclusive learning and living environments on campus
- Direct strategic planning initiatives and establish objectives that maximize the use of MSC resources including budgeting and staffing
- Nurture the leadership development of underrepresented students and serve as a secondary advisor to cultural student clubs and organizations, such as the Afro American Society, Latin American Students and Friends, Global Horizons, etc.
- Engage in assessment activities by developing, monitoring, and evaluating programs for effectiveness
- Be inventive in providing awareness of annual ALANA heritage months, with student involvement, including the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration
- Coordinate award committees, and assist in raising funding for endowed scholarships through alumni networks and off-campus entities as appropriate
- Provide direct leadership for the ULLC Coordinator and the program, including collaborating with the coordinator and colleagues in academic affairs on the planning and implementation of the ULLC Boot Camp, developmental workshops, and all other program facets.
- Serve as a guide on multicultural student issues for faculty, staff, alumni and members of the broader community
- Serve as a liaison to undergraduate and graduate admissions counselors to support targeted enrollment strategies for underrepresented students
- Provide training for enrollment management team, including an annual training session for campus tour guides, on supporting underrepresented students
- Collaborate with enrollment management on campus events to provide opportunities for prospective students to interact with current students
- Coordinate a welcome program to assist in the orientation of all new students of color
- Represent MSC at all open houses, accepted student days, and new student orientation events
- Work in partnership with the Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion to support the campus climate on race strategic plan
- Represent the university at appropriate local, regional and national conferences
- Serve on select committees such as the Bias Response Team and the Cura Personalis team as determined by the Vice President for Student Affairs and other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Comprehensive Insurance Benefits – Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Long-Term Disability available the first of the month after the employee’s date of hire
- 403(b) with Company Contribution – Plan for your future with confidence – contribution from the university is available after one year of employment
- Paid Time Off – Includes vacation time, personal time, sick time, and paid holidays
- Tuition Benefits – Available for full-time employees and their qualified dependents
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
