General Summary of Position:
The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is the hub for intercultural advancement, diversity, community development, and inclusion efforts at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The office serves as a resource on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). OMA promotes student development and leadership; enhances student success and retention; and facilitates a respectful, diverse, and inclusive campus. OMA provides educational programs, student group advising, direct student support, advocacy, and student wellbeing and engagement activities. Programs and services encourage identity exploration, community building, as well as cultural competency development. This office collaborates across units to establish meaningful campus and community involvement in building and supporting an inclusive culture and environment, as well as providing training and outreach to target populations.
The Associate Director will assist in advancing the mission, goals, and strategies of OMA such as increasing the access, retention and success of diverse students. Responsibilities include program development & execution of multicultural cohort experiences under the umbrellas of Rising 360 and College Access programs, which includes support of International, LGBTQ+, students of color, first generation, transfers, and other diverse students. The Associate Director will design and execute programs, working closely with division and campus partners to develop a comprehensive infrastructure that effectively supports the growth and advancement of UMass Lowell students. The Associate Director will assist in the continued enhancement of a university culture that welcomes and celebrates all students through the infusion of diversity and inclusion throughout the college experience.
Essential Job Duties:
LEAD THE RISING 360 MULTICULTURAL COHORT EXPERIENCE:
- Facilitate a cohesive array of services and opportunities for new & continuing students that enhances student success, persistence, and retention:
- Advance a multiyear curriculum that focuses on wellbeing dimensions (academic development, career pathways, financial literacy, mental/emotional well-being, sense of belonging)
- Lead fall and spring onboarding programs and initiatives for the student cohorts
- Coordinate outreach to students and campus partners of the Rising 360 program
- Advise and supervise peer leader program, trainings, and development opportunities
- Utilize existing software and structure for tracking, data management activities
STUDENT CASELOAD MANAGEMENT:
- Lead and Serve as the Success Coach for CAP students:
- Hold regular individual student meetings to meet academic support, learning, and engagement outcomes for the successful completion of their degrees. Provide individual & group support to students in their academic, personal, career goal setting and advocating for student needs as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain relationships with various CAP advisors and other key external stakeholders. Maintain consistent communication, provide updates, seek feedback from individuals and groups of CAP advisors.
- Utilize university tracking mechanisms to identify trends, evolve supports, and progress reporting.
ADVANCEMENT OF STEM INITIATIVE:
- Execute and oversee an integrated community of science, culture and learning for underrepresented students majoring in STEM fields rostered in OMA:
- Develop comprehensive pathways from point of entry to admittance into graduate school including programs & activities aimed at increasing number of underrepresented students interested in and prepared for success in STEM degree programs.
- Oversee student cohort while identifying growth and expansion opportunities.
- Build and advance research experience initiative with faculty mentors and other stakeholders.
OUTREACH AND RETENTION SUPPORT:
- Develop and maintain external and campus partners as appropriate to ensure a seamless pathway and transition for students from admission through graduation, including summer and winter communication plan to new students.
- Develop and update yield materials for internal and external audiences.
- Collaborate as appropriate with campus partners for shared presentations and events, programs, and initiatives to support retention efforts, with a focus on historically underrepresented students.
SUPPORT OF OMA’S INITIATIVES:
- Support OMA year-round efforts on campus awareness of department’s mission, goals, and initiatives.
- Offer recommendations, best practices and approaches to enhance efforts toward students.
Promote the University’s commitment to customer service by:
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- Building effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed.
- Ensuring optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.
- Maintaining an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, identities, and roles.
Other Job Duties:
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
- Position may require occasional travel between the campuses and attendance at off-site meetings.
- Occasional weekend and evening work is also required.
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
Education:
- Master’s degree required. (Preferred in in Student Personnel Services, Higher Education, Counseling, Psychology, Ethnic or Cultural Studies, or related field of study)
Experience:
- Minimum of 5-7 years relevant experience (preferably in higher education) developing & executing successful academic development curriculum and student support mechanisms in culturally affirming ways to individuals and groups
- Demonstrated success in effective student caseload management
- Hold a multidimensional view of the complexities and issues that affect diverse students and their academic and personal success.
- Ability to establish program priorities, monitor progress toward achieving program goals, and conducts assessment to evaluate program effectiveness.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team and with individuals and groups or various identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills to provide direction in promoting and maintaining collaborative relationships with campus and external constituencies.
- Successfully manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities within a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to hold sensitive information, navigate complex situations and advocate holistically for students.
Skills:
- Ability to establish program priorities, monitor progress toward achieving program goals, and conducts assessment to evaluate program effectiveness, and coach student employees toward similar goals.
- Hold a multidimensional view with a strong understanding of the complexities and issues that affect underrepresented students and their academic and personal success.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills to provide direction in promoting and maintaining collaborative relationships with campus and external constituencies.
- Ability to provide leadership and guidance to various student cohorts, groups, and individuals to achieve their mission and goals. One should be collaborative and responsive to managing multiple relationships and projects, adapting to new priorities, and being responsive as needs change.
Additional Considerations:
- Some evening and weekend work is required.
- Application of current best practices in academic support environment, high impact practices, or retention of underrepresented students.
- Ability to develop and present on related topics for workshops, learning & development, campus education & awareness.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Only Internal Professional (SEIU 888 Professional Union) Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.
This is an SEIU 888 Professional Union position, Grade P17.
Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.
Position updated 3/4/2024.
