Job Purpose:

The UMEC Program Manager is responsible for guiding and developing the student-centered programs that support the Unity Multicultural Education Center’s (UMEC) mission. Following an intersectional and social justice lens, this position oversees programs that include monthly series and large-scale annual signature programs. The programs are designed to increase student engagement and leadership, both in terms of highlighting the experiences of historically underrepresented and traditionally marginalized communities and educating the majority population. This position is highly collaborative, partnering with campus and academic departments to co-host initiatives and representing the center at outreach opportunities. As part of the UMEC Team, this position provides success coaching to designated students in UMEC’s student success programs, playing a critical role in supporting Gonzaga University's strategic goals related to recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds.

Essential Functions:

• 35% - Program Development & Management
  • Develop, coordinate, and implement student programming focused on intercultural and social justice education, ensuring all programs contribute to UMEC's overarching goals.
  • Strategic planning of annual and series-based programs, including securing guest speakers, performers, and facilitators.
  • Manage contract communication with appropriate departments, and oversee logistical aspects of programming including scheduling, room reservations, catering, and budgeting.
  • Design and implement strategic communication and outreach plans for UMEC's programs, ensuring that marketing materials are created and distributed through different channels according to a strategic timeline that maximizes visibility. 
• 25% - Campus Partnerships & Collaborative Outreach
  • Cultivate and sustain strategic institutional partnerships.
  • Convene and manage multi-departmental committees to plan and implement UMEC’s large-scale annual signature programs and initiatives.
  • Deliver department presentations about UMEC to various constituencies, including students and their families (both current and prospective), colleagues, community partners, and alumni.
  • Assist in designing and assessing cultural fluency training and development if needed, including support of Intergroup Dialogue course instruction.
• 20% - Student Success Coaching & Support
  • Provide direct support and success coaching to designated students, particularly those from historically marginalized groups and refer them to appropriate campus resources as needed.
  • Integrate proven research and high-impact best practices to recommend and adapt student programs and services that foster belonging and retention within a faith-based, predominantly white institution.
  • Stay current in Student Affairs, social justice, and Gonzaga University mission knowledge and best practices through ongoing professional development opportunities. 
• 15% - Student Supervision
  • Recruit, hire, and train student employees.
  • Conduct weekly check-ins to set and track personal and paraprofessional goals.
  • Assign tasks and projects related to programming and provide supervisory support in their timely completion.
  • Evaluate work performance and provide feedback to expand or improve skills that will be transferable to future careers. 

• Additional Duties as Assigned by the Department

Educational Requirement:

Bachelor's Degree

Years of Related Experience Requirement:

2 years

In lieu of the educational qualifications, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience at a ratio of one year of experience for each year of required education. 

Skills & Abilities:

Minimum of two years of experience working with college students.
High level of cultural humility and cultural fluency, including awareness to issues of race, and class.
Experience working with individuals with diverse identities and systemically marginalized populations.
Experience in program development and improvement.
Strong organizational skills, self-initiative, and ability to work independently.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft office, familiarity with database administration.
High analytical capability, with ability to identify issues, compare data, and resolve discrepancies.
Availability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in related field.
Knowledge of and ability to animate Gonzaga’s mission, vision, and values.
Experience leading, supervising, and/or managing college students.
Experience with student development programming in higher education.
Experience working with student retention and support programs.

Physical & On-Campus Requirements:

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Often (50%-75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight (e.g., 50 pounds): Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)