Director of Diversity and Intercultural Center

Lawrence University, a nationally ranked private college of liberal arts and sciences and conservatory of music, is seeking a dynamic professional to join the Diversity and Intercultural Center as part of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Antiracism, and Student Services (I.D.E.A.S.) Division in support of our mission to achieve inclusive excellence. We are dedicated to providing an environment that empowers every member of our community to reach their full potential.

 

General Job Summary: The candidate of choice will bring high energy, enthusiasm, and vision to the I.D.E.A.S. division in a collective effort to support a diverse student body and further develop a welcoming, affirming, and sustaining co-curricular environment. The successful candidate will lead and direct the university’s Diversity and Intercultural Center, managing its staff, programs, budget, and affiliated student organizations. Collaboration and deep partnerships with professional colleagues, students, and student organizations will be essential for this role’s success.

 

The Diversity and Intercultural Center (D&IC) fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. We are committed to enhancing the experience for students from diverse backgrounds and helping them thrive personally, socially, and academically at Lawrence University. We celebrate culture and identity in ourselves and others.

 

Essential Job Responsibilities:

 

· Advising and Mentorship: Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to individual students and student organizations on issues related to diversity, cultural competency, and learning across differences.

 

· Leadership and Supervision: Lead and manage the Diversity and Intercultural Center, supervising the center’s coordinator, and student staff. Develop and implement effective programming and training aligned with the center’s mission (i.e., weekly check-in, project assignment and supervision, oversee student staff schedules).

 

· Collaboration: Work collaboratively with colleagues within and outside the I.D.E.A.S. division on diversity and intercultural development programs and issues.

 

· Program Development: Enhance, develop, and oversee programs and structures that support historically excluded populations and student affinity groups, including but not limited to celebratory month planning.

 

· Representation: Represent the I.D.E.A.S. division and the Diversity and Intercultural Center to both internal and external constituencies.

 

· Additional Duties: Perform other work-related duties as assigned, with the understanding that specific duties may evolve, as necessary.

 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required:

 

· In-depth knowledge of diverse communities, including their needs, trends, and relevant scholarship.

· Effective communication and organizational skills.

· Proficiency in computer literacy, research, and assessment.

· Ability to maintain an elevated level of confidentiality, demonstrating good judgment and compassion.

· Capability to build strong working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and other constituents.

· Ability to work independently, solve problems effectively, work well in teams, and manage frequent changes in work assignments.

· Strategic thinking and highly collaborative approach with strong implementation and follow-up skills.

· Professionalism and efficiency in representing the Center and its activities.

· Experience in project management.

· Ability to implement change and foster a culture of continual improvement and growth.

· Commitment to modeling appropriate engagement in an intentional learning community.

· Focus on educating “the whole student,” ensuring their overall development and success.

o Education and Experience:

· Minimum of a master’s degree with three to five years of relevant work experience.

· Familiarity with liberal arts institutions is preferred.

· Demonstrated strong commitment to mentorship and relationship-building in a university or educational environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

 

· Experience in supervising and mentoring students or staff.

· Demonstrated success in developing innovative diversity programs and initiatives.

· Certification or training in diversity education, intergroup dialogue, or related areas.

· Experience with assessment tools and strategies to evaluate diversity initiatives’ effectiveness.

· Commitment to advancing equity and inclusion within a higher education context.