Simpson College seeks applications and nominations for the newly configured position of Director of Cultural Identity and Belonging. This position reports to the College Chaplain. The Director of Cultural Identity and Belonging is a full-time professional who provides leadership to create a culture of belonging for all students regardless of background, identities, or nationalities. Working with colleagues across various divisions of the college, the director will develop, implement, and supervise programs and initiatives that support students with the goals of fostering a better understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity and promoting a campus climate that is inclusive and supportive of all its constituents.
Simpson College is an independent, selective, and comprehensive liberal-arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The College encourages innovative teaching and seeks colleagues who will help its students of all ages develop critical intellectual skills and nurture values that foster personal worth and individuality for the purpose of living fulfilled lives within a creative, diverse, and just community. We recognize that many great ideas and discoveries are a result of a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment.Simpson College provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
Develop, plan, and implement campus-wide diversity related resources, services and programs for multiculturaland/or underrepresented students to ensure student success and belonging.
Organize programs for all students that deepen cultural awareness and understanding and highlight cultural contributions, including annual events such as MLK Jr. Day, Heritage Months, “Event to End the Isms,” and George Washington Carver Day/annual Carver Medal ceremony.
Collaborate with campus partners to coordinate retention and graduation goals for multicultural and/or marginalized students.
Provide strategic direction for building a climate of belonging and cultural and identity awareness.
Oversee the design and implementation of initiatives leading to new policies, procedures, and programs with college-wide impact that address internal and external issues related to belonging and identity.
Counsel students, advise student groups (at least secondarily), and serve as a student advocate.
Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and assist PDSO with all levels of immigration advising and processing.
Help guide institutional responses to incidences of bias.
Provide leadership to the ACDEI (All-Campus Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
Provide oversight and direction for departmental budget
About Simpson College
Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, and online. Simpson offers more than 70 majors, minors, and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts seven Greek houses on campus, and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement. To learn more, visit simpson.edu.
Community
Simpson’s beautiful campus sits in Indianola, Iowa, a part of the Des Moines metropolitan area. The Des Moines area has a population of over 600,000, and economic growth has outpaced the U.S. as a whole. In addition, the cost of living is well below the national average.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and previous related professional experience required.
At least two (2) years of experience developing, managing, and implementing campus/community programs; five (5) years preferred.
Experience working with historically minoritized and marginalized populations. Lived experience is preferred.?
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships, form coalitions, and inspire others to act.
The communication and conflict-resolution skills needed to navigate socially and politically charged situations to resolve problems, build consensus, and reconcile competing interests.
Organizational skills to be able to work on several projects simultaneously and accomplish them all in a timely and professionally acceptable manner.
An informed understanding of innovations in higher education that have strengthened the prominence of belonging, culture, and identity.
Critical thinking skills as well as strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to gather, analyze, and use data for effective planning and decision influencing/making.
Ability to prioritize competing demands and flexibly respond to evolving circumstances.
Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident as mandated by federal regulations for all DSOs.
Available to work some evenings and weekends.About Simpson College
Simpson’s 85-acre campus Indianola campus is a beautiful space and where the majority of classes are offered to their students. Located in south-central Iowa, just 12 miles south of Des Moines, Simpson’s main location gives students the best of both worlds: the friendly atmosphere of a college town with the benefit of living near an exciting metropolitan area. Indianola is host to many nationally known events, including the Des Moines Metro Opera and the National Balloon Classic, which features hot air balloons competition and family entertainment.