Widener University is currently seeking a Director for the Office of Student Inclusion and Belonging (OSIB). Reporting to the Associate Dean, Well Being and Belonging in the division of Student Engagement and Transformation (SET), this position provides overall leadership, advocacy, management, vision and expertise for the OSIB. The director is actively engaged in the university’s strategic priorities and promotes a campus climate that advances diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).
The Office of Student Inclusion and Belonging (OSIB) at Widener University creates and implements holistic programs that promote the academic success, retention and graduation of all students. The programs of the OSIB are designed to challenge and support students, while advancing a climate that honors their respective differences.
The candidate we seek must demonstrate an understanding of the factors that impact the enrollment, retention and success of students from diverse backgrounds; demonstrate evidence of successful initiatives through measurable outcomes; have experience managing a budget; experience supervising professional staff and demonstrated success in facilitating DEIB workshops and programs. Additionally, candidates must have a proven record of the ability to build trusted collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff and community partners; be approachable and have experience mentoring students.
The Director of the Office of Student Inclusion and Belonging will work in a fast-paced, student-centered environment. They will be expected to exhibit a high level of cultural competency in their interactions with students, faculty and staff; and to navigate complex situations with sensitivity and professionalism, maintaining confidentiality and integrity at all times.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential duties:
- Develop and execute strategic initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) within the student body
- Cultivate student leadership
- Collaborate with campus partners to facilitate and/or coordinate DEIB related workshops, training sessions, and special projects.
- Supervise and serve as a resource and support for the OSIB assistant directors (2) and program coordinator in the daily operations of the OSIB Office
- Engage in high-volume interactions with faculty, staff, students, and diverse populations to advance the mission of the OSIB and the university
- Assessment and reporting including periodic review of programming initiatives and outcomes-based assessment; program data tracking; management of the utilization of assessment data; evaluation and research of reports and studies; and creation of reports as needed
- Communicate DEIB initiatives across campus and assess their impact through metrics and feedback
- Prepare and oversee the OSIB operating budget
- Ability to communicate with and form effective working relationships with individuals across lines of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation
- Represent the OSIB at university recruitment and other events
Secondary responsibilities:
- Serve on university and divisional committees as requested or assigned.
- Support the Student Engagement and Transformation Unit and perform other related duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling education, or related discipline
- Five years of professional experience working within a college or university setting in student affairs or related area of higher education
- Strong interest in and appreciation of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; evidence of three to five years of working effectively within a culturally diverse university community
- Established subject matter knowledge and skill in navigating and helping others navigate matters of differences of race, gender, sexual orientation, sexual expression, physical ability, neurodiversity, socioeconomic class, age, and first language
- Five years of professional experience in diversity programming and workshop facilitation both in person and online
- Demonstrated ability to provide effective training for staff
- Five years of administrative and supervisory experience of professional staff including graduate and undergraduate student workers
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Professionalism, flexibility; demonstrates good judgment and maintains confidentiality related to all student, faculty and staff records
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, survey and publishing software, website content management and social media
Preferred:
- Doctorate degree in higher education, leadership or counseling education, or closely related field
- Strategic planning experience
- Five or more years of full-time experience in higher education working with diverse populations of students, faculty and staff
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- This is a 12-month position that will include some evenings and weekends.
- This position is an in-person position during the academic year but may have some flexibility for hybrid work during non-academic periods.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
