Position Summary
The Director of Multicultural Affairs supports the success and well-being of students with varied educational, socioeconomic and lived experiences, serving as an advocate, mentor and resource. This role engages and educates the student body through learning experiences and educational programs focused on belonging, self-understanding, inclusion, and advocacy. Through student support, intentional programming, and campus partnerships, the director fosters a welcoming community contributing to our…
students’ personal, academic, and leadership development.
The director provides strategic leadership for the Office of Multicultural Affairs, overseeing its vision and operations to ensure a breadth of perspectives and meaningful outcomes. The director partners across the institution with students and colleagues to deepen a shared sense of connection and belonging preparing students to positively contribute in today’s complex, global world.
The director reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students and collaborates closely with Student Affairs and campus partners to advance institutional priorities related to student success and community engagement.
Responsibilities
Student Support and Engagement
- Serve as a trusted resource, mentor, and advocate for students seeking connection, guidance and access to campus resources
- Develop supportive relationships with students and student leaders to promote engagement, belonging and success
- Maintain a visible and accessible presence for students interested in exploring identity, culture, and belonging
- Collaborate with the Offices of Student Conduct and Safety & Security to enhance education related to preventing and responding to bias related incidents, in compliance with NYS 129A law
- Facilitate resolutions under the University Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy
- Provide appropriate referrals for academic, personal, and professional support
Education
- Develop and implement student workshops and trainings focused on inclusion, belonging, and related topics
- Assess program effectiveness, alignment with Fisher Outcomes, and incorporation of the Fisher Creed utilizing data and student feedback to guide continuous improvement
- Collaborate with faculty and staff colleagues to offer educational opportunities for employees
- Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current with emerging practices and issues
Leadership
- Provide strategic direction for the Office of Multicultural Affairs, including vision, program development, and operations
- Foster multicultural awareness and cross-cultural interaction among students
- Collaborate with, and provide guidance to the division related to student success and belonging
- Engage with the restorative practices model at the University and assist in mediating conflicts or student incidents that pertain to students’ sense of belonging
- Support Strategic Plan initiatives, particularly the priorities of Student Success and Community Engagement
Additional
- Review student life policies and make recommendations to ensure student success, belonging and inclusion on campus·
- Support Student Affairs Division events such as Move-in, Orientation, Welcome Week, Family Weekend, Commencement, etc.
- Represents the Office of Multicultural Affairs at recruitment events on campus as needed · Complete other duties as assigned
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree in student affairs, counseling, higher education administration, or other discipline, or a terminal degree in a relevant field required
- Three to five years of progressive relevant experience in a collegiate setting in multicultural affairs, student life, or related fields
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with persons from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and belonging
- Experience in advising and programming
- Experience with budget management
Competencies and Skills
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and initiatives independently
- Established pattern of high attention to detail
- Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Multicultural competence and the ability to work effectively with all students
- Effective human relations skills and a thorough understanding of student development
- Strong desire to build relationships with students, colleagues, and college partners
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing, including the ability to engage one-on-one and in public forums
- Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
- Demonstrated history of working with integrity and sound judgment, as well as the ability to make difficult decisions