About Us:

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

Position Overview:

Southwestern University has an immediate opening for a Director of Student Inclusion and Belonging This position will report to the Associate Vice President for Student Life / Dean of Students. The Director of Student Inclusion and Belonging has primary responsibility for building community, developing programs, and providing resources, support and advocacy for all students, with a primary focus on minoritized identities, such as diverse racial and ethnic identities, diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, individuals with disabilities, and religious groups. The director is an active contributor to the overall goals and responsibilities of the Division of Student Life and to the University’s strategic priorities related to diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity (DIBE). These DIBE initiatives are supported through intentional opportunities for education, skill development, and dialogue. This is a full-time exempt position eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

Essential Duties:

• Utilize DIBE principles to create and implement university-wide, student-centered programs that foster dialogue, increase cultural competencies, and provide support and resources for all diversity and social justice organizations, mentoring programs, and advocacy groups.
• Model inclusive excellence in leadership, including active participation in the Southwestern University Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity (DIBE) Committee.
• Serve as an internal resource and campus partner in resolving relevant student conflicts or grievances, with a goal of facilitating understanding, compassion, and respect for the worth and dignity of all individuals.
• Manage the department administratively, including budget management, report writing, web page management, social media, administrative support for the Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Equity (DIBE) Committee, and supervision of professional staff and student employees.
• Conduct ongoing assessment of the department’s work and collect data to drive decision making.
• Oversee the operations and mission of the JEDI Center.
• Host an annual campus-wide recognition ceremony for graduating seniors.

Additional Duties:

• Demonstrate effective communication, planning, and organizational skills as they relate to job responsibilities.
• Ensure clear, timely, and professional communication with students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the department and Student Life in formal and informal capacities across campus.
• Serve as a referral agent to other University departments and services.
• Perform other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education, social sciences, counseling, student development, or related field.
• Five or more years of experience in providing student development services in a college or university setting, including the conceptualization, planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs focused on DIBE.
• Effective, professional communication and interpersonal skills, including emotional intelligence, diplomacy, listening skills, good judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality at the highest level. Ability to present complex and emotionally charged material in understandable and usable ways.
• Effective collaboration with internal and external constituents (including students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni with a range of identities) in politically sensitive contexts often complicated by the presence of competing perspectives or interests.
• Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, perform well in stressful situations, and produce reliable work product, both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability and willingness to travel utilizing standard, commercial, and/or personal modes of transportation.
• Strong work ethic. Ability to attend work consistently and maintain a regular work schedule, including availability on evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in DIBE in general and in the higher education industry.
• Prior experience at (or understanding of the culture common to) a residential, liberal arts college or university similar to Southwestern University.

Starting annual salary: $75,000. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting salary.

Benefits:

Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off options, undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and the name and contact information of three (3) professional references through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/170254. Email and paper applications will not be accepted.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

In compliance with immigration laws, proof of work authorization in the United States will be required when employment begins. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.