Position Summary
Walsh University is seeking a highly motivated, self-directed, and flexible individual who is enthusiastic about the environment found on a private, values based, Catholic liberal arts campus. Walsh University believes in the desirability of a small university grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition that promotes academic excellence, a diverse community, and close student-teacher interactions. The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. Walsh University is committed to creating a community where every member will be treated with compassion, dignity, kindness, respect, and sensitivity. The Director of Culture and Belonging serves as a member of the Student Experience team and plays an integral role in actualizing this commitment.
The Director for Culture & Belonging is responsible for cultivating a positive, student-centered community that includes the establishment of programs and services which foster respect, dignity, and Christian virtue among students. The Director plays a significant role in the comprehensive learning, development, support, and accompaniment of minority students on campus to create a stronger sense of belonging within the campus community and commitment to the common good. The Director of Culture & Belonging is responsible for implementing a broad range of student-centered programs to promote multicultural education and internationalization for the campus community, overseeing international student services, study beyond, and multicultural education. This position works collaboratively across the institution to build strong networks and support systems to help students persist and thrive.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
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Coordinate educational, cultural and social programs that foster awareness, appreciation and celebration of diversity and inclusion.
- Support the University’s approach with implementing a Cultural Humility framework that focuses on building deep connections, interactions, mutual respect and learning across the campus community.
- Implement student success initiatives that provide individual support for students of color, first generation college students and other underrepresented students.
- Work in close collaboration with the University departments to support recruitment and retention student initiatives, including but not limited to: Academic Support Services, Admissions, Athletics, Cavs Cor Cordium, Counseling Services, and Financial Aid.
- Plan and implement annual intercultural programming designed to engage the campus community
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Oversee the MOSAIC new student multicultural orientation and leadership program.
- Serve as a member of the University CARE Team designed to provide direct outreach and support to students.
- Develop, establish, disseminate and interpret University and office policies and procedures as they pertain to all student and student organizations.
- Serve as the Advisor for Black Student Union, WSO, and other campus multicultural student club/organizations as assigned.
- Oversee comprehensive services for international students, including orientation programs, immigration advising, and academic support.
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Serves as the Designated School Official (DSO-F1) for international students and maintaining the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and all related certification requirements for students and faculty.
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Develop and implement pre-departure and re-entry programs to support students in their study beyond experiences.
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Oversee and enhance study beyond programs, fostering opportunities for students to engage in transformative international experiences.
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Establish and maintain partnerships with international institutions, organizations, and program providers to expand and diversify study beyond options.
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Stay informed about international travel advisories and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.
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Responsible for fiscal management of departmental operating budget including forecasting expenditures and revenues, maintaining records, and linking program objectives and assessment to the university’s vision strategic implementation priorities.
- Supervise Culture and Belonging team
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Promote availability and visibility to student body via effective utilization of office space
- Contribute to the overall success of the University by serving on committees and performing other duties as assigned Vice President for Student Experience.
Required Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
Must demonstrate an understanding the Walsh University Statement of Faith and a commitment to support the Mission, Vision, Values and Code of Ethical Conduct of Walsh University in accordance with Ex Corde Ecclesiae and the Catholic intellectual tradition. Must also possess the following:
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Demonstrated leadership abilities and excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to build relationships with a broad range of constituencies and proven track record of navigating sensitive issues with confidence, professionalism and integrity.
- Experience in student activities programming, leadership development and training, advising students and an understanding of college student development.
- Team orientation and inclusive philosophy in order to support the campus community.
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Weekend and evening work is vital to the success of this position.
Education and Academic Status:
Bachelor’s degree required. Master's degree in higher education administration, culture and belonging, counseling social work or related field, is preferred.
Experience, Skills and Abilities:
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Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as highly effective interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Ability to multi-task and engage in the gathering, examination and analysis of information to arrive at solutions or recommendations and/or take appropriate action.
- Must take pride and be thorough in the quality of work produced completing assignments in accordance with the communicated timeline.
- Demonstrated technology literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
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Frequently: sit, perform desk-based computer tasks; use fine manipulation and grasp; use a telephone; write by hand; sort and file paperwork.
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Occasionally: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds
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Occasionally: ability to attend events and activities on and off campus.
- Frequently: Ability to interact and communicate with members of the University and others as necessary.
- As needed: ability to work any part of the day or week, including early mornings, evenings, overnight hours, weekends, and holidays.
Applicants must submit a completed online application and any additional documents requested by the search/interview committee. This may include resume, unofficial transcripts, etc.
Walsh University is seeking a dynamic, energetic, and passionate individual who is enthusiastic about contributing to a private, faithfully Catholic institution of higher learning and serving the common good. Walsh University promotes academic excellence, an engaged community, and a commitment to helping students discover their life purpose. Grounded in values of faith, excellence, integrity, service, and community, Walsh University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.
