Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion

The Director of UNK Student Diversity & Inclusion works with all sectors of the University to enhance overall student diversity and inclusion, in an effort to create a campus environment that fosters both academic excellence and an affirming environment for all. The Director oversees retention efforts of diverse students and provides leadership in building an inclusive campus climate that fosters mutual understanding with and among under-served and minoritized communities (such as, but not limited, to: Latinx, Black/African American, LGBTQ+, First-Generation, and Gender-diverse student communities). The Director must possess an acute understanding of intersectional best practices surrounding student and identity development in higher education. Knowledge and familiarity of instructional technology platforms, communication strategy design, and general digital mediums to support daily operations and assessment of programs. Frequent and directed collaboration with key stakeholders on campus such as academic success offices, financial aid, academic departments and units, etc. The Director fosters relationships with external agencies, institutions, and individuals necessary to support the mission of the office.

• Lead Student Diversity & Inclusion department and guide the vision and mission of the office, with specific attention to the development of a tactical and strategic approach that aligns with UNK’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ability to anticipate and manage critical diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, and help address issues according to institutional policy, with the collaboration of campus leadership. Inform and advise the Dean of Students and contribute to the response, regarding critical diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.
• Provide oversight and leadership to ODI staff and leads the department in ensuring that students from under-served and minoritized backgrounds have a successful and productive experience at UNK, as well as to coordinate a continuum of services for all students, with emphasis on services that lead to under-served and minoritized student retention, academic success, and timely and successful graduation. Manage ODI outside-the-classroom curriculum, program learning objectives and goals, and assessment; and oversee campus-wide food insecurity program
• Develop and maintain active working relationships with other Division of Student Affairs offices (such as Student Engagement, Student Health & Counseling, Academic Success Office, and others), the Chief Diversity Officer, academic programs, and other university departments (such as Athletics, Academic Advising & Career Development, Admissions, and Financial Aid) at UNK. In addition, to collaborate with key university and community partners on the development and implementation of campus-wide retention initiatives and student identity development programs.
• Oversee all ODI budget and personnel supervision and oversight. Serve as financial manager, including balancing budgets and providing monthly projections. Prepare budget recommendations, and annual executive reports, grant writing applications, strategic planning and long-range planning for the department; Supervise all ODI staff: evaluate, coach, and provide professional development to ODI staff (including Assistant Director, Diversity Coordinator, administrative support).
• In partnership with the Chief Diversity Officer, identify strategic priorities, as addressed in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) strategic plan that demonstrates UNK’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, specifically and especially elements pertaining to student retention and success