Category: Professional/Executive Subscribe: Department: PRESIDENT'S OFFICE Locations: Westfield, MA Posted: Feb 15, 2023 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Full-time Position ID: 159127 Share

About Westfield State University:

In 1839, Horace Mann founded Westfield State University as the first public higher education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. Westfield State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people including minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and other protected persons, or individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Westfield State is the most residential of the state universities in Massachusetts, with over 60% of our 5600 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Northampton and Amherst, and 1.5 hours from both Boston and Albany.

Job Description:

Campus Title: Diversity & Inclusion Senior Program Coordinator
State Job Title: Staff Associate
Department: Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) 
Job Code: HA5300
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: 7115-0100
Bargaining Unit: APA
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent 
Timeframe: 52 weeks 
Shift: Monday-Friday, 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday 
Supervision Received: The Staff Associate reports to the Vice President for Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Supervision Exercised: The scope of the Specialist's supervision may evolve over time to include supervision and mentorship of interns and/or student workers.
Salary: $60,000-$65,000 (To commensurate with education and experience)

General Statement of Duties: The Department of Diversity and Inclusion is dedicated to supporting Westfield State University's efforts toward building and sustaining a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which fosters a pluralistic learning environment and supports student success. The Staff Associate leads the daily operations of the department, and works in collaboration to advance a strategic vision, and implement programs and activities that advance campus engagement with issues of diversity, identity, culture, and social justice. The Staff Associate is responsible for the development, and management of all department funds.  The Staff Associate serves as the primary administrative staff member responsible for collaborating with offices across campus to plan and implement a comprehensive calendar of diverse and inclusive programming with primary emphasis on students.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

• Recommends and manages an annual administrative operating budget for the Diversity and Inclusion Office.
• Works closely with student leadership, faculty, staff, and other university constituents to plan and produce educational, social, cultural activities for the campus. 
• Serves as a member of the Racial Equity Justice Institute (REJI) and JEDI Faculty and Staff Advisory Committee, which is responsible for assessing campus climate and the development and implementation of a comprehensive diversity plan for the university.
• Assists the JEDI Division in coordinating workshops and trainings on topics of diversity and social justice for faculty, staff, student leaders, and student employees.
• Develops programs and initiatives focused on student success for diverse student groups.
• Serves as a mentor and role model to underrepresented students and works in collaboration with colleagues from across campus to create mentoring opportunities.
• Coordinates the Student JEDI Advisory Group.
• Advises and refers students as appropriate with respect to their personal, financial, academic and social needs.
• Serves as a Co-chair for Sankofa and manages the organization's budget and assists with the Safe Zone Committee.
• Provides assistance and serves as a resource for student organizations.
• Work with Marketing, Branding, & Communications toward the development of effective publicity and promotions.
• Serves s as a liaison to various educational institutions to collaborate on student leadership programming focusing on diversity and inclusion.
• Support the development, socialization, and adoption of the University's JEDI Strategic Plan. 
• Assist with student leadership programming with various offices on campus.
• Performs other duties of a related nature as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Student Personnel, Social Work, Counseling, Higher Education Administration, or closely related field.
• Experience in multicultural affairs, TRIO or closely related field.
• Ability to sustain communication with diverse groups, anticipates problems, reconcile conflicts, and maintain a strong philosophical base for diversity, inclusion, and student activities.
• Experience in diversity programming, student programming and in advising student groups.
• High level of energy, enthusiasm, creativity and demonstrated sensitivity in the presence of colleagues and students.
• Proven ability to relate well with students and other campus constituents.
• Strong computer skills, proficiency with social media, and publication experience including writing and editing.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to set priorities and work independently.
• Willingness to work nights and weekends on an as needed basis.

Additional Information:

Salary:
For the majority of new employees, the minimum starting salary will apply. Specific salary for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining and state policies and procedures.

State job specifications for this position may be found at the department of higher education website: http://www.mass.edu/foremployees/classificationspecs/classspecs-pers.asp

Disability Accommodations:
Westfield State University understands that persons with disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance regarding disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (413) 572-8106.

Background Check:
Employment at Westfield State University is contingent upon a background check that is satisfactory to the University. Failure to provide written authorization for a background check will nullify the offer of employment.

Application Instructions:

An on-line application is required. The successful candidate must submit an official transcript at the time of hire. Interested candidates should electronically attach the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three references *
• Copy of unofficial transcript of highest degree

* Provide the contact information for reference providers in the reference section of the online application. 

Deadline: The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalists have been selected. 

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.

Covid-19 Requirements:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to complete an initial series of COVID vaccination (2 doses of Pfizer/Moderna or 1 dose of J&J) prior to coming to campus. Initial booster doses are strongly encouraged for everyone who is eligible. New employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination to Human Resources prior to onboarding. Employees who require a medical or religious exemption should email Tina Bones, Benefits Manager in Human Resources, at lbones@westfield.ma.edu.