Government Affairs Director jobs in Springfield, MA

Hours: 8:30AM-5:00PM with nights and weekends as needed

Status: FT Staff, 10-months

Job Location: Longmeadow

Exempt : Yes

JOB SUMMARY:

The Interim Director of Multicultural Affairs works with offices across the campus to ensure that Bay Path University's multicultural students are successful inside and outside of the classroom. In conjunction with Student Life staff, admissions and academic administration, the Interim Director will provide academic support, social programming, individual mentoring, and networking to the campus community with a focus on multicultural students. The Interim Director will play a leadership role in relating Bay Path to the various diverse communities in the greater Springfield and Hartford areas.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide individual mentoring and support to multicultural students.
• Plan, implement and evaluate programs and initiatives to create a welcoming environment for multicultural students.
• Provide, along with other offices on campus, a range of programs, opportunities, training, events and other gatherings which meet the specific educational and social needs of multicultural students.
• Convene and lead a multicultural student advisory group.
• In collaboration with Admissions, play a lead role in the development and annual evaluation of a recruitment plan to support the enrollment of students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Play a leadership role in relating Bay Path to the various diverse communities in the greater Springfield and Hartford areas including networking with key diverse community organizations and community leaders.
• Participate in the execution of the annual student recruitment plan by attending admissions Open Houses and other events, visiting high schools, providing educational seminars to prospective students and their families, involving alumni in the recruitment process, and meeting with prospective students and their families.
• Work with the current student life department in helping advise student diverse/ cultural clubs and related special interest groups.
• Support the University's retention efforts through individual interventions with students as well as by participating in the early alert retention management process.
• Work with university departments and the advisory group to ensure the unique dimensions of the BIPOC student experience are reflected appropriately in career, social, residential, artistic, athletic and recreational programming, academic advising and new student orientation.
• Establish and maintain ongoing efforts to assess and evaluate the quality of campus life for multicultural students.
• Manage and maintain the Multicultural Affairs Office, ensuring it is a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all students.
• Coordinate the scheduling and use of the space for events, workshops, meetings, and student-led initiatives related to multicultural affairs.
• Enhance the physical space with culturally relevant resources, educational materials, and displays that reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the campus community.
• Research best practices in diversity initiatives
• Work collaboratively with the advancement office to obtain funding for programs, activities, and initiatives.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and 3 years of community-based experience preferably with underrepresented racial or diverse groups is required; a master's degree is preferred.
• Familiarity with underrepresented groups is strongly preferred.
• The qualified candidate will possess excellent leadership skills, be able to work independently, handle multiple tasks and possess strong oral and written communication skills preferably in both English and Spanish.
• Travel and a flexible schedule to include evening and weekend work are required.
• Self-starter with excellent execution skills.
• Highly organized.
• Effective communicator and skilled in developing and sustaining positive relationships with a wide variety of individuals and community organizations.
• Strong work ethic.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.
• Travel and a flexible schedule to include evening and weekend work are required.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and within FERPA and HIPAA guidelines.
• All new employees must complete the FERPA, Anti-Harassment, and any other required online training within 15 days of employment.
• Should be committed to a culture of diversity, equity, respect, and inclusion; demonstrated ability to build working relationships with people having a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences different
• from one's' own.
• General knowledge of the University's mission, purpose and goals and the role this position plays in achieving those goals.
• Ability to adhere to University policies and procedures.
• If you operate a University owned, leased or personal vehicle at any time while performing your duties you must follow all policies and procedures outlined in the Operations Manual. You must have a valid driver's license and must successfully pass the online Safe Driving Course and driving record check at time of hire and annually thereafter. Additionally, you must report any driving offense, on or off company time, which causes a loss, suspension, or any other change in your license status. You must report this change within one business day of the offense. You can report this change to the Human Resource Department or your direct supervisor. Failure to do so can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Bay Path University is a diverse community devoted to proactively nurturing a campus-wide culture that promotes and ensures equity, respect, inclusion and safety for all members regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, socio-economic background, or physical ability. We are one University that opens our hearts and minds to conversations, to learning and to creating a community that is welcoming of all. Regardless of position, it is expected that each employee will embrace this commitment and demonstrate an attitude of respect toward and acceptance of all members of our community.