Student Affairs Director (Women and LGBT Center)

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience & qualifications.

 

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department and Student Affairs:

The Women and LGBT Center empowers students to increase awareness and understanding of gender equity issues. The center gives voice for women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, with purpose to eliminate barriers, diminish prejudices, and create a supportive climate and space for all. We reach out to the SMU community to create dialogue around gender issues and LGBT initiatives. Through our student organizations, you have the opportunity to make a mark on this campus. And, through our programs, you have the opportunity to enrich your campus experience and create a supportive climate and space for all. The Division of Student Affairs creates and supports a robust student experience and forges strategic partnerships to best serve the entire SMU community. As educators and scholar-practitioners, we create purposeful learning and leadership opportunities for students to clarify and develop their knowledge, values, skills, and identities - challenging each to become a world changer.

About the Position:

The Director of the Women and LGBT Center will be responsible for the administration and management of a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs to address the needs of women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community on campus. This position will serve as an advocate for students on issues related to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and strive to promote a positive and inclusive environment on campus. Primary responsibilities also include, but are not limited to: supervising staff (professional and student), providing leadership in implementing programming and education for the entire university community; advise individual students and student organizations; counsel and assist students and student organizations with problem solving and conflict mediation; manage departmental and program budgets; and supervise student and para-professional and professional staff in the office.

Essential Functions: 

  • Programming: Plan, execute, and assess departmental educational programs, initiatives, and services, including but not limited to: Allies Program, Woman’s Leadership Cohort, Women Symposium, LGBT Symposium, campus training activities, and assist in the facilitation of learning experiences.
  • Advocacy: Work with students, faculty, and staff on women's, gender, and, LGBT awareness issues, as well as issues affecting a diverse student population. This includes advising and/or collaborating with student organizations with a particular emphasis on issues related to the mission of the center and creating or enhancing partnerships with other offices on campus an in the local community.
  • Leadership: Provide administrative oversight for the Women & LGBT Center including: budget management, website maintenance, assessment of program and learning outcomes, and daily operational functions.
  • Outreach: Direct public relations efforts related to the Women and LGBT Center including information fairs and campus outreach. This includes partnering with local community resources and organizations to further connect to the Dallas LGBTQ community.
  • Collaboration: Work with students, staff, faculty, community members, and alumni to provide networking and program collaborations, particularly with academic programs and services.
  • Representation: Represent the Women and LGBT Center on the Student Development Leadership team, as well as university committees.
  • Support the implementation and realization of the goals and learning domains in the student affairs strategic plan.
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications

 

Education and Experience:

A Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Psychology, Gender/Sexuality Studies or related field, is required for this role.

A minimum of 5 years full-time professional work experiences specifically in the areas of gender issues, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender student experiences, and diversity is also required. There is a preference for that work to have been done in collegiate environment.

Previous experience in training, teaching, and/or facilitation of educational programs is expected. Experience in Budget management and supervision of full-time staff is also required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidates must have had a demonstrated ability to work well with college students in an advising and development environment. Additionally, they need a thorough understanding of complex issues surrounding diversity collegiate environments.

Ability to produce effective communication skills, both oral and written

Candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interface well with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Candidate must possess excellent organizational skills which include effective planning, time management and project management.

Must be attentive to details, including planning, budgetary needs, and monitoring of expenses.

Candidate must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and analytical skills.

Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with others.

Candidate must have proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, web programs and general computer skills.

The position will need to occasionally work evenings or weekends for programs, trainings and retreats.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

This position requires the ability to handle objects (dexterity) and to sit for long periods of time.

Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.
 

Priority consideration will be given to those who apply by October 7, 2022.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.  

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.