Associate Director of Student Inclusion & Belonging

At Holy Cross, we are focused on creating a world-class workforce by attracting and retaining employees dedicated to fostering a culture of professionalism, pride, mutual trust, and respect-one that values appreciation and recognition, empowering each of us to flourish both individually and collectively. We seek candidates who are inspired by our mission and values, and who are eager to make a meaningful difference on our campus. Learn more about Life at Holy Cross here.

The Associate Director of Student Inclusion & Belonging is responsible for services and programs that promote development along the intersections of identity, support the success of students from historically marginalized backgrounds (e.g., Black/African American, Latino/a/x/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander/Desi, Indigenous/Native American, LGBTQIA+ students, and first-generation students), and promote meaningful dialogue and engagement across identity-based differences with the goal of promoting and enhancing cultural humility. This position is designed to work with various divisions and departments across campus (e.g. Student Development, Academic Affairs, Athletics, College Chaplains, Career Development, Title IX & Equal Opportunity, etc.) to provide outreach, programming, consultation, and services that are responsive to the full spectrum of students and their needs. The Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging is part of the Division of Justice, Equity, Belonging and Identity (JEBI), which exists in the context of a Jesuit Catholic, liberal arts, and highly residential college. The Associate Director reports to the Director of Student Inclusion & Belonging and supervises the Assistant Director of Student Inclusion & Belonging. The Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging works closely with the Office of Inclusive Excellence, also part of the JEBI Division.

Job Description

• Job Summary
  • The Associate Director of Student Inclusion & Belonging is responsible for services and programs that promote development along the intersections of identity, support the success of students from historically marginalized backgrounds (e.g., Black/African American, Latino/a/x/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander/Desi, Indigenous/Native American, LGBTQIA+ students, and first-generation students), and promote meaningful dialogue and engagement across identity-based differences with the goal of promoting and enhancing cultural humility. This position is designed to work with various divisions and departments across campus (e.g. Student Development, Academic Affairs, Athletics, College Chaplains, Career Development, Title IX & Equal Opportunity, etc.) to provide outreach, programming, consultation, and services that are responsive to the full spectrum of students and their needs. The Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging is part of the Division of Justice, Equity, Belonging and Identity (JEBI), which exists in the context of a Jesuit Catholic, liberal arts, and highly residential college. The Associate Director reports to the Director of Student Inclusion & Belonging and supervises the Assistant Director of Student Inclusion & Belonging. The Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging works closely with the Office of Inclusive Excellence, also part of the JEBI Division.
• Major Areas of Responsibility
  • Outreach, Support, and Response
    • Participate in campus-wide initiatives and collaborations with key campus stakeholders to help foster collaboration, including committees and working groups assigned by the Director
    • Collaborate with colleagues in the JEBI Division to support co-curricular programming across the College
    • Assist in responding to time-sensitive campus issues that require community-wide processing of bias incidents
    • Be a visible and recognizable presence on campus by attending events sponsored by cultural organizations
    • Provide individual assistance and support to students
    • Refer students, faculty, and staff to appropriate campus supports when necessary, such as Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity, Student Campus Assessment, Response & Education (CARE) Team, and Human Resources, etc.
  • Program Implementation & Delivery
    • Support the planning of student-focused programs that come from the JEBI Division that have a specific focus on the development, affirmation, and support of students from historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups (i.e. Black/African American, Latino/a/x/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander/Desi, Indigenous/Native American), LGBTQIA+ students, and first-generation students
    • Support the planning of special events hosted by the JEBI Division
    • Lead the implementation and planning of first-generation student outreach and support:
      • Serve as a resource and referral agent of all students with particular attention to the needs of first-generation students
      • Maintain ongoing knowledge of information relevant to the campus regarding first-generation students
      • Provide support, guidance, and advisement to HCF1RST Scholars, a recognized student organization (RSO) celebrating and supporting first-generation students
      • Serve as the primary point of contact for the College's involvement with FirstGen Forward, an initiative of NASPA and the Suder Foundation
      • Chair and convene the First-Generation Student Success Steering Committee, which includes membership from campus partners who support first-generation initiatives, and develop programming to support the success of first-generation students at Holy Cross
      • In collaboration with a staff member from Academic Services and Learning Resources (ASLR), provide general support to members of the Delta Omicron chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (or Tri-Alpha), a national honor society for first-generation college students, including the planning and implementing of the annual Tri-Alpha induction ceremony
    • Implement and administer the student track of the JEBI Certificate Program, a series of workshops that allow students to engage in topics of justice, equity, belonging, and identity, as well as a community project, to earn a certificate
    • Support the Director in administering the Odyssey Program, a pre-orientation program for students from historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups and first-generation students, including recruiting and supervising student mentors, maintaining the budget, recruiting participants, and planning an effective experience
      • Lead the implementation and planning of support/engagement for Odyssey participants throughout the academic year; developing programs that encourage students to find their voice, support students as they learn to lead from the intersections of their identities, and coach students through transitional milestones
    • Lead assessment efforts for the Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging to evaluate the effectiveness of program offerings
    • Works in partnership with the Jesuit Liaison to ensure programs and services uphold and advance the College's Jesuit mission and values
    • Develop and deliver social justice workshops, skill-based workshops, and trainings for student organizations, student leaders, and academic courses as assigned by the Director
  • Administrative Responsibilities
    • Supervise the Assistant Director of Student Inclusion & Belonging
    • Work with staff across the JEBI Division to contribute to a culture of teamwork and collaboration
    • Institute administrative procedures
    • Perform other duties as assigned
• Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree required, preferably in Education, Counseling, or related field)
  • Minimum of three (3) years of related experience, which includes a minimum of one (1) year experience of being the lead developer for cultural humility, social justice, or diversity-related training
  • Ability to organize and manage time effectively
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with all levels of management and staff
  • Proficient in Google Workspace (i.e., Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides) and Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Ability to manipulate data in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets through sorting and filtering functions is highly preferred
  • Proficient in Zoom and applicable features (i.e. meetings, webinars, phone, team chat, and channels)
• Core Competencies
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with others
  • Articulate a broad and complex understanding of justice, equity, belonging, and identity
  • A self-starter who demonstrates strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills, organizational and analytical ability, is both goal and process-oriented, and possesses the ability to handle multiple tasks
  • Demonstrates creative and critical thinking
  • Demonstrate adaptive and engaging presentation skills for different and diverse audiences
  • Dependability
  • Flexibility
  • Excellent Written & Verbal Communication
  • Proficient Problem Solving
  • Understands Risk Management
  • Excellent Innovation/Creativity
  • Strong Interpersonal Skills
  • Understands, values and respects diversity as an individual, in a team and within groups while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment
• Disclaimer
  • The description above represents the most significant duties of this position but does not exclude other occasional work assignments not mentioned, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the factor degrees assigned.

S alary Range : The salary range for this position is $68,000-$72,000, with compensation commensurate with experience, qualifications, and education.

Weekly Hours:
40

Annual Work Schedule:
12 month

Application Instructions

An updated resume and cover letter are required as a part of your internal application. In your cover letter, please reflect on how your professional and personal values align with the Mission of the College of the Holy Cross to form individuals of integrity and purpose who are committed to the flourishing of all.

Additional Information To review our generous benefits options, please review our detailed information here or check out our Benefits at a Glance.


The College also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring process in compliance with law. Please contact Human Resources for questions or to request an accommodation via email at View email address on click.appcast.io, or by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.


The College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts laws concerning Equal Opportunity in the workplace.