Wyckoff Center Director

The Wyckoff Center Director will continue to shape the mission of a center dedicated to connect people and programs that underscore the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI). The individual will collaboratively assist the VP for Strategic Planning and Institutional Diversity on campus-wide efforts to strengthen DEI. The Wyckoff Center Director will play a role on the campus diversity committee, work with the divisional representatives, and support affinity/employee resource groups.

Job Responsibilities

1. The Wyckoff Center Director aspect of the job manages the Wyckoff Center in Case Center. This work involves further defining the larger vision of the space as well as collaboratively determining the regular mission. The Wyckoff Center Director will lead a vibrant, accessible location for programming, including classes, workshops, performances, and informal discussions. Moreover, the space will serve as a centralized social hub and community base for people from diverse cultures, identities, and backgrounds.
2. Working closely with other key diversity leaders across the College to cultivate the connection between Wyckoff Center and other campus-wide DEI efforts. Partners include: the Director of the Office of Student Diversity Programs, the Assistant Director of Employment and Workforce Diversity, the Associate Dean of the Faculty for Diversity and Faculty Affairs, the Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, and the Director of Diversity and Inclusionary Advancement, with an intentional connection to the Office of Campus Life and Engagement.
3. Helps to coordinate an annual program called In It, which is a suite of diversity and inclusion programs designed to raise campus members’ cultural fluency and strengthen community. Manages Wyckoff’s annual Lovefest celebration (around Valentine’s Day) focused on inclusion and healing. Supports the Racial Justice Initiative, a presidential effort that centers projects that seek to address the realities of racial injustice locally, nationally, and globally. Ability to create other programs and events that further intercultural engagement and an inclusive campus climate. The work involves some evening and weekend programming. 
4. Comfort with event planning, including developing and facilitating appropriate contracts. Creating campus-programming as well as support others’ programs, particularly mentoring students on effectively organizing activities. Facilitates the functioning of Wyckoff Center, including working with scheduling, facilities, dining, communications and marketing, and media services.
5. Ability to create and manage an advisory group to provide input on the Wyckoff Center, including space hours, focus, art, and collaboration. Examine the use and role of student workers. Prepare written communications, such as event invitations, activity reports, and mission/vision documents, and facilitation of the distribution of those communications as appropriate. Conducts assessments and other tools to measure the effectiveness of usage and projects.
6. Ability to manage budgets, as well as comfort with exploring funding opportunities, and donor engagement.
7. Gradually, once Wyckoff is further established, the Wyckoff Center Director will support the VP for Strategic Planning and Institutional Diversity in constructing and leading the College’s vision related to DEI. This work will involve partnering with the College’s main diversity shared governance body the Committee on Intercultural and Global Understanding (CIGU), the College’s divisional representatives the Inclusion Liaisons, and the Board of Trustees ad hoc Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Assist with developing the College’s DEI strategic goals and action plans.
8. Performs other related duties as assigned. 

The Wyckoff Center Director must be able to exercise sound judgment. Knowledge of higher education’s practices and the ability to navigate particular campus culture are valuable skill sets with this position. Understanding the importance of student development while mentoring students is critical. Maintaining the Wyckoff Center as a pan-institutional space that engages all constituencies is essential. Balancing support of activism with understanding of institutional structures, policies, and practices are necessary pieces to this position. In close collaboration with others, the individual will plan, organize, and execute arrangements to facilitate Center activities, programs, and related events.

The Wyckoff Center Director must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with a broad range of constituencies, both orally and in writing. Fluency with information technology, emerging technologies, and the ability to navigate electronic information are required.

The individual must be able to navigate transition, shifting prioritization based on community needs, and work with multiple leaders with various styles.

The Wyckoff Center Director is part of the Diversity leadership team, which is responsible for maintaining effective relationships across campus and with some external constituencies. 

The individual works closely with the Vice President for Strategic Planning and Institutional Diversity/Executive Director of the Office of the President, members of the diversity leadership team, and other members of the VP’s team.

The individual manages the budget assigned to the Wyckoff Center and uses that budget to support Center functions.

Education:    Master’s degree required

Experience:  5-7 years’ experience in higher education or in a related field or a combination of education and experience 

Required Competencies:

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent discretion.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion in a higher education setting.
• Experience running a comparable center, creating intercultural curriculum, or teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion material.
• Facility in written and oral communication, including appropriate attention to detail, and the ability to meet tight deadlines, and re-prioritize as needs require.
• Fluency with technology and ability to manage the specific technology used to facilitate event programs. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products is required. 
• Ability to work as a member of a team, collaborating effectively with others in shared decision-making and planning.
• Must able to work with and build/maintain positive relationships of trust with various constituencies.

Required documents needed to apply:

• On-line application
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of Three References

Salary Range:  $85,000 - $105,000 commensurate with experience

EEO STATEMENT

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.

CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.