Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Department Mission

The Department of Multicultural Life strives to be a national leader in multicultural student success and social justice education within higher education. Through collaboration with key departments, offices, and individuals; the development and implementation of cultural- and social-critical educational programming; and the focused mentoring and support of historically underrepresented student populations, the department works to co-create a university environment that allows for all members to fully engage in the entirety of their collegiate experience.

Position General Statement of Duties

The Director of Multicultural Life reports to and works in consultation with the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion. This position is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the Department of Multicultural Life at Augsburg University, in addition to the supervision of five program managers and a program coordinator. The work of the Department of Multicultural Life is essential to the promise of the Augsburg University mission and the individual in this role has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the university and the students it serves. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with experience in higher education, student development, community engagement, and social advocacy and will have a strong understanding of the multiple cultural and social identities that are a part of the human experience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work in tandem with Vice President for Equity and Inclusion in order to develop long-range strategic planning and program development for the Department of Multicultural Life.
• Create and implement programs and services designed to increase the recruitment, retention, matriculation, and ultimate graduation of underserved students.
• Supervise Program Managers to ensure that Multicultural Life programs and services support the university strategic plan, the university equity and inclusion framework, and the mission of the department. 
• Develop the annual Department of Multicultural Life budgets, in consultation with the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, and manage it throughout the fiscal year.
• Provide ideas and guidance to the university on its initiatives focused on the needs of underserved students.
• Work closely and on an ongoing basis with outside departments such as: Academic Advising; Campus Life; Campus Ministry; Center for Global Education and Experience (CGEE); Center for Wellness and Counseling; Center for Learning and Accessible Student Services (CLASS); International Student and Scholar Services; McNair Scholars Program; Registrar’s Office; Residence Life; Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship; Strommen Career and Internship Center; Student Financial Services; TRiO Student Support Services; and Undergraduate Admissions for the overall success of underserved students.
• Manage University Inclusion Scholars Program, e.g. student database and correspondence, student workshop registration, workshop scheduling and attendance tracking, student evaluations, etc.
• Manage Scholastic Connections Program, e.g. coordinate logistics, review, and ensure student compliance and engagement.
• Gather and analyze department data in order to assess the overall needs of underserved students (i.e. to establish learning outcomes for programs and services; to highlight student learning, engagement, and progress; to improve graduation rates; to demonstrate evidence of student needs, etc.).
• Manage and review Multicultural Life Department student scholarship records and requirements, e.g. track progress, create reports, etc.
• Design and conduct presentations on various diversity, equity, and inclusion-related topics across the University community in order to achieve the missions of the Multicultural Life and Equity and Inclusion Initiatives Departments as necessary.

Additional Responsibilities

• Schedule and lead regular department meetings and supervisory meetings with program managers and program coordinator.
• Serve on university-wide, divisional, and/or departmental committees as appropriate.
• Serve as a community liaison through outreach opportunities, networking, recruitment, and mutually beneficial relationships for the University.
• All other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor for the success of the Multicultural Life Department and Equity and Inclusion Initiatives Department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required, Advanced education equivalent to a master’s degree or specialist certification preferred.

• Five (5) years of experience in higher education required.

• Three years of experience working with underserved student populations preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated understanding of student/human identity development frameworks.

• Demonstrated intercultural competency.

• Demonstrated commitment to racial and social justice.

• Excellent oral and written cross-cultural communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities;

• Knowledge of and skill working with historically underserved student populations.  

• Ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

• Experience facilitating conversions with and/or presenting to large and small audiences on diversity, equity, and/or inclusion-related topics.

• Ability to effectively work independently and at times with little or no supervision.

• Ability to teach, mentor, and advise professional staff and students.

• Knowledge and skills in advising students, including the ability to apply good judgment and discretion and demonstrate patience and understanding (especially in confidential, sensitive, and/or crisis situations in accordance with University policies and procedures).

• Ability to show initiative; organize workflow; manage one or more projects at a time; and handle frequent interruptions. 

• Ability to be attentive to details, to be accurate, and to be precise.

• Ability to learn and use a broad range of computer skills, software, and database programs. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical work environment is an office setting.

• Regular phone and computer use. 

• Sedentary work for long periods of time.

• Occasional long or irregular hours.

• Occasional travel, must have reliable means of transportation. 

• Occasional intense work environment at the start and end of academic semesters.

Benefits at Augsburg

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including: 

• Medical, dental and vision coverage

• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US

• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire

• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance

• Enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Augsburg’s Statement regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations

For the safety of our students, employees and the community in which we live and work, Augsburg requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.  For individuals who are unable to be vaccinated due to religious or medical reasons,  Augsburg offers exemptions and accommodations.

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.  

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: [email protected]