"Assistant Director of Intercultural Programs and Initiatives"

The Assistant Director of Intercultural Programs and Initiatives, reporting to the Director of Intercultural Programs and Initiatives, plays a key role in supporting and implementing efforts that strengthen belonging across the campus. The Assistant Director will assist in the development and delivery of programs and resources for students from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, with particular attention to those who have historically faced barriers to access in higher education.

The Assistant Director will work closely with student cultural clubs/organizations, faculty, and staff to ensure that community-based and student-centered initiatives are well supported and aligned with campus priorities. This position will also be involved in outreach, program coordination, and student mentorship, with an emphasis on fostering a campus environment where all students can connect and thrive.

This role is essential in building collaborative relationships across the institution to engage students and enrich their experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Interaction and Support (40%)

• Provide mentorship and direct support to students, particularly those who may have been historically excluded or face barriers to opportunity in higher education.
• Assist in developing and implementing strategies to strengthen student engagement, leadership opportunities, and learning across cultures and perspectives.
• Provide guidance on program development and event planning.
• Serve as a point of contact for students seeking resources, advice, and support.
• Assist in tailored outreach that creates opportunities for connection and community-building across the HWS community.

Program Engagement and Coordination (40%)

• Assist in the planning and execution of campus events such as the annual MLK commemoration, first-generation student programs, and heritage and identity celebrations.
• Help coordinate and carry out community-building events that encourage dialogue across differences.

Administrative and Collaborative Responsibilities (20%)

• Assist in the supervision and training of student workers and staff.
• Track and assess the effectiveness of programs delivered and recommend improvements.
• Work closely with the Director to align programming strategies with institutional goals.
• Represent the office on campus committees and working groups, contributing to broader community-engagement initiatives.
• Assist in outreach to external partners, building collaborations that strengthen student belonging and success.

OTHER INFORMATION

This is a full-time, 12-month, benefits eligible, salaried exempt position. This position description is not all-inclusive; other responsibilities may be assigned as needed. The Assistant Director will be required to participate in evening programming and work collaboratively across departments to advance community and engagement priorities. This position will also perform the requirements as a Campus Security Authority pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (20 U.S.C. 1092 (f) (Clery Act). Annual salary is $63,426.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• 2-3 years of professional experience in higher education, student affairs, or a related field; comparable experience in community-based organizations or other settings supporting youth or young adults will also be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to support students who have faced barriers to access or opportunity in higher education.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and assessing student programs and events.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Experience supervising or mentoring student workers or volunteers is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

About HWS

A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Our nationally ranked faculty are accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. World challenges are studied in the classroom where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are honed. In the field, knowledge turns into discovery. In office hours, plans are carefully crafted to tie interests and talents to an academic path that motivates beyond graduation.

Our location in the heart of the Finger Lakes allows faculty, staff and students to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake. Student-athletes play for 30 varsity teams boasting 24 national titles, including the 2023 and 2024 NCAA DIII Men's Ice Hockey Championships. With three graduate programs, students can build on their undergraduate degree with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Science in Management. Together, the experiences and mentorship at HWS prepare students to lead lives of consequence.

Application Instructions

For more information and to apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/173911.

The Colleges are an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment in their programs and activities against employees or applicants based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, caregiver status, military status, including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, social class, or any other category or characteristic protected by applicable law.