Posting Details

Job CategoryProfessional/AdministrativePosition TitleDirector of ALANA Cultural CenterFull Time/Part TimeFull TimeDivisionDean of the CollegeDepartmentALANA Cultural CenterDepartment Statement

Colgate University, among the top liberal arts colleges in the country, seeks an energetic, motivated, and highly visible Director of the ALANA Cultural Center to serve as a trusted resource for students on campus. Reporting to the Dean of the College, the Director of the ALANA Cultural Center takes an active leadership role in developing students into balanced mature adults.

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished professional with a strategic approach to student affairs to elevate the breadth and depth of resources available to Colgate students. It is an exciting time for the University as Colgate enters its third century. President Brian W. Casey is leading the campus through a comprehensive Third-Century Plan to raise the institution’s profile as a distinctive and strong undergraduate liberal arts institution to even-higher levels of achievement. Under the leadership of Vice President and Dean of the College Paul J. McLoughlin II, there has been tremendous growth, including the recent addition of career services to the division and an enhanced commitment to enriching the student experience. The energy on campus is palpable as four Residential Commons living-learning communities have been developed over the last five years, and long-term goals have been established for further developing the residential college system through the creation of an upper-level residential system, career services, and integrated wellness.

The next Director of the ALANA Cultural Center will be a relationship builder, dynamic leader, empathic professional as well as someone who can serve as a collaborative partner to the VP and Dean of the College; ensure that issues are addressed and resolved across campus; further develop students’ ability to be resilient; and guide Colgate to be a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable institution.

Having celebrated its Bicentennial in the academic year 2018–2019 and forging into its third century. Colgate has distinguished itself as one of the finest residential universities and has sought a special purpose among institutions of higher learning. The next Director of the ALANA Cultural Center will have an understanding of and appreciation for a residential liberal arts education; a passion for providing support and opportunities for Colgate’s students; an authentic appreciation for Colgate’s history and traditions, as well as a vision of its potential; a deep understanding of the educational value of a diverse community; and a firm but fair approach to the resolution of conflict.

Accountabilities

ALANA was founded as a space that welcomes students to share their differences and commonalities, and we continue to uphold this core value through the examination of race, LGBTQ+ issues, and the intersections between the two.

The Director of the ALANA Cultural Center is primarily responsible for exercising collaborative leadership with institutional partners including faculty, staff, community partners, students, and student organizations in the cultivation of an environment at Colgate in which cultural center programs are an important forum for liberal learning and academic success.

The Director is responsible for creating an intellectually vibrant and caring environment where student activity, education, and cultural exploration occurs, with particular focus on race, ethnicity, social justice, and inclusion.

The incumbent is also responsible for guiding and shaping student-developed programs where awareness of intersectionality is acknowledged and utilized to ground the differences and shared experiences among the entire community.

Other areas of responsibility include:

•overseeing the ALANA Cultural Center and managing related programs and activities;
•developing cultural programs and initiatives that deepen cultural awareness and enhance racial and cultural understanding as essential elements of academic excellence, social justice, and of a Colgate education;
•high quality development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned campus life programs, including events, and relevant student leadership opportunities;
•ensuring that all students have access to opportunities for student group membership, leadership, and achievement;
•ensuring that faculty, staff, and student leaders have access to cultural competency training opportunities in order to meet their obligations as educators and peer mentors;
•working with cultural student organizations to support their work, programs, and development and working to infuse cultural competency in all student organizations;
•as needed, consulting with senior staff, faculty, parents, alumni and external constituents on issues of concern related to multicultural affairs and social justice; and
•planning, execution, and evaluation of celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr and other signature ALANA Cultural Center programs.
As part of this role, the incumbent is responsible for the following:
•effective supervision of department and assigned campus life staff and students;
•effective management of the ALANA Cultural Center;
•effective financial oversight for the ALANA Cultural Center and other relevant budgets;
•effective contribution to University policy related to assigned areas within campus life;
•ensuring investments in programs achieve positive, measurable outcomes; and
•as required, may be responsible for providing effective advice, counsel, and leadership on University committees.

Technical Competencies

NameMulticultural knowledgeDescription

Knowledge sufficient to effectively engage faculty, staff, students and alumni on issues of diversity and collaborate on program and policy development. Demonstrated ability to be a strong advocate for diversity with proven ability to effectively work with diverse populations. Demonstrated background in diversity and social justice education; and experience engaging various constituencies across differences of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, and spiritual backgrounds.

NameIntersectional IdentitiesDescription

Deep understanding on issues of cultural capital, race, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, and religious and spiritual backgrounds as well as their intersectionality. Demonstrated skill in assisting students with making the connection between their identities within the context of a small, private, residential, rural liberal arts college.

NameStudent Group AdvisingDescription

Demonstrated expertise in student affairs and ability to influence students in making good decisions and working with groups and individuals. Demonstrated ability to develop and work within student leadership structures. Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing student leadership opportunities for student leaders. Skills to train both students and staff in effective practices.

NameEvent ManagementDescription

Demonstrated expertise in event planning and implementation sufficient to ensure events meet University goals, and are held in compliance with University policies and procedures. Expertise in risk management sufficient to avoid material consequences to the University.

NameProgram ManagementDescription

Demonstrated expertise program design, implementation, and assessment consistent with broader organizational guidelines and within the context of a small, private, residential, rural liberal arts college. Expertise with data and systems sufficient to identify key data tracking needs, identify quantitative trends and develop data-driven solutions. Connects intended program priorities, outcomes, and goals to divisional and institutional priorities, outcomes and goals.

NameOperations ManagementDescription

Expertise in managing financial, technical, facilities, and human resources across assigned areas. Ability to develop budgets with strategic alignment to the goals of the division and act as a responsible steward of assigned University funds and facilities. Expertise in developing and delivering effective communications about the function with a broad range of campus partners. Knowledge of data and systems sufficient to identify meet operational needs. Demonstrated ability to develop and apply policies, protocols, and workflows to support operational performance of department and functions within University guidelines.

NameManagerial SkillsDescription

Demonstrated knowledge of Colgate managerial processes and requirements, to include:
- Demonstrated ability to fairly and accurately assess employee performance in accordance with university practices. Demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations, as they apply to the university policies and guidelines related to human resources sufficient to effectively select new employees, recommend pay actions, determine employment status and initiate or approve employee changes in status.

Demonstrated ability to select, develop and retain high performing work teams, to include:
- Demonstrated ability to develop employee skills, performance, and behaviors. Demonstrated ability to effectively coach and communicate with employees on issues of pay, performance and development.

Behavioral Competencies

NamePersonal Accountability for ResultsDescription

Personal Accountability for Results: Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback. Effective Communication: Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

NameProblem Solving and Decision MakingDescription

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

NameChange ManagementDescription

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

NameLeadership and TeamworkDescription

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

NameCreativity and Innovation:Description

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

NameDiversity and InclusionDescription

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

NameSustainabilityDescription

Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university’s sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

- A minimum of 4 years of related experience is required.
- Demonstrated strategic and project planning skills enabling the connection of intended program priorities, outcomes, and goals to divisional and institutional priorities, and outcomes and goals. with measurable results.
- Demonstrated experience working with various constituencies to promote diversity initiatives and a deep understanding of issues related to cultural capital, race, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, and religious and spiritual backgrounds as well as their intersectionality.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities, and the ability to influence and counsel others to make good choices.
- Effective collaborator with the demonstrated ability to work well as a member of a team, or independently.
- Expertise in risk management sufficient to avoid material consequences to the University.
- Previous supervision experience is required.
- Demonstrated budget, event, programming development and program coordination experience.
- Availability to work evenings, late nights and occasional weekends as required.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to compose and present written and oral correspondence to a diverse range of constituents.
- Must be capable of working collegially with a diverse group of faculty, staff and students on a daily basis.

Preferred QualificationsEducation

- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required.
- A Master’s Degree is preferred.

CertificationsPhysical RequirementsOther Information

COLGATE UNIVERSITY

Colgate University is renowned for its academic rigor, the beauty and vitality of its campus, and the contributions of its alumni across a variety of fields and endeavors, who are exceptionally engaged with the institution. The largest of the small liberal arts colleges, Colgate boasts both substantial academic offerings as well as small classes, a strong emphasis on faculty-student interaction, and a residential community valuing all forms of intellectual curiosity. Colgate’s faculty members are leading teachers and scholars, committed to intellectual engagement in all its forms. Colgate’s approximately 2,900 highly motivated students achieve academically, athletically, and artistically, and are actively engaged in the world around them. Colgate is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student population and fostering an inclusive community that embraces and values diversity in an environment of mutual respect, communication, and engagement.

Colgate was first founded in 1817 as The Baptist Education Society of the State of New York by 13 men with $13 and 13 prayers. The number 13 is still Colgate’s lucky number; Friday the 13th is always designated Colgate Day. New York State granted the school a formal charter in 1819, and the Baptists in New York City — soap maker William Colgate among them — consolidated their seminary with the Hamilton school to form the Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution in 1823. A state charter issued in 1846 changed the name to Madison University and established the right to grant degrees. Madison was changed to Colgate in 1890, in honor of the Colgate family’s enduring support.

Today, Colgate is a thriving, highly selective liberal arts institution. Located in the geographic center of New York State, Colgate’s campus in Hamilton, N.Y., features carefully preserved architecture, immaculate grounds, and a hillside setting. It is consistently named one of the most beautiful in the nation. It is a close-knit community where students develop lifelong bonds with the institution, with each other, and with faculty and staff members. More than 110 buildings on the 575-acre campus (the oldest dating back to 1827) and in Hamilton house Colgate’s core educational, administrative, and student life functions. Faculty and staff members make intentional choices to live and work in Hamilton, N.Y., and this leads to a strong scholarly community that provides the foundation for an undergraduate education and preparation for life after college that is unique to Colgate.

The University’s academic program is grounded in its Liberal Arts Core Curriculum, which has been in place since 1928 and is required of every undergraduate. The five core classes are Legacies of the Ancient World, Challenges of Modernity, Communities and Identities, Scientific Perspectives on the World, and Global Engagements. Undergraduates may choose from 56 majors and more than 45 minors. Classes are small, averaging 17 students, and are taught by nearly 300 full-time faculty members, 99 percent of whom have received a PhD or terminal degree in their field. Students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty members in research efforts, and Colgate undergraduates have co-authored articles in professional publications for more than 30 years.

Colgate also has a rich tradition of international and off-campus study and has one of the largest faculty-led off-campus study programs in the nation. The University is ranked first by the Institute of International Education in percentage of students participating in mid-length off-campus study programs. The off-campus study groups run for an entire semester, and travel to locations all around the world, including Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, South America, and within the United States. Extended study programs offer students between two and five weeks of study following the end of the semester. Through these and more than 100 other affiliated programs, roughly two-thirds of Colgate students will study off campus during their undergraduate years.

In recent years, the University has made significant investments in the campus in support of students’ academic and overall development, most notably construction of Benton Hall, the new home of Colgate’s comprehensive career development initiatives; the addition of the Class of 1965 Arena to its athletics facilities; and a new upper-campus quad featuring two new residence halls that provide spaces for collaboration, intellectual exploration, and student-faculty engagement.

The University recently announced a new no-loan initiative. Beginning with the 2020–
2021 academic year, Colgate’s financial aid offering expands the support available to students and aims to lessen the burden of student debt. The no-loan initiative eliminates federal loans for all current and incoming students with a family income up to $125,000 and household assets typical of this income range. Colgate students already graduate with one of the nation’s lowest average levels of indebtedness. The average debt for students who graduated in the Class of 2019 was $15,305, compared to the national average of about $30,000. This recent announcement places Colgate in the company of the very best colleges and universities in the nation and continues a long-standing commitment to ensuring socioeconomic diversity in the student body.

With its endowment valued at more than $900 million, and an annual operating budget just above $200 million, Colgate holds a AA credit rating with S&P, which was reaffirmed in October 2018. In addition, Moody’s Investment Service affirmed Colgate’s Aa3 rating in August 2017 based on the university’s excellent strategic positioning as a highly selective private liberal arts school with a robust market and sizeable financial resources.

To learn more about Colgate University, visit: www.colgate.edu.

Hamilton and the Surrounding Community

Founded in 1795, the village of Hamilton, named one of the friendliest towns in the United States by Forbes magazine, has a population of roughly 4,000. The Hamilton Village Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, and is home to an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. The area is ideal for outdoor recreation including biking, hiking, trail running, and skiing. Colgate’s golf course, Seven Oaks, was designed by Robert Trent Jones and has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best college golf courses in the country. The University’s location provides easy access for summer hikes and winter ski trips. It is less than a one-hour drive from Syracuse, four hours away from New York City, and five hours from Boston. A train to NYC departs several times daily from nearby Utica, N.Y. (40 minutes).

Colgate and the Village of Hamilton’s Partnership for Community Development develops an active network of professional consultants, foundations, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations located throughout the Central New York region to assist area residents, businesses, and visitors. This includes efforts to stimulate and support local business through small business development and the revitalization of historic buildings. To strengthen the relationship between the village and the University, and to add to the economic development of downtown, Colgate relocated its campus bookstore to the downtown area of the village. Similarly, Colgate owns the Palace Theater, a 300-seat performing arts venue that is leased to an external nonprofit arts organization.

Leadership
Brian W. Casey was inaugurated as Colgate’s 17th president in 2016. After a career in law, Casey earned a PhD from Harvard University in the history of American civilization, focusing specifically higher education and intellectual history. Prior to Colgate, he was president of DePauw University. At Colgate, President Casey refocusing a commitment to Colgate’s core identity: academic excellence and an immersive program in the liberal arts, preparing Colgate’s students for well-rounded lives and careers.

Paul J. McLoughlin II joined Colgate as vice president and dean of the college in July 2017. Previously, McLoughlin served as dean of students at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. At Lafayette, McLoughlin oversaw residential life, recreation services, student conduct, wellness, student leadership and involvement, fraternity and sorority advising, and other campus life initiatives. McLoughlin is an integral member of President Casey’s cabinet, participating in all aspects of institution-wide planning and policy development as Colgate works to achieve its third-century plan. He provides operational leadership of the dean of the college division, with a portfolio including administrative advising (the administrative complement to academic advising provided through students’ faculty advisers), residential life; campus safety; environmental health and safety; emergency management; multicultural and diversity initiatives, including the ALANA Cultural Center; fraternity and sorority advising; University ministry and the Chaplaincy, international student services, the Max Shacknai Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education; student conduct; health services, wellness, and psychological services and counseling. As of August 2019, Colgate’s award-winning career services unit joined the division and reports to McLoughlin, to further integrate career preparation into the student experience.

COLGATE STUDENTS AND STUDENT LIFE

Colgate students are achievers intellectually, athletically, and artistically, and are actively engaged in the world around them. For the Class of 2023, fewer than 2,240 students were offered admission, chosen from more than 9,900 applicants representing 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 132 countries. The acceptance rate was 22.6 percent. Admitted students had an average GPA of 3.82 and the middle 50 percent achieved a combined SAT score of 1410–1520. Of the full student body, 55 percent of students are women. Domestic students of color constitute 22 percent, and international students account for 15 percent. Forty-two percent of students receive financial aid, and Colgate meets 100 percent of the demonstrated need.

The curricular and co-curricular overlap and intersect often at Colgate. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1 and the average class has 17 students. Small classes are common and allow for professors to advise and mentor students inside and outside of the classroom.

Colgate is a residential university with more than 93 percent of students living on campus. Housing options include traditional residence halls; interest-based residential communities; townhouses; apartments; and University-owned houses. The University’s Residential Commons system, which launched in 2014, creates strong and welcoming living/learning communities and has required the renovation of existing dormitory facilities and the construction of new residence halls. Starting with the Class of 2021, every first-year student was randomly assigned to one of the four commons. First- and second-year students live in their Residential Commons and student live alongside fellow first-year seminar classmates, thereby linking living and learning in meaningful ways. Colgate assigns first-year roommates through careful selection according to students’ living and learning preferences. Through membership in their commons, students engage with professors and each other in special recreational, social, and intellectual activities. More on the Residential Commons.

Junior and senior students live in college apartments, college houses, fraternity- or sorority-affiliated chapter houses, or townhouses, and a limited number may apply to live off campus their senior year. The 250 students approved to live off campus through the lottery are expected to contribute positively to the Village of Hamilton to ensure a positive and healthy relationship between the village and the campus.

The University’s visual and performing arts offerings support academic and creative endeavors of students on campus, as well as host visiting artists, musicians, filmmakers, theater groups, and other creative professionals.

Fraternities and sororities are a long-standing tradition at Colgate, dating back to the first fraternity charter adopted in 1856. Roughly one-third of all Colgate students are affiliated with the fraternity and sorority community at Colgate University, which includes eight internationally affiliated organizations. Students are eligible to join a fraternity or sorority in their sophomore year and Colgate owns and oversees all chapter houses.

Colgate also has a rich and competitive athletic tradition. Approximately 25 percent of students are involved in a varsity sport, and 80 percent of students are involved in some form of varsity, club, or intramural athletics. There are 25 varsity teams, more than 40 club sports teams, and 18 different intramural sports. Colgate is part of the NCAA Division I Patriot League for all varsity sports (ECAC of Division I for men’s and women’s hockey) and consistently has one of the NCAA’s top graduation rates among student-athletes. The Colgate Raiders have consistently won Patriot League championships and regularly qualify and compete in NCAA tournaments.

Requisition Number2019S119PTemporaryNoWork Schedule

Days, Some evenings and occasional weekends.

Job Open Date10/10/2019Job Close DateOpen Until FilledYesSpecial Instructions SummaryEEO Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Clery Act

CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS
The Campus Safety Department will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. To obtain a copy, contact the Campus Safety Compliance Manager via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu. You may also access the report from the Campus Safety web page at: www.colgate.edu/offices/support/campussafety.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently a Colgate employee?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Have you ever been a Colgate employee?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Are you at least 18 years of age?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Please let us know how you heard about this position.
   • Albany Times Union
   • Binghamton Press & Sun
   • BlackCoachesinSports
   • Careerbuilders.com
   • Cazenovia Republican
   • Centralnewyorkhelpwanted.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Chronicle of Philanthropy
   • Colgate Employee
   • Colgate Website
   • CoSIDA
   • Diverse Issues of Higher Education
   • HERC (Upstate New York HERC)
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Indeed.com
   • InsideHigherEd.com
   • LinkedIn
   • Mid-York Weekly
   • NACWA
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   • NCAA News
   • Norwich Evening Sun
   • Oneida Daily Dispatch
   • Sherburne News
   • Studentaffairs.com
   • Syracuse Post Standard
   • Utica Observer Dispatch
   • Waterville Times
   • WomenLeadersinCollegeSports.com
   • Other
5. If you selected "Colgate Employee" or "Other" for how you heard about this position, please provide the employee's name or where you heard about/saw the position.

   (Open Ended Question)

Applicant DocumentsRequired Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents