Assistant Director of Student Engagement & Leadership, American Studies Program at Willamette University

Status:  Full-time, 12 months, Administrative

Department:  American Studies Program

Applications will be reviewed from October 14 and will continue until the position is filled. 

Inquiries about this position can be submitted to the search chair Dr. Jo Kozuma, jkozuma@willamette.edu.

PRIMARY PURPOSE
The American Studies Program (ASP) at Willamette University is a study abroad program that is a partnership between Willamette University and Tokyo International University (TIU).  The Assistant Director oversees all aspects of the ASP students’ integration into the Willamette University and Salem communities through the development of co-curricular programming and the management of support measures to ensure student safety, well-being, and retention. Specifically, the Assistant Director is responsible, in collaboration with TIU, for ASP students’ pre-departure and arrival orientation, supporting ASP students’ participation in formal and informal opportunities in the areas of (but not limited to) community service, leadership, campus recreation, and personal development, as well as encouraging domestic/international student interaction and learning.  The Assistant Director promotes healthy personal development of the whole student within the context of a university in the United States. The Assistant Director is involved in the on-call crisis response for ASP students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Orientation & Education

●   Create, implement, and facilitate pre-departure and arrival orientation for ASP students in close collaboration with the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, the Office of Residence Life and Housing, the Office of International Education, and the College of Arts and Sciences.  Includes communication with TIU about logistics, health-related information, housing assignments, instructional materials, and timelines. 

●   Develop intercultural learning education opportunities and strategies to ensure that ASP students have access to information and resources for a successful transition to Willamette and the Salem area.

●  Develop, manage, and facilitate the ASP Student Leadership Program (i.e., opportunities for ASP students’ engagement in co-curricular activities) including recruitment, training, and ongoing advising for student leaders. Develop and coordinate short-term leadership projects and committees.

●  Develop co-curricular opportunities for ASP and other WU students to acquire and improve leadership, interpersonal skills, language skills, and initiatives that contribute to student well-being and personal development. Facilitate opportunities for colleagues and student groups to learn about ASP and improve cross-cultural understanding, communication, and implementation of existing policies and procedures, and/or ASP student involvement in programs.

●  Coordinate award and recognition programs involving ASP students.

●   Assess ASP students’ experiences in co-curricular programs.

Support and Advising Efforts

●   Be available to provide guidance and support and/or collaborate with professional resources to students regarding personal growth and management, resilience, and wellness. Advise Residence Life and Housing staff on issues that involve ASP students. Support Residence Life and Housing staff in cases of roommate, contract, or other housing issues.

●   Serve as the primary liaison with Bishop Wellness Center on issues involving ASP students.

●   Serve as a member of the senior student affairs staff on-call rotation as it relates to ASP students.

●   Serve as the primary advisor to ASP student leaders. Meet regularly with leadership individually and as a group. Attend sponsored programs as needed.

●   Develop positive relationships with students through proactive visibility, availability, and advising meetings.  Advise students in decision-making and provides resource referrals to help support student success and well-being.

●  Hire, train, and supervise student assistants and project assistants who work as part of the ASP team as orientation leaders, language exchange partners and tutors.

●   Other responsibilities as assigned by the ASP Director.

Department Leadership

●  Represent the ASP program on University committees as needed.

●  Develop and lead strategic efforts in areas of responsibility within the department.

●  Initiate, plan, and implement new programs or services aimed at meeting student needs and department goals in conjunction with the Director of ASP, the Senior Associate Dean of Students/Director of Student Engagement & Leadership, and other campus colleagues.

●  Participate in the business meetings and strategic conversations of the Student Engagement & Leadership and Residence Life & Housing teams.

●  Be accessible, visible, and present for relevant/occasional and university speakers; attend staff/student-planned community development activities, and educational events as appropriate.

●  Chaperone and assist in the organization of large, annual, campus-wide, or department programs as needed such as Opening Days, Black Tie, and Midnight Breakfast.

●  Establish and maintain strong partnerships and work together with colleagues within the Student Affairs division as well as other campus stakeholders including but not limited to Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar, Facilities, Information Technology (WITS), and Human Resources.

●  Respect and maintain confidentiality, parameters of operation, professional protocols, and individual privacy.

JOB SCOPE

The Assistant Director works on a variety of duties and responsibilities that have a recognizable impact on the operations of Student Engagement & Leadership, Willamette University, and Tokyo International University.  The responsibilities involve a significant level of contact with students, faculty, and staff as well as with individuals and organizations outside of the University.  Incumbents may be required to travel locally as well as internationally in the performance of their job functions.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

Minimum Qualifications

• A master's degree in higher education, counseling, student personnel services, student affairs administration, or other relevant field required. Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of a graduate degree.
• Three-five years’ experience in student advising, program planning, and supervision of student staff.
• Have studied or worked abroad.
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as a leader and collaborative member of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork.
• Possess strong organizational, time management and prioritization skills and be able to balance and meet competing deadlines. 
• Ability to facilitate group discussions, organize and lead training sessions, give presentations, etc.
• Availability on weekends and evenings as needed.
• Successful clearance of criminal conviction record check.
• Live within a 20-mile radius of the Willamette University campus.

Preferred Qualifications

● Five years’ experience in student advising, program planning, and supervision of student staff support for international students.

● Knowledge of and experience with Japanese higher education and culture.

● Ability to speak and understand the Japanese language.

● Sensitive, diplomatic, and articulate written and verbal communication skills

● Ability to implement problem-solving strategies to manage every day and event planning in a fast-paced environment.

● Knowledge of and experience to design and implement creative educational programs.

● Demonstrated commitment to issues of social justice, diversity, identity, and difference, particularly as they relate to student leadership development.

● Ability to effectively interact with a wide variety of people in a manner that values diversity and positively portrays the University and its programs, personnel, and philosophies.

● A demonstrated commitment and passion for professional growth in the areas of student learning and development, community development, supporting students’ well-being, and best practices in student leadership, activities, and orientation.

● Demonstrated commitment to expand knowledge and awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion, understanding cultural differences, social identities, and historical inequalities, and strategies for interacting effectively with people different from oneself.

All university positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.

Interested candidates should upload a cover letter, three names of recommendation contacts, and their Resume/CV to Willamette University Human Resource website at https://willamette.edu/offices/hr/careers/index.html.