Description

Since 1920, Mount St. Joseph University has provided an education that is based on interdisciplinary liberal arts and professional curricula emphasizing mission, values, integrity, and social responsibility. Faculty and staff deliver high-quality academics, hands-on experiential learning, and personalized attention to support student success. Join our award-winning team, recognized for four consecutive years as a 'Best College to Work for,' and be part of a vibrant culture that places a premium on inclusion and belonging.

Position Overview: The Chief Mission and Belonging Officer leads the University’s Center for Mission & Belonging and promotes and fosters a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and belonging (DEIB) community at the Mount that is centered on the Mission of the institution and supports students, faculty, and staff on their educational and career journeys while at the Mount and beyond. The three core pillars of success for this role are: (i) recruitment and retention of underrepresented students and workforce, (ii) assessment of campus community sense of belonging and inclusion, (iii) impact of DEIB and Mission strategy on campus culture. This position will develop and support implementation of the University’s DEIB strategy and oversee campus-wide implementation; further the overall Mission of the University through campus events, activities, and programs, with regular collaboration with the Chief Ministry and Heritage Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer; collaborate across all campus segments to promote the Mission, inclusion, and belonging; and recruit and support retention and persistence of diverse students and employees, among other responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

DEI and Mission Strategy Development:

• • Develop and implement a forward-thinking DEIB strategy that aligns with the University's mission and values for students, faculty and staff.
  • Execute this strategy through various pathways included but not limited to training opportunities, engagement events, programs that commemorate key holidays and celebration months, monthly e-newsletters and events calendar.
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure the integration of DEIB and mission principles into all aspects of university life, including academic schools, programs and in courses, student affairs, affinity groups, athletics, policies, and campus culture.
  • Regularly collaborate with the Office of Human Resources to continually enhance the recruitment and retention strategies of diverse faculty and staff.

Leadership Collaboration:

• • Work closely with campus leadership, including the President, President’s Council, and other senior administrators, to integrate DEIB and mission initiatives into strategic planning and decision-making processes.
  • Serve as chairperson of the University’s Council on Inclusive Excellence and manage all aspects of the Council’s operations and work.
  • Serve as a member of President’s Council. 
  • Serve as co-chair (as an ex-officio member) of the Mission Committee.
  • Serve as a member of other University committees as requested/assigned. 
  • Collaborate with the Chief Ministry and Heritage Officer (CMHO) regarding alignment of Center for Mission & Belonging work with CMHO work, to ensure the culture of the University is mission-focused.
  • Provide guidance and support to various departments and student groups in implementing inclusive practices and policies.

Employee and Student Engagement:

• • Proactively engage with students, faculty and staff to understand their perspectives on DEIB and mission matters.
  • Establish feedback mechanisms and channels for open communication to ensure the University is responsive to the needs and concerns of its diverse community.
  • Establish a monthly Center for Mission & Belonging events calendar and newsletter, and timely disseminate it throughout the community.

Training and Education:

• • Develop and deliver DEIB and mission training programs for faculty, staff, and students to enhance cultural competency and foster an inclusive learning and working environment.
  • Stay informed about best practices, emerging trends, and research in DEIB, and integrate this knowledge into educational initiatives for students, faculty and staff.

Student Recruitment and Retention:

• • Collaborate with the Office of Admission to establish annual goals for the recruitment of Mission Ambassadors, and executes strategies to meet established recruitment goals.
  • Collaborate with the Office of Admission, Retention Team, Intervention Team, and others across the University to support the recruitment and retention of diverse students, and to execute on strategies to successfully meet diverse student recruitment goals.
  • Develop and execute DEIB and mission programming that engages students and drives student retention.
  • Serve as a resource to student affinity group faculty/staff advisors.

Community Outreach:

• • Cultivate partnerships with external organizations, community groups, and other institutions to enhance the university's commitment to DEIB and mission on a broader scale.
  • Represent the university in relevant DEIB conferences, seminars, and events.
  • Engage with the Marketing and Communications team to promote Center for Mission and Belonging initiatives and successes externally.

Budget and Reporting:

• Prepare and manage the Center for Mission & Belonging budget.
  • Establish measurable DEIB and mission goals for the institution and regularly assess progress through surveys, focus groups, etc., providing reports to university leadership and stakeholders.
  • Utilize data-driven insights to identify areas for improvement and innovation in DEIB and mission efforts.

Supervision:

• Supervise and support the Assistant Director of Mission and Mission Ambassador Coordinator in their work, with ultimate responsibility for the success of the entire Center for Mission & Belonging.
• Supervise and support the work of student employees, with ultimate responsibility for their employment success.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, e.g. diversity and inclusion, sociology, higher education administration, religious studies, business, and 5 years of experience in leading and implementing DEI and cultural initiatives that have been successful, preferably in a higher education setting; or, Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (noted above) with 10 years of experience in leading and implementing DEI and cultural initiatives that have been successful, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker and innovator.
• Customer service focused.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus community.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience managing a budget.
• Active driver’s license for transporting students to events, etc.

Work Environment; Physical Demands:

• Office Setting: The Chief Mission and Belonging Officer will primarily work in an office environment located on the university campus.
• Access to necessary tools, technology, and resources to carry out job responsibilities effectively.
• Collaborative Spaces: The role involves frequent collaboration with campus leadership, department heads, and various stakeholders, requiring participation in meetings and discussions in both formal and informal settings.
• Campus Presence: Regular presence on campus to engage with faculty, staff, and students, fostering relationships and understanding the campus climate.
• Travel: Occasional travel may be required for conferences, seminars, and external partnerships related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: The university supports a flexible work environment, allowing for a combination of on-campus and remote work, as appropriate. Evening and weekend work as required.
• Communication: Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with diverse audiences, including public speaking engagements, presentations, and written reports.
• Mobility: The role may require moving around the campus, attending various events, and participating in meetings across different locations.
• Technology Use: Proficiency in using standard office equipment, computers, and software applications for communication, data analysis, and reporting.
• Sensory Requirements: Ability to perceive and interpret information through visual, auditory, and tactile means to perform tasks and interact with others effectively.
• Emotional Resilience: The nature of the role may involve addressing sensitive topics and engaging with individuals who may share diverse perspectives. Emotional intelligence and resilience are essential for maintaining a positive and constructive work environment.
• Event Participation: Involvement in campus events, workshops, and training sessions, requiring the ability to set up and manage event logistics.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability are crucial to navigate the evolving nature of DEI work, responding to emerging issues and adjusting strategies as needed.

Note: The work environment and physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

Mount St. Joseph University offers a wide array of benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.

• Tuition Remission for you and your family.
• 403b Retirement
• Excellent benefits including medical, employer HSA contributions, dental, vision, life, parental leave.
• Generous PTO.
• 16 paid holidays.
• Competitive salaries.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and inclusive educational environment.
• Professional development opportunities.

To apply, please upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information with three professional references via Paycom.

A review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Please click here to review the University's policies on E-Verify, Equal Opportunity, and Non-Discrimination.

Mount St. Joseph University is an Equal Opportunity Employer