Job Description

Grays Harbor College is seeking applications for the position of Student Life Specialist. The Student Life Specialist reports to the Director of Student Life. The position assists in the development, implementation, and operation of a broad spectrum of student-developed programs and initiatives that meet the needs of the campus community as specifically directed.

GHC has a strong commitment to the achievement of equity and inclusion among its faculty, staff and students and values the rich diverse backgrounds that make up the campus community. To ensure the college provides an inclusive educational and employment environment focused on strategies for success and equitable outcomes for all, we are seeking a candidate who has an understanding of, and experience with, successfully supporting individuals with varying backgrounds, including people with disabilities; people with various gender identities and sexual orientations; individuals from historically underrepresented communities; and other groups.

Grays Harbor College has an excellent benefits package to include comprehensive health care insurance, primary and supplemental retirement programs, long-term disability insurance, vacation and sick leave, and employee tuition waivers. All administrative exempt staff at Grays Harbor College set aside 1% of their gross salary every pay period for a Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) pre-retirement medical expense account that is used to reimburse the exempt employee for out of pocket medical expenses. All exempt employees are required to participate in this program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Life:

• Provide assistance to student organizations in planning, implementing, managing, marketing and evaluating sponsored events and programs.

• Assist in hiring, training, and supervising students overseeing campus activities.

• Attend state and national conferences related to student activities, when appropriate.

• Provide budgetary planning for various student life functions.

• Provide mentoring and advocacy support to assist students overcome barriers to retention, persistence, and completion. Assist Students with clarifying educational, career and life goals.

• Support student-led initiatives that foster greater awareness and understanding of diverse identities, beliefs, and practices.

• Create and implement a comprehensive social media plan for the Office of Student Life.

• Coordinate campus life programs such as Chokers Who Rock, Stall Talk, and the Student Life Newsletter.

• Support student and college events (evening, day, and some weekends).

• Assist in the development and implementation of New Student Orientation.

• Evaluate overall program goals, and make recommendations to meet ongoing needs.

• Collaborate with campus departments and programs that support student success, academic achievement, and completion.

• Provide administrative and low-level case management of Student Conduct cases on an as needed basis of the Director of Student Life.

• Provide oversight and management of the Harbor Landing Food Bank, including ordering of supplies, selecting, scheduling, and overseeing volunteers, etc.

Diversity and Equity Center:

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Diversity & Equity Center and provide student engagement programs and opportunities, particularly through an equity and social justice lens, in collaboration with the Director of Student Life.

• Develop and implement proactive retention and mentoring programs for underrepresented students to increase academic success, educational achievement and retention rates.

• Facilitate campus wide workshops/trainings on issues of equity, diversity and social justice, in collaboration with the Director of Student Life.

• Work in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff to provide a wide range of culturally relevant programs that offer opportunities for engagement, reflection, and action on matters of social justice, power, and privilege. Coordinate the Diversity Speaker Series on campus.

• Hire, train, and supervise the Diversity and Equity Center (DEC) work-study students.

• Coordinate selection of students to attend the Students of Color Conference and Q-Topia conference.

• Provide budgetary planning to the Diversity and Equity Center, under the support of the Director of Student Life

• Develop a scholarship resource for underrepresented students.

• Create and implement a comprehensive social media plan for the Diversity & Equity Center.

Emergency Funding Program:

• Support students in navigating campus resources, including providing case management for the Campus Emergency Fund programs and grants.

• Coordinate with other departments on campus including financial aid, TRiO, Workforce Funding and Support Programs, and the Foundation to collect relevant student information.

• Utilize comprehensive information on campus and community resources that can be offered in addition to financial assistance.

• Meet with students for an interview to assess need and access to resources.

• Coordinate the decision on emergency funding and communicate with students and other related departments on final decision.

• Follow-up with students who have received funds to provide resources and holistic, wraparound services to ensure success.

• Provide reports including data and analysis to funders, foundation, and/or grants

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree social sciences, education, communications, cultural studies, or related field required by start of employment

• Experience providing case management or advising student organizations/leaders.

• Experience serving underrepresented student populations.

• Ability to interview students and assess educational, personal and financial needs.

• Demonstrated understanding of student development frameworks (especially as it relates to LGBTQ, White, Latino, African American, and/or Native American student development identity theory), multiculturalism, inclusion, social justice, and social change models/theories.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook) required

• Excellent communication skills (verbal & written) required

DESIRED:

• Master's degree in higher education, counseling, human development, social justice education, or related field by start of employment.

• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience planning, implementing, and assessing programs related to diversity.

• Outstanding cultural competency with proven ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

• Experience developing and facilitating workshops and trainings around issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity.

• Demonstrated skills in providing leadership experiences to others

• Experience developing and creating programs and initiatives

• Ability to respond creatively and flexibly to changing needs and conditions

• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, planning and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of community resource services

REQUIRED SKILLS & PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understanding of, and experience with, successfully supporting individuals with varying backgrounds, including people with disabilities; people with various gender identities and sexual orientations; individuals from historically underrepresented communities; and other groups.

• Ability to effectively oversee and advise individuals representing a wide range of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds;

• Ability to exercise initiative in problem solving;

• Proficient computer skills and use of software and/or programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, etc.), Adobe Products (Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign)

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a collaborative team

• Strong interpersonal communication skills; establish and maintain effective working relationships;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• Ability to plan, prioritize and organize assigned work to meet deadlines and demands of workload;

• Ability to work with students who are experiencing significant challenges in their lives;

• Understanding of and commitment to the Grays Harbor College mission, diversity and learning-centered climate.

• Ethics/Integrity: Earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and students through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions.

• Accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Can be relied upon to achieve excellent results with little need for oversight. Effectively handle highly stressful or adverse situations, making good decisions, working calmly and accurately, and helping to calm others.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Applications received before May 8 will receive guaranteed consideration. In addition to the GHC online application, you will need to submit the following materials. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or considered.

• Letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position.

• Resume

• Contact information for 3 professional references.

• Transcripts of all college work completed. Unofficial copies are acceptable, official copies will be required at time of hire.

PROCESS NOTE: Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.