Director for Intercultural Programs & Initiatives Position Available In Ontario, New York

Director for Intercultural Programs & Initiatives 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars Geneva, NY 14456 Hobart William Smith Colleges Location Geneva, NY Open Date Jun 24, 2025 Description The Director of Intercultural Programs and Initiatives (the Director), as a member of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI), works to foster an inclusive and culturally dynamic campus community. The Director facilitates meaningful connections among students and student organizations across lines of identity and experience and promotes the value of inclusive excellence throughout the institution. The Director serves as an advocate for students from communities that have been historically underrepresented in higher education, helping to build a strong sense of community and belonging through mentorship, programs, and outreach. The Director also leads initiatives that support first-generation college students and oversee the LGBTQIA+ Resource Center, ensuring it serves as a vibrant, supportive, and educational hub for students. In this role, the Director partners with stakeholders in the Geneva community and across campus and engages directly with all cultural and identity-based student groups (e.g., Sankofa, Caribbean Student Association, Latin American Student Organization, Pride, etc.). Reporting to the VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the Alger Adams Intercultural Center (AIC). The AIC serves as a central gathering space and resource hub dedicated to celebrating cultural richness and supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences. It also serves as a welcoming space for broader community engagement. Key collaborators include, but not limited to, International Student Success (ISS), the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL), the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), the Office for Spiritual Engagement, and the Salisbury Center for Career Services and Experiential Learning. This is a full-time, on-site position requiring availability for evening programming. In addition to student mentorship and staff supervision, the Director is responsible for program development, event planning, and campus engagement. The Director will also supervise undergraduate student staff, a Graduate Assistant and the Assistant Director for Intercultural Programs and Initiatives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Interaction and Support (45%)

• Offer mentorship and individualized support to students through both scheduled meetings and informal engagement.
• Assist students in navigating the college environment with an understanding of varied social, cultural, and economic experiences.
• Serve as a key resource to student organizations focused on cultural identity, inclusion, and social impact.
• Provide oversight and strategic direction for the LGBTQIA+ Resource Center, including programming, visibility, and support services.
• Design and implement strategies to enhance student access to campus resources, leadership opportunities, and intercultural learning.
• Provide targeted outreach and support for first-generation college students, including individual guidance and cohort-building opportunities. Program Engagement (40%)
• Plan and implement educational and community-building programs that advance dialogue and learning related to diversity, equity, and belonging.
• Develop, lead and promote initiatives supporting first-generation students.
• Ensure the AIC, RC, and LGBTQIA+ Resource Center are prepared to host events, panels, and conversations organized by students or campus partners.
• Promote the visibility, mission, and impact of the AIC and LGBTQIA+ Resource Center through programming and social media.
• Work with the VP to assess student needs and offer responsive, relevant programming and resources. Other Responsibilities (15%)
• Build relationships with student leaders for cultural clubs and identity-based student groups to foster engagement and leadership development.
• Work with the VP to develop programming aligned with institutional priorities.
• Represents ODEI in campus and community settings.
• Serve as a liaison to local organizations and external partners.
• Reflect and promote the institution’s mission and values in all efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

OTHER INFORMATION

This position description is not all-inclusive; other responsibilities may be assigned. Annual salary is $75,000. Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to build strong working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Demonstrated success working in collaborative, mission-driven environments.
• 3-5 years of full-time experience in higher education, preferably in roles supporting student development, inclusion, or identity-based programming.
• Demonstrated intercultural awareness and experience supporting students from diverse personal and educational backgrounds.
• Strong commitment to supporting first-generation students and LGBTQIA+ communities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution of higher education.
• 5-7 years of full-time experience in higher education, preferably in roles supporting student development, inclusion, or identity-based programming.
• Experience supervising student workers.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets.
• First-hand knowledge of the residential liberal arts college experience.
• Experience working with diverse student populations, including first-generation, LGBTQIA+, and culturally diverse students 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.