Overview of Position The Assistant Director for Multicultural Student Engagement (ME) is a member of the Office of StudentEngagement & Experiences (SEE) and reports to the Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement. The Assistant Director advances thedepartment's commitment to helping every student find connection, purpose, and belonging at Valparaiso University. Through theinterconnected areas of student identity development, leadership, student organizations, and cultural engagement, the Assistant Directorcreates transformative opportunities that empower students to explore who they are, learn from others, celebrate diverse perspectives, andactively shape their Valpo experience. Guided by the University's mission to lead and serve while building lives for good, this positionfosters an engaged campus community where every student has opportunities to thrive. The Assistant Director collaborates extensivelywith colleagues in the Office of Student Engagement & Experiences, across the Division of Student Life, and campus community partners todevelop programs, leadership initiatives, educational experiences, and campus traditions that strengthen students' sense of belonging andengagement. This position serves as a campus leader in cultivating opportunities that connect students to one another, encourage dialogue,and prepare graduates to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Student Life Mission Statement The Student LifeDivision at Valparaiso University engages proactively in the holistic development of students to help them learn, grow, and strive towardtheir fullest potential within an inclusive and supportive community. Focused specifically on the student experience, the members of theStudent Life staff work to encourage students to be actively engaged in campus life and learning both inside and outside of theclassroom. Position Qualifications and Requirements Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, CollegeStudent Personnel, Student Affairs, Leadership, Counseling, or a related field. Three to five years of progressively responsibleprofessional experience in student engagement, student affairs, multicultural student engagement, leadership development, or relatedareas. Demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity and proven competency in engaging effectively with diverse student populationsand community stakeholders. Direct professional experience advising, coaching, and mentoring student organizations and studentleaders. Highly developed interpersonal, intercultural, and oral and written communication abilities. Comprehensiveunderstanding of student development theory, identity development frameworks, and student privacy standards (including FERPA). Preferred Qualifications and Skills Proven experience recruiting, training, supervising, and mentoring student staffand student ambassadors. Demonstrated expertise in large-scale event management, including campus-wide cultural celebrations,heritage month initiatives, and speaker series. Experience developing and facilitating student leadership curricula and structureddialogue programs. Familiarity with student engagement software platforms, student organization management, and institutionalfinancial/budgetary procedures. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively across divisional lines with faculty, staff, alumni,and external community partners. Capacity to operate independently, solve problems proactively, and prioritize multiple complexassignments simultaneously. Alignment with the mission of a university dedicated to Christian higher education in the Lutherantradition. Position Responsibilities Contribute to Student Engagement Vision & Mission Develop and implement a comprehensive student engagement strategy that advances identity development, belonging, intercultural learning,leadership development, and cultural celebration in alignment with Student Life strategic priorities. Collaborate with Office ofStudent Engagement & Experiences colleagues to ensure Multicultural Student Engagement is integrated throughout the student experience,including New Student Orientation, Welcome Week, leadership development, student organizations, campus traditions, and co-curricularprogramming. Support the University's New Student Orientation experience by assisting with event logistics, supervising orientationleaders, and managing orientation leader training and program coordination in conjunction with Student Engagement & Experiencesstaff. Serve as a good steward of the Multicultural Student Center by supervising student leaders who oversee day-to-day facilityoperations, and collaborate with the Harre Union team to coordinate space utilization, operational planning, and facility needs whileensuring adherence to University policies and procedures. Utilize assessment tools, student feedback, participation metrics, andnational best practices to evaluate initiatives and continuously improve student learning and engagement outcomes. Contribute to theoverall vision, strategic planning, assessment, and daily operations of the Office of Student Engagement & Experiences(SEE). Collaborate across functional areas to support campus-wide engagement initiatives, major university events, and divisionalpriorities. Manage fiscal and budgetary responsibilities for Multicultural Student Engagement accounts and programs. Serveon University committees, divisional workgroups, and institutional task forces that enhance student engagement, retention, andsuccess. Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement. Student Identity Development & Belonging Develop initiatives that empower students to explore, affirm, anddevelop their individual and collective identities through mentorship, structured dialogue, reflection, and experiential leadershipopportunities. Provide individualized advising, coaching, and mentoring to students navigating identity development, leadershipopportunities, and interpersonal challenges. Recruit, supervise, train, and mentor Multicultural Student Engagement Ambassadors,supporting their professional growth and peer leadership capacity. Co-develop and co-facilitate student leadership curricula thatprepare students to lead with empathy, cultural awareness, collaboration, and civic responsibility. Student Organizations &Leadership Development Advise culturally-based student organizations by providing ongoing leadership coaching,organizational development, officer transition training, event planning guidance, and strategic consultation. Advise the StudentLeadership Cultural Council, fostering purposeful collaboration among student organizations, promoting cultural awareness, identifyingopportunities for co-sponsorship, and elevating student voices within the Division of Student Life. Facilitate leadershipdevelopment workshops and training sessions that strengthen student organization capacity, governance, and collaborative campusprogramming. Support student organizations in conceptualizing and executing high-impact cultural programming that enriches campuslife and encourages broad student participation. Assist with broader student organization management by collaborating with theOffice of Student Engagement & Experiences staff on student org event advising, financial paperwork, budget reconciliation, and dedicatedoffice hours to support student organization success. Student Programming & Cultural Engagement Lead thestrategic planning, coordination, and execution of campus-wide cultural celebrations, heritage and awareness month initiatives, educationalworkshops, keynote speakers, performances, and community-wide engagement opportunities. Facilitate dialogue experiences andcommunity conversations that strengthen campus relationships, encourage thoughtful intergroup discussion, and foster a culture of respect,inclusion, and belonging. Build and sustain collaborative partnerships with faculty, staff, academic departments, studentorganizations, alumni, and local community organizations to expand educational opportunities and deepen student engagement. All application materials should be addressed to Mr. Thomas Arce, Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement. The review ofapplications will begin on Monday, October 5, 2026 . To ensure full consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume/vitamaterials, and the names of three references to Thomas. Arce@valpo.edu no laterthan Friday, October 2, 2026 . Please contact Thomas. Arce@valpo.edu with anyquestions.