Multicultural Life Student Specialist

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Summary of Position 

The Multicultural Life Student Specialist supports the Multicultural Life office by working to leverage strategic University relationships to create a network of support and opportunities that further empowers students to fully achieve their academic, interpersonal, and professional goals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and coordinate programs and services that empower students to persist and graduate, develop and strengthen self-advocacy and leadership skills, and contribute to the advancement of the communities of which they are a part.   
• Establish, maintain, and foster strategic partnerships with key departments, offices, individuals, and community organizations to support success efforts for students.
• Work collaboratively with campus partners to devise, execute, and assess retention-based programs, policies, and goals for students.
• Design and conduct presentations across the University community in order to achieve the department and University missions.
• Gather and analyze data in order to assess the overall needs of students (i.e. to establish learning outcomes for programs and services; to highlight student learning, engagement, and progress; to improve graduation rates; to demonstrate evidence of student needs, etc.). 
• Support the leadership and success of student organizations in collaboration with Campus Life.
• Rotate service as first-interviewer for reports that come through the Discrimination and Bias Reporting System.
• Plan, promote, and serve as staff chaperone for programs, retreats, celebrations, etc. within the department necessary.
• Recruit and select students to receive scholarships designated for students.
• Co-manage the Oyate Commons University space and student work study employee(s)

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve on University-wide, divisional, and departmental committees as appropriate.
• Serve as a community liaison through outreach opportunities, networking, recruitment, and mutually beneficial relationships for the University.
• Manage budget aspects associated with student services.
• All other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical work environment is an office. Sedentary work for long periods of time.
• Regular phone and computer use.
• Occasional driving; must maintain current driver’s license.
• Long or irregular hours with occasional travel. 
• Intense work environment related to working with students facing personal difficulties; will have a heavier workload during the academic year.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three (3) years of professional experience required working with students (may include graduate school assistantships and/or experience equal to three years). 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of and skill working with a variety of student communities.  
• Knowledge of identity development frameworks for related training and programming.
• Ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to lead, facilitate, and mentor others in individual and group settings
• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment.
• Knowledge and skills in advising students including the ability to apply good judgment and discretion, demonstrate patience and understanding (especially in confidential, sensitive, and/or crises in accordance with University policies and procedures).
• Ability to show initiative; organize workflow; manage one or more projects at a time; and handle frequent interruptions. 
• Ability to be attentive to details, to be accurate, and to be precise.
• Ability to learn and use a broad range of computer skills, software, and database programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced education equivalent to a Master’s degree or specialist certification.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in higher education.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Compensation & Benefits at Augsburg

• The compensation range is $48,000 - $59,000, DOQ.

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including: 

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility
• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US
• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire
• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Equal Opportunity Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.  

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: [email protected].