Director of the McClain Center

Company Description:

In surveying the grounds of what is now Wittenberg University, the Rev. Ezra Keller, the college's first president and founder, remarked: "This is a lovely spot for a literary institution." Today, that lovely spot encompasses more than 100 acres of rolling hills and hollows in southwestern Ohio, with architecturally distinctive structures that embrace Wittenberg's past and provide a beautiful backdrop to the teaching excellence and Lutheran-affiliated learning environment that has defined Wittenberg University since its founding in 1845. Nationally recognized for accessible professors, engaging classroom experiences, service opportunities, and valued athletics traditions, Wittenberg is home to 1,200 students, 30 majors, 3 graduate programs, a wealth of pre-professional and cooperative programs, and 25 varsity sports.

Wittenberg University is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive employee benefits package that attracts and retains talent to further the university's mission and contributes to the personal and financial well-being of employees and their families. From healthcare to our tuition benefit to vacation and holidays, our goal is to help our employees enjoy happy and healthy lifestyles, while maintaining a good work-life balance. Click here to learn more about Wittenberg's employee benefits.

Job Description:

The Director of the McClain Center is primarily responsible for creating a welcoming environment where students feel accepted, valued, and connected. The Director will demonstrate skill in developing and implementing opportunities for student dialogue and co-curricular learning experiences. The Director will demonstrate a strong knowledge of campus climate concerns within undergraduate student communities and is responsible for providing a comprehensive range of advocacy, education, and referrals for students. The Director will provide individual support to students in their social, leadership, and identity development. This is a full-time, exempt-level position reporting to the Vice President and Dean of Student Engagement.

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

General

• Provide individual support (including referrals) to students in their social, leadership, and identity development. Provide advocacy and support for students on campus issues and bias incidents.
• Develop and implement learning opportunities and education projects following campus incidents.
• Serve student cross-functional work teams and committees including but not limited to Homecoming Committee; Welcome Week Committee; and other student success and programming committees.

Advising

• Work closely with intercultural student organizations to encourage sharing experiences, exchanging information, fostering connections, and creating affinity and campus pride; develop strong advisory and mentoring relationships with student leaders.
• Apply student and leadership development theories to inform practices.

Program Development, Facilitation & Implementation

• Plan, implement and lead programs and activities to increase student connection, dialogue, and discovery.
• Plan and implement programs that increase student exposure to co-curricular learning experiences, including but not limited to a McClain-sponsored FIRE Week experience.
• Develop and implement programs and activities geared toward successful college transitions and adjustments, including but not limited to WITT Connected.
• Develop and coordinate mentorship opportunities that facilitate student interactions and enhance student socialization and relationships.

Facility Operations

• Collaborate and work with Facilities Management and contracted staff to handle building concerns and maintenance for the McClain Center.
• Collaborate with Campus Safety to ensure the security of the McClain Center.
• Monitor and maintain use of space for the McClain Center.

Supervision

• Hire, train, and provide day-to-day supervision of 10-15 undergraduate student workers.

Perform other relevant duties as assigned such as special projects, ad-hoc committees, and collaborations that meet the goals of the McClain Center.

Requirements:

Requirements include:

• A bachelor's degree with 3-5 years of progressive experience working in higher education or relevant work experience with student engagement and advising is required.
• A master's degree in business, student affairs/higher education is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, judgment, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work with a variety of constituents, solve problems quickly and professionally, anticipate needs, and communicate proactively.
• Ability to have a positive outlook and see the best in others.
• Must be committed to student success and have the ability to demonstrate knowledge of challenges to student success in liberal arts education.
• Ability to articulate an understanding of the unique needs of students choosing liberal arts education.
• Belief in the fundamental value of a residential, liberal arts education and its application to life after college.
• Competency and experience using Microsoft Office software, specifically proficient in the use of Excel, Publisher, Outlook, and PowerPoint with the ability and desire to learn additional software applications as necessary.
• Night and weekend work will be required depending on campus events and needs.
• Frequently utilizes computer for extended periods (up to 50% of the work day).
• Frequently move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds (with assistance) for various event and activity needs.

Additional Information:

Wittenberg is committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals who collectively reflect the diversity of our student body and society at-large. Please see our notice of nondiscrimination housed on our website.

Wittenberg University is committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct in our campus community. Click here to view our Title IX policies .

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as participate in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment.

Employment at Wittenberg University is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).

For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas. Wittenberg University participates in E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the U.S.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled.

To apply, please set-up an account in our online recruiting system and upload the following documents in MS Word or Adobe Acrobat format.

1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. Name, relationship, and contact information of three professional references.

Applicants who require accommodation during any stage of the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (937) 327-7517 or email [email protected] .