The University Student Union, as the heart of campus, uplifts and empowers students to achieve educational, personal and professional goals by providing leadership development, meaningful employment, and innovative programs, services and facilities. We promote equity, inclusion and well-being, while encouraging social justice advocacy to help Matadors feel heard, respected and connected to CSUN. Our facilities include a University Student Union and a 138,000 square foot Student Recreation Center (SRC). The SRC is a facility for exercise and leisure activity that promotes lifelong health and wellness.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
One of the largest universities in the country, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is an urban, comprehensive university that delivers award-winning undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 40,000 students annually and counts more than 330,000 alumni who elevate Southern California and beyond. Since its founding in 1958, CSUN has made a significant and long-term economic impact on California, generating nearly $1.9 billion in economic impact and more than 11,700 jobs each year. The LAEDC recognized CSUN as its 2015 Eddy Award winner for its positive economic impact. Serving more students on Pell Grants than any other institution in California, CSUN is also a social elevator and one of the most diverse universities in the country. CSUN ranks 13th in awarding bachelor’s degrees to underrepresented minority students and seventh in bachelor’s degrees to Latino students, serves the 13th largest Jewish student population, and enrolls the largest number of students who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing of any U.S. state university. The journal Nature recently named CSUN a Rising Star for scientific research, and the NSF ranks CSUN in the top five nationally among similar institutions for graduates who go on to earn doctorates in the sciences. CSUN is where individuals rise. And through them, so does Greater Los Angeles and beyond.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the guidance of the Associate Executive Director, Equity, Programs & Leadership, the Assistant Director, Equity & Diversity Initiatives is responsible for overseeing the social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (J.E.D.I) initiatives for the University Student Union (USU). The Assistant Director plans, develops implements and evaluates USU co-curricular programs and events focused on equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice advocacy and is also responsible for developing and overseeing a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion training program for employees and the USU Board of Directors. The Assistant Director also works closely with campus departments, faculty and staff to support collaborative and more broad-based J.E.D.I. efforts and trainings. The position supervises the Coordinator, Equity & Diversity Initiatives and indirectly supervises the Equity & Diversity Initiatives Supervisor and part-time student employees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Advise USU management team regarding diversity, inclusion, oppression, privilege and its impact on USU operations and CSUN students;
Advocate for equity minded practices, policies and programs;
Formulate and recommend University Student Union policies, procedures and practices related to diversity, equity and inclusion, as requested;
Serve as a member of the USU’s response team for activism/protests;
Work in collaboration with the Associate Executive Director and Assistant Director, Resource Centers and as part of the Rise Center project, to assess the viability of affinity-based centers/or community spaces that support specialized student populations
Provide resources to the CSUN community regarding J.E.D.I. principles, practices, programs through an equity-minded approach;
Serve as a member of the USU Internal Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Work Team in providing guidance on creating an inclusive workplace experience for USU employees, Board members and volunteers of the USU;
Oversee and assess the University Student Union’s social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (J.E.D.I) initiatives including strategic planning, student development, programs, services, facilities and advocacy;
Train, and supervise the work of one (1), full-time Coordinator, Equity & Diversity Initiatives and indirectly supervise (1), full-time Equity & Diversity Initiatives Supervisor and part-time student assistant employees, monitor performance; generate evaluations; and execute disciplinary action;
Train, and supervise the work of Master of Social Work interns as needed;
Develop, implement and monitor the Diversity & Inclusion department annual operating budget; monitor AMEX account and create monthly reports;
Oversee the development and execution of contracting, including the Independent Contracting Request process,
Work collaboratively with the Assistant Director, Resource Centers on administering the Justice Scholarship program for identified student communities,
Serve as back-up Executive Secretary for the BOD Diversity & Inclusion Committee;
Oversee the planning, development implementation, and evaluation of both in-person, virtual and hybrid J.E.D.I programs that build awareness and foster understanding among members of the campus community;
Oversee the University Student Union’s J.E.D.I training for USU staff, student assistant employees, BOD members and BOD committee members;
Collaborate on the development and execution of the Multicultural Speaker series, Anti-Racist Learning Network, and the Black Chat program outlined in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion grant;
Consult and collaborate with CSUN’s Chief Diversity Officer, the Vice President for Student Success, and the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Equity and Inclusion on J.E.D.I related training initiatives, programs and resource development for members of the CSUN community.
Create connection opportunities with student organizations to identify how to best support and develop J.E.D.I programming that creates a welcoming campus environment;
Work collaboratively with the DREAM Center, Pride Center, Women’s Research & Resource Center, Veterans Resource Center, Glenn Omatsu House, Chicano House, Black House, La Casita, Hillel, Ethnic Studies departments, and current and future identity and constituency-based resource centers to develop intersectional programming focused on social justice and inclusion;
Perform other related duties as assigned;
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, ethnic studies, social work, psychology, education, or related field.
Experience:
Equivalent to a minimum of five years of professional experience in higher education with an emphasis in social justice, diversity, inclusion and equity, student unions, student activities or student development including implementation of programs, training and supervision of staff, student employees and/or volunteers.
Special Requirements:
Not Applicable.
Preferred Qualifications:
Valid California Driver’s License
Master’s degree in student affairs/higher education, ethnic studies, sociology, or the equivalent;
Professional experience working with diverse group of students.
Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:
Strong oral and written English communication skills
Computer and Microsoft suite experience including Outlook, Word and Excel;
Ability to formulate assessment instruments that garner usable data, interpret data, draw conclusions and report finding
Grant-writing and ability to secure sponsorships
Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of student development
Demonstrated commitment to valuing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Knowledge of and commitment to social justice initiatives and advocacy and how to operationalize these principles in areas of responsibility
Knowledge of and experience in program planning, marketing, implementation, and assessment
Knowledge of and skill in budgeting and fiscal management
Instruct, train and supervise the work of student employees and staff
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with student organizations, campus departments, and private and public agencies
Effectively navigate campus politics
Develop and conduct workshops and training programs
Achieve assigned objectives, within budget and desired time frame
Analyze and solve problems, draw valid conclusions, and develop alternate recommendations
Work with an ethnically diverse and culturally pluralistic student population and staff
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is generally performed in a temperature-controlled office environment. Work is occasionally performed in outdoor performance spaces or at off-site entertainment venues. Regular public contact required. Some evening and weekend work required. Must be able to lift 25 pounds of programming/training materials unassisted. Ability to handle multiple tasks, adhere to deadlines and work under pressure required.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
The position supervises the Coordinator, Equity & Diversity Initiatives and indirectly supervises the Equity & Diversity Initiatives Supervisor and part-time student assistant employees.
PAY, BENEFITS AND WORK SCHEDULE:
This position is employed through the University Student Union (USU). The USU offers an excellent benefits package.
The anticipated hiring range will be as follows and is dependent on experience and qualifications:
Annually:$ 78,000 - $ 87,000
The salary range of the position is as follows:
Minimum (Annually): $ 60,264
Maximum (Annually): $ 108,996
HOURS: Full-Time; FLSA Exempt; may include early mornings, late evenings and weekends.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The University Student Union (USU) at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is proud to operate on the CSUN campus. As part of the campus community, the USU follows California State University (CSU) policy that requires all faculty, staff and students who are accessing campus facilities at any university location to be vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19. The policy does allow for medical or religious exemption from the vaccination requirement. The USU will require all of its employees, current or new, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or present a medical or religious exemption and any appropriate back up documentation.
APPLICATION PERIOD
Applications received through March 31, 2023 will be considered in the initial review and review of applications will continue until position is filled.
In order to be considered in the initial review, applications must be submitted prior to the date listed above. Application submissions received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the USU.
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates should apply by completing the on-line application. To submit an application and for more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit this link: www.csun.edu/careers
BACKGROUND CHECK
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the status of candidates who apply for the position.
