Student Life Diversity and Inclusion Specialist

Grays Harbor College is accepting applications for a Student Life Diversity & Inclusion Specialist.  This position reports to the Director of Student Life.  This is a full-time, student-fee funded position.  **This position is an 11-month position.  The month off will be negotiated at the time of hire.  

Grays Harbor College has an excellent benefits package to include medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, primary and supplemental retirement programs and long-term disability insurance. Full-time employees will also receive 15.34 hours of vacation leave per month, 8 hours of sick leave per month and 4 personal leave days a year.  Washington state also observes 11 paid holidays per year.  This position at Grays Harbor College has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Grays Harbor College Federation of Teachers, Local 4984.  The union and the college have a collective bargaining agreement (referred to as the contract) that is posted on the GHC website at https://www.ghc.edu/hr/labor-relations

Grays Harbor College serves the communities of Grays Harbor and Pacific counties on the Pacific coast of Washington. Located in Aberdeen, Washington at the base of the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, the College is less than an hour away from scenic Pacific Ocean beaches and close to both the Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks. Grays Harbor provides the perfect landscape to enjoy the abundance of excellent outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, biking, fishing, clam digging, surfing, boating, and various kayak/canoe paddling opportunities.   For more information about working for the college and living in Grays Harbor visit https://www.ghc.edu/hr

Grays Harbor is committed to providing excellent educational opportunities. We prioritize student learning, promote student and faculty success, foster an inclusive environment, manage our resources, and connect with the community. We strive to create a culturally relevant environment on campus and in the community by learning and practicing equity-mindedness and promoting faculty, staff, and student diversity.Program Leadership and Support

• Oversee the operations of the Diversity and Equity Center, ensuring it is a welcoming, inclusive, and resourceful space for all students.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement programs, initiatives, and events that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the campus community.
• Act as the primary advisor for diversity-focused student organizations, providing guidance, training, and support in alignment with institutional values.
• Manage the Center’s physical space, including the inventory and organization of resources, materials, and supplies.
• Supervise, recruit, train, and develop student employees working in the Diversity and Equity Center, fostering leadership and professional growth.
• Collaborate with campus departments, faculty, and community organizations to create partnerships that enhance equity-focused student engagement.

Program Administration

• Coordinate training programs and workshops for GHC and Student Life staff on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics, including allyship, anti-racism, and cultural competency.
• Develop and manage an annual calendar of events for the Diversity and Equity Center, including heritage month celebrations, awareness campaigns, and educational series. Plan and host annual events such as Pride Prom, Día de Muertos, MLK Day of Service and more.
• Maintain and update documentation, procedures, and resources to support the effective operation of the Diversity and Equity Center.
• Monitor program effectiveness through assessments, evaluations, and feedback collection, using results to improve and refine DEC programming.
• Accompany GHC students to local and regional conferences and events, such as the annual Students of Color Conference and the Northwest Regional Equity Conference, to promote learning and leadership development.
• In collaboration with the Student Life team, represent GHC at CUSP (Council for Unions and Student Programs) and MSSDC (Multicultural Student Services Director's Council) meetings.

Student Engagement

• Serve as a campus resource and advocate for students from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds, providing mentorship, support, and connection to services.
• Collaborate with student leaders to empower their voices and integrate their input into the planning and implementation of programs and services.
• Actively promote diversity-focused programs and services through marketing efforts, including social media, newsletters, and campus communications.

Budget and Resource Management

• Oversee budgets associated with the Diversity and Equity Center, including Services and Activities (S&A) Fee allocations.
• Ensure expenditures align with institutional policies and priorities, maintaining accurate records and reports.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities to expand the Center’s programming and resources.
• Prepare and submit Travel Authorizations, Purchase Requisitions, and Purchase Orders for Student Life and the DEC.

Professional Development and Campus Collaboration

• Stay informed on current diversity and inclusion best practices and trends through professional development opportunities.
• Represent the Diversity and Equity Center in college-wide meetings, committees, and events.
• Collaborate with the Student Life team to support large-scale campus events and initiatives, occasionally requiring evening or weekend hours.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with college policies, state and federal regulations, and funding guidelines.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Diversity Studies, Education, Student Affairs, Sociology) or equivalent professional experience.
• 1 year of providing student services in higher education.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Strong understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and their application in a higher education setting.
• Experience in program development, student engagement, and event planning.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations and foster an inclusive environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

In addition to the GHC online Application you will need to submit the following materials. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or considered.     

• Letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position. 
• Resume 
• Diversity statement
• Contact information for 3 professional references. 

Background checks - Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.  Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Grays Harbor College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and Washington State’s Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations.  The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Title II/Section 504 – Erin Tofte, Associate Vice President of Human Resources 
Title IX Coordinator – Ashley Bowie-Gallegos, Dean of Student Services and Enrollment Management
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocrfor the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.

Salary : $54,477