Manager of LGBTQ+ Affairs

About Sacred Heart University:

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University's nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent's College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges-2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools-2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

View SHU's Faculty Experts Here

Job Description:

Reporting to the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, the purpose of this position is to provide vision and strategic leadership for LGBTQ initiatives and support for students, faculty, staff, etc. The manager serves as a resource for the university community by supporting and affirming every person inclusive of their sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, gender expression, etc.

This position works within the mission of the Office for Inclusive Excellence (OIE) to provide diverse services for the LGBTQ community in a safe, affirming, and welcoming environment.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advance the mission of the Sexuality and Gender Equity (SAGE) Center by providing departmental leadership, management, and oversight, setting and guiding the overall vision and strategic direction for the Center and staff, and supporting students, faculty, staff, and the local community on topics related to sexual, romantic, and gender identity.
• Lead in developing and implementing strategic initiatives and support for the SHU LGBTQ community
• Provide a comprehensive range of advocacy, education, information, and referrals for LGBT identified individuals and student groups.
• Provide central leadership to the LGBTQ Steering Committee
• Collaborate with and support LGBTQ student clubs and organizations, such as Gender and Sexuality Alliance and PRIDE
• Identify areas for ally development along with campus awareness and learning on issues concerning LGBTQ populations
• Provide central organization for SHU Safe Space/Safe Zone training and development, in collaboration with the Director of Inclusive Excellence Education and workshop facilitators
• Serve on the Inclusive Excellence Advisory Council
• Lead efforts to provide dynamic learning activities, programs, and dialogues that engage diverse perspectives and foster shared understanding, in collaboration with students, student organizations, and campus and community stakeholders
• Collaborate with Multicultural Affairs team on intersectional support and initiatives
• Collaborate across the institution and local community to ensure LGBTQ Inclusive Excellence in policies and procedures, including a strategic partnership with the Director of Institutional Equity Compliance and Support.
• Collaborate with college DEIB leads
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

May require some nights and weekends

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS NEEDED:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree
• At least 2-3 years of progressive experience in work related to LGBTQ , identity development, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, or related work experience
• Knowledge, understanding and sensitivity to the concerns and issues facing the LGBTQ community and the intersection of other identities
• Experiences in advancing diversity, social justice education, ally development, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills including supervision, budget management, student advising, student learning, and program development
• Proven ability to build alliances and partner with stakeholders to promote student success
• Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to challenging student and community issues including skills to lead difficult conversations and dialogues across difference
• Excellent communication skills

Additional Information:

Statement of Personal & Organizational Responsibility for Inclusive Excellence

Inclusive Excellence is the recognition that our institution's success is dependent on how well we value, engage, and include the rich diversity of students, staff, faculty, administrators, alums, and surrounding community. It is a mastery of inclusion that fosters a consistent sense of belonging. Inclusive Excellence is aspirational and is the pillar that guides the mission, vision, and function of this unit.

To achieve Inclusive Excellence, our personal and organizational responsibilities are to:

• Actively promote a collegial environment and consciously apply our mission and values to create a culture of inclusion and belonging; a safe space where all may thrive and succeed.
• Participate in educational and developmental activities to increase awareness and competencies of issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; apply that understanding to guide your approach to all aspects of your job and the community as a whole.
• Demonstrate that we are "Stronger Together" as described in the Office for Inclusive Excellence statements.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online, faxes and emails will not be accepted. A cover letter is appreciated.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.