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The Student Belonging and Leadership Manager will work closely with the student affairs team to develop and implement a range of programs designed to cultivate an inclusive and supportive campus climate for students. This position will collaboratively lead activities that foster mutual understanding with and among under-served and minoritized communities (such as, but not limited, to: Latinx, Black/African American, LGBTQ+, Undocumented, HOPE Scholars, First-Generation, and Gender-diverse student communities). The Manager will also design and implement leadership programs with the intent of growing student engagement in leadership development.

Essential Responsibilities:

Student Belonging Programs:

• Partner with the ED on the co-creation, implementation and assessment of programs, initiatives, spaces and resources that build a vibrant culture of belonging for the NLU student population that advance the mission of the institution as it relates to student engagement.
• In collaboration with relevant university partners, lead the development, planning and execution a robust calendar of educational programs for students aimed at building culture of belonging.
• Co-create, implement and assess structures aimed at increasing participation of students from minoritized backgrounds and student groups.
• Design, publish and maintain the DEB website as a central hub for building awareness of and showcasing DEB work at NLU
• Collaborate with the Executive Director in utilizing best practices and academic literature to lead and engage NLU students in DEB related training and student development initiatives.
• Provide expertise for the effective integration of learning objectives in co-curricular initiatives that are culturally responsive and impact student engagement and belonging.
• Measure and monitor the impact of programming for all student belonging efforts across the university and recommend potential improvements.
• Develop new and enhance current periodic reports outlining the progress, barriers, and proposed improvements in implementing programs that foster a sense of belonging for all students.

Undocumented Students:

• Serve as one of the university’s primary undocumented student liaisons. 
• Coordinate the provision of more focused and enhanced campus resources and services to undocumented students to support their enrollment, retention, and completion.
• Implements strategies to ensure undocumented students receive needed assistance in navigating financial aid challenges and accessing resources including academic and career counseling, in collaboration with campus staff.
• Lead campus awareness and training to develop faculty, staff and students in supporting undocumented students.
• Stay informed about current legislation and policy changes affecting undocumented students through professional development with the Illinois Dream Fund Commission and other related organizations. 
• Advocate for the review and adaptation of policies and procedures that directly impact undocumented and mixed status students in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Build and maintain internal and external community networks and actively participate in collegiate networks with other undocumented student liaisons, to ensure a safe and supportive educational environment for undocumented students.

Student Leadership Programs:

• Coordinate and manage institutional programs supporting student leadership development, including Golden Eagle Leaders and the annual facilitation of NLU's Social Justice Institute.
• Serve as institutional advisor for the University’s chapter of National Society of Leadership and Success.

Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s Degree, required, Master’s Degree preferred in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, Student Affairs, or Related Area.
• 1-3 years of previous experience in higher education required.
• 1-3 years of experience leading diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging programs, events, and/or initiatives.
• 1-3 years of experience interacting and working with students and employees from diverse backgrounds.
• Conflict Resolution: Takes actions that resolve conflicts in a manner that is best for both the organization and the individuals involved. Addresses complaints and problems quickly and effectively, keeps all parties informed of the status of any negotiations required, encourages employees to report problems or concerns and negotiates outcomes that are viewed as fair and even-handed.
• Building Trust: Builds and maintains trust with members of his or her team, as well as with stakeholders outside the team. Accomplishes this through open and honest communications and by following through on all commitments made. Has earned the respect of team members and other stakeholders.
• Initiative: Recognizes opportunities and initiates actions to capitalize on them. Looks for new and productive ways to make an impact. Demonstrates this characteristic when it comes to generating new ideas or processes, capitalizing on new business opportunities, seeking out and taking on increasing responsibility or resolving problems as they occur. Uses sound judgment about when to take action and when to seek guidance or permission. This is in contrast to those who fail to notice opportunities, wait to be asked or instructed before taking action, seldom offer new ideas or express reservations about taking on additional responsibilities.