South Dakota State University Office of Multicultural Affairs is offering an exciting career opportunity as a Multicultural Latino/a Retention Advisor. This position is part of the Student Affairs Division, which is committed to maintaining a campus environment that encourages and values multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, progressive program dedicated to the continuing multicultural awareness and education on campus.

This position will provide support to underrepresented students with an emphasis on Latino/a student population; coordinate multicultural programming and serve as retention specialist to assist with the retention of underrepresented student groups; initiate and implement educational programs concerning multicultural issues. South Dakota State University currently has over 250 Latino/a students.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

This is a 12 month, full-time, benefit-eligible position. This position is supervised by the Director of Multicultural Affairs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Implement early intervention retention strategies including academic monitoring and collaborating with academic departments/advisors for students’ success.
2. Provide supplemental academic advising for Latino/a students utilizing ConnectState to track academic progress.
3. Serve as retention specialist for Latino/a students and provide overall support for the SDSU Student Success Model.
4. Provide training to cultural student organizations on topics such as program planning, leadership development, heritage celebration, diversity, etc.
5. Provide students with personal, social, cultural, leadership, and academic growth.
6. Participate in New Student Orientation to provide support to underrepresented students.
7. Advise the Latin American Students Association cultural organization.
8. Coordinate Latino/a Heritage Month Celebration, Latin Dance Workshops, Latino Speaker Series, multicultural educational, and diversity programs celebrating heritage and culture.
9. Serve as an advocate for underrepresented student concerns and issues.
10. Provide leadership and support to the Multicultural Center Advisory Committee.
11. Responsible for evening and weekend programs and meetings with Latin American Students Association cultural organization.
12. Fulfill other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master’s Degree and one-year of related experience including Graduate Assistantships or Bachelor’s Degree and three years of experience by start date;
• Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff;
• Effective human relation skills;
• Effective communication skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences;
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to work as a contributing team member;
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs;
• Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs;
• Valid driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Understanding of issues facing underrepresented students in higher education;
• Programming;
• Knowledge of recruitment and retention initiatives and program assessment;
• Ability to apply student development theory, supervise, and enforce policies;
• Basic computer/website skills.

BENEFITS:
South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment.

It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Ranked as the No. 2 best place to work in South Dakota by Forbes, South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students.

SDSU offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation, and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of the university is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

SDSU was recognized as one of 54 institutions in the United States as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities in 2014. The university’s total research expenditures are greater than $60 million. SDSU is the state’s first High Research Activity institution as classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Livability.com rates Brookings as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees. It considers Brookings among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.

The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school and a high school.

The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center, and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

South Dakota State University is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. SDSU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other protected class in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

We are committed to diversity of community and ideas. We believe in a supportive, diverse, collaborative, and cohesive environment with a focus on access. We actively seek collaboration with individuals with differing perspectives, backgrounds, and areas of expertise.

For questions on the position, contact Kendra Eichten at 605-688-5585 or Kendra.Eichten@sdstate.edu.