Senior Director for Belonging and Inclusion

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting to the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence, the Senior Director for Belonging and Inclusion will play a pivotal role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at Whitman College. As a senior-level administrator in the Division of Inclusive Excellence, the Senior Director will collaborate closely with campus constituents to cultivate an affirming and welcoming environment through strategic programs and initiatives that educate, engage, and empower members of the campus community.

The Senior Director will serve as a liaison to the Division of Student Life and partner with faculty and staff to expand opportunities for meaningful engagement in the work of the Division of Inclusive Excellence, further advancing inclusion across Whitman College. This position supervises the Directors of Identity and Belonging and provides oversight to the college’s Identity Centers, including the All Faiths Room.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Supervisory Duties

• This role supervises at least one regular staff position.

Primary Responsibilities (50%)

• Coordinate outreach to understand and address climate concerns.


• Establish and sustain ongoing opportunities for education, training, and professional development for the campus community (faculty, staff and students) to advance diversity, equity and inclusion to create a more equitable and inclusive campus community.


• Provide strategic oversight of the annual Power & Privilege Symposium. 


• In collaboration the Vice President, coordinates the Posse Program.


• Assist with the implementation of initiatives related to the strategic goals of the college and division.

Divisional Responsibilities (35%)

• Work closely with the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence to develop and implement an assessment tool to evaluate program effectiveness.


• Oversee Identity Centers and collaborate with directors to ensure the development of robust programming as well as the effective selection and comprehensive training of student workers.


• Develop scholarship that advances inclusive excellence at Whitman College.


• Serve as a formal liaison to Student Life.

Evolving Responsibilities (15%)

• Serve on the Inclusive Excellence Council.


• Participate in professional development conferences to enhance expertise and support ongoing institutional excellence.


• Lead the development of staff affinity groups.  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Actively and positively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access.


• Strong commitment to and demonstrated skills for working with individuals from diverse and intersecting identities, backgrounds, and experiences.


• Strong communication (oral and written) skills, ability to effectively engage and present to a wide variety of constituents, both internally and externally.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate or advanced degree, (Masters, PhD) in a related field.


• 7+ years of proven experience in diversity and inclusion initiatives within higher education.


• Experience collaborating with faculty to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.


• OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience. 

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of proven experience in higher education.


• Prior experience working in diversity or multicultural affairs.


• PhD in Higher Education, Sociology or other related fields.


• Demonstrated experience in data analysis.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position will be required to maintain at least 10 office hours at one of the Identity Centers.


• The Senior Director will be expected to attend events during evenings and on weekends as required.


• Some travel may be required.


• This position is located in Walla Walla, WA, on the Whitman College campus. 

BENEFITS 

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Benefit offerings and eligibility described reflect current offerings and may be subject to change in accordance with College policies and plan documents. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children

Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Relocation assistance for eligible employees. 

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin on April 21, and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

August 2026