Senior Director, Multicultural Practices

I. Purpose 

The Senior Director for Multicultural Practices provides leadership and expertise on issues related to culture, language, identity, disability, and professional practice within the communication sciences and disorders professions. The position exists to advance evidence-informed policy, resources, and professional guidance that support high-quality services and broad access for all populations to the professions and the communities they serve.

II. Key Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic leadership and facilitation for advisory groups and governance activities that advance multicultural practice, professional guidance, and organizational priorities. 


2. Represent ASHA as the liaison and expert consultant on disability-related issues with other professional associations, private, federal and state agencies, coalitions, and consumer and advocacy organizations.


3. Identify and develop documentation of current trends and critical issues related to practice across the full range of communities served by CSD professionals, and issues impacting professionals to provide opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds and identities within the CSD professions.


4. Review, recommend, plan, develop, conduct, and evaluate Association publications, educational programs, and products to ensure appropriate representation of all populations, and to promote service delivery that reflects each person's culture, language, and identity, as well as inclusivity among ASHA members.


5. Build, coach, and develop a high-performing team while fostering innovation, accountability, and continuous learning. 


6. Administer the Association’s field-initiated grant program for projects on multicultural activities in alignment with Association priorities and strategic planning.  


7. Provide expert consultation and technical assistance on state-of-the-art practice and policy information and materials related to individuals from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, to enhance service delivery, quality of care, standards of practice, and professional preparation and development.

III. Position within ASHA 

The Senior Director, Multicultural Practices is part of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and reports to the Chief Staff Officer for Multicultural Affairs. The position provides leadership for the Multicultural Practices team and directly coaches Director-level staff assigned to that function.

IV. Autonomy & Decision Making:

The Senior Director for Multicultural Practices works under the general policy direction of the Chief Staff Officer for Multicultural Affairs and exercises substantial independent judgment in establishing priorities and leading initiatives that advance the Association’s strategic objectives within the scope of assigned responsibilities. The position has broad latitude to recommend strategies, allocate designated resources, manage approved budgets, and develop approaches to complex issues. Decision are made within established organizational policies and are subject to administrative review consistent with ASHA policies and procedures.

V. Qualifications & Skills

Qualifications:

Knowledge typically acquired through:

• Five or more years of successful experience in the practice of audiology, speech-language pathology, or a related area


• Five or more years of successful experience and knowledge specific to a broad range of populations


• Graduate degree in audiology, speech-language pathology, or a related area 


• Current Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA in speech-language pathology or audiology

Skills:

• Clinical knowledge and skills for working with a broad range of populations


• Demonstrated knowledge of pertinent legislation and issues affecting people with disabilities (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act) 


• Demonstrated ability to effectively use technology to support communication, analysis, and execution


• Demonstrated effectiveness in a variety of formal and informal presentation settings on routine and controversial topics


• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and succinctly 


• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with individuals, groups, and stakeholders from a broad range of backgrounds and identities


• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and implement multiple tasks simultaneously and to prioritize effectively


• Demonstrated ability to manage individuals and facilitate teams

VI. Universal Expectations of ASHA Staff

At ASHA, we believe in working together to make well-informed decisions that will advance the association and the discipline of human communication sciences and disorders; teamwork is vital to achieving our mission, vision, and maximizing impact. As committed stewards of the organization, we care deeply about our professions, members, and staff, and building a strong and welcoming community. We strive to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued. We are dedicated to helping each other grow and innovate by encouraging open communication and continual learning. Our focus is on delivering excellent service and value to members, advancing equity, and promoting the power of science and research.  The enduring strength of our work is rooted in community, integrity, and the inclusion of differing perspectives, while collaboratively seeking better solutions.

VII. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

ASHA is an equal opportunity employer.  As such, it is ASHA’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard for race, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation or LGBT status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ASHA's Bylaws. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation and benefits, upward mobility, training and development, access to facilities, termination, and other personnel actions. 

VIII. Disclaimer

This job description reflects the primary responsibilities of the job but is not a detailed description of all duties which may be required of someone in the position. All ASHA staff are expected to take on additional responsibilities from time to time and to help their colleagues.