kaku-ixt mana ina haws Center Director

Summary:

Diversity & Cultural Engagement (DCE), a department within the Division of Student Affairs, serves as a connecting hub for identity-affirming community and belonging for students at Oregon State University (OSU). Reporting to the Director of DCE, the kaku-ixt mana ina haws Center Director provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the kaku-ixt mana ina haws (kimih/ina haws). One of seven cultural resource centers at Oregon State University, ina haws focuses on Indigenous people of the Americas and Pacific Islands. The Center Director is responsible for cultivating an inclusive, welcoming, and affirming environment where Indigenous identities, cultures, sovereignty, and histories are honored and celebrated and all students are welcome and invited to participate and learn. This role is central to fostering student belonging, academic success, and holistic well-being by providing culturally relevant programs, advocacy, and support services.

The Center Director oversees the daily operations of the center, including student staff supervision, budget management, programming, and community engagement. They serve as a collaborator in building connections between students, campus partners, Tribal nations, and community partners to expand opportunities for Indigenous students and enhance institutional awareness and accountability. By aligning ina haws initiatives with Diversity & Cultural Engagement (DCE) and OSU’s broader strategic priorities, and the Office of Institutional Diversity’s Diversity Action Plan the Center Director plays a key role in advancing access, retention, and graduation outcomes with a focus on Indigenous and other minoritized and underserved students.

Qualifications:

If you’re unsure if you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply!

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the position (i.e. Ethnic Studies, Cultural Studies, Education, Social Sciences)

Four or more years of experience… in a higher education setting with a focus on a combination of the following: academic support, leadership development, community engagement, programming or developing diversity/social justice focused educational programs. -OR- related professional experience working with college students in Tribal communities or Indigenous focused organizations.

Demonstrated experience with mentoring, advising, and/or supervision.

Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to principles and practices of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and awareness of identity development, community needs, or student success strategies for Indigenous peoples of the Americas and/or Pacific Islands

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to work with Indigenous peoples of the Americas and/or Pacific Islands across multiple intersecting dimensions of difference such as gender, race, ethnicity, ability and sexuality.

Demonstrated experience with managing multiple and complex projects.

Demonstrated experience implementing strong written and oral communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage complex situations (e.g. crisis management, care work, and bias-related incidents).

Experience initiating and nurturing relationships with multiple stakeholders.

Demonstrated experience with budget management.

Preferred:

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Ethnic Studies, Cultural Studies, Indigenous Studies, Counseling, or related field of study

2 or more years of direct experience working with cultural resource centers, multicultural programming, or identity-focused student support services in a higher education setting.

Demonstrated experience working with student organizations.

Demonstrated experience designing and facilitating workshops, trainings, or dialogues on topics related to social justice, identity development, cultural knowledge, community building, or leadership.

Knowledge of assessment and program evaluation strategies.

Demonstrated experience working in collaboration with a broad range of campus and community stakeholders.

Cultural Resource Center Leadership – 70%

Create and sustain a welcoming Indigenous-centered environment that fosters belonging, cultural connections, student development, community care, and visibility for Indigenous students and communities at OSU.

Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and supervision to student staff (~10), including hiring, training, evaluation, and professional development. This includes navigating student employment policies, facilitating 1:1 and group staff meetings, assigning work, maintaining clear expectations, and providing consistent growth-oriented feedback.

Oversee administrative and financial operations, including budget management, purchasing and reconciliation, facilities oversight, space reservations, risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and compliance with institutional policies and procedures including federal laws such as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

Advance kimih programming and initiatives that affirm Indigenous identities, histories, and sovereignty. Ensure programming is student-centered and aligned with both DCE, divisional and institutional strategic goals.

Navigate and manage crisis situations, conflict resolution, and conduct issues for students, including timely intervention, culturally informed resource referrals, and upholding university community standards.

Develop, manage, and sustain partnerships with key OSU departments and programs focused on support of Indigenous students and communities. This includes collaboration with affinity student organizations, Tribal liaisons, regional and national Indigenous networks, and cross-campus initiatives as well supporting campus efforts to strengthen relationships with local Tribes.

Support the intentional inclusion of local Tribal protocols and practices, as appropriate, in the use and stewardship of the center and cultural items.

Facilitate connections and referrals for students to support meaningful engagement with the OSU community including increased access to academic, personal, and cultural resources that strengthen student experience, retention, and well-being. 

Departmental Administration – 20% Contribute to advancing DCE’s strategic goals by engaging in continuous learning, improvement, and culturally responsive practices. 
Lead and implement departmental subcommittee work in areas such as:

Outreach & Engagement: Develop strategies to build collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.

Staff Development: Support shared professional learning, training, and capacity building.

DCE Recruitment & Hiring: Develop and refine processes to recruit, hire, and retain student staff. 

Assessment: Design and implement assessment measures to evaluate and improve CRC programming, employment, and community impact. 
Actively participate in weekly DCE staff meetings to: 

Strengthen departmental relationships and interdependence.

Strategize and consult on student needs, programming, and operations.

Advance departmental projects and initiatives.

Share updates and insights from committee and subcommittee work, service contributions and campus announcements.
Represent DCE on institutional committees, commissions, and workgroups (e.g., President’s Commissions, Care Team, Bias Response Team) and at institutional events.
Provide educational and cultural resources to stakeholders through presentations, workshops, trainings, and collaborations that highlight Indigenous knowledge, histories, and perspectives.
Other Duties as Assigned – 10%

Coordinate and manage special projects assigned by DCE leadership, ensuring alignment with department goals and institutional strategic priorities. 

Engage in ongoing professional development, including Indigenous leadership training, higher education policy development, cultural competency education, and learning related to Oregon’s Tribes and Tribal communities.

Serve as a visible campus and community representative of the kimih, demonstrating leadership, accountability, and care in all aspects of the role.

$65,000-$70,000 annually