Manager of Student Equity Initiatives

Western Technical College is a preferred employer in the 7 Rivers Region and is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for all co-workers. As an open-access institution, we proudly serve learners from all walks of life, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and lived experiences enrich our community and strengthen our mission. We are committed to creating a sense of belonging where everyone feels empowered to be themselves and supported in their personal and professional growth. This means actively identifying and removing barriers to opportunity and providing pathways to social and economic advancement. Western is deeply connected to the communities we serve, and we believe in the power of education to drive positive change. We seek individuals who are passionate about teaching and learning, dedicated to student success, and eager to collaborate in building a more vibrant, equitable community. If you share these values and are ready to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this opportunity at Western.

Summary of Position: This position provides leadership through the Student Life, Equity, and Engagement (SLEE) Division to advance student equity and belonging. It is responsible for coordinating the planning, management, and supervision of staff, programs, budgets, and services offered through The Student Place for Action, Culture, and Empowerment (The SPACE). In addition to overseeing The SPACE, the role supervises select student equity programs-including support services and initiatives for students with children-and co-leads college-wide efforts that support new students, such as orientation, resource block party, and bridge programs. The position collaborates across campus to co-create and implement initiatives that address institutional performance gaps, affirm student identities, and foster inclusive, culturally responsive experiences. It also advocates for equitable treatment of students, responds to student concerns, and supports a campus climate that is respectful, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

This is a hybrid eligible position that would allow for 1-2 days a week working from home after the training period.

1. Maintain and uphold the College values of Learning, Excellence, Accountability, Diversity, Student Success, Teamwork, Integrity, and Respect. Regular attendance is required.

2. Complete all required College training and responsible for maintaining the skills necessary to complete the essential functions of the position as defined by the department. Perform other duties as assigned.

3. Student Success is the cornerstone of Western's culture, and the college may assign employees as needed to other areas or additional duties to foster this success.

4. Develop and Assess Initiatives - Supporting Actions May Include:

• Use institutional data to identify equity gaps and implement interventions that improve outcomes and persistence for underserved student populations, including students with children.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to co-create and implement initiatives that foster belonging, secure resources, and support student success.
• Develop and apply assessment strategies to evaluate the impact of equity initiatives, using results to inform continuous improvement and improve programming.
• Coordinate outreach and communication strategies to ensure visibility and accessibility of programs and services
• Co-lead planning and implementation of college-wide events supporting new students
• Engage with student organizations, classrooms, and other campus groups to improve campus climate, support identity development, and advance social justice through restorative practices.
• Co-chair the Diversity Advocacy Team to develop initiatives and processes that support Western community members impacted by hate/bias

5. Management and Operations of The SPACE - Supporting Actions May Include:

• Establish goals, strategies, and operational plans in alignment with the college's priorities and key results
• Build, manage, and monitor budgets from multiple and varied funding sources to support The SPACE's programs and services, ensuring compliance and strategic use of resources
• Develop and implement assessment and evaluation methods tied to the college's co-curricular learning outcomes, Cavalier Compass, and student equity goals
• Supervise full-time and part-time student staff to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery; coordinate backup support as needed to maintain daily operations and accessibility of The SPACE

6. Student Coaching/ Mentoring - Supporting Actions May Include:

• Build meaningful relationships with students to foster engagement, learning and growth; assess needs and refer appropriately using the College's CRM
• Provide individualized support and advocacy for students and communities impacted by hate/bias, ensuring they feel heard, accepted, and connected to resources

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Communications, Sociology, Social Justice, Education, Social Work or related field with 3 years occupational experience OR
• Education in related field combined with related occupational experience totaling 7 years OR
• Occupational experience in related field totaling 7 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of student development
• Knowledge of social justice education
• Capability to build and maintain student relationships

This position reports to: Director, Student Life, Equity & Engagement

Starting annual salary range based on education and experience: $61,350 - $81,734

This position would include competitive salary, along with a wide variety of benefits available to full-time Western Technical College Employees. These benefits include: health, HRA, dental, life, retirement - Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), voluntary vision, supplemental Allstate insurance (accident, critical illness and cancer), pet insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance plans, flexible spending account for health & dependent care, employee assistance program (EAP), Employee Wellness Incentive, Education Reimbursement, and tax-sheltered retirement annuity programs - 457 & 403(b). We offer a range of paid leave including Bereavement, Casual Illness, Personal, Vacation, Holidays, Summer Fridays, Shut Down, Parental paid leave, Military paid leave, Volunteer leave, and Leave donation.

Applicant review will begin: Monday, November 3, 2025

Start Date of: December/January 2025

Copies of Transcripts from regionally accredited colleges or universities are acceptable during the application process (originals will be required upon hire)

Western is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our mission is to provide relevant, high quality education in a collaborative and sustainable environment that changes the lives of students and grows our communities. Western is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Employer And Educator

Western Technical College is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in the job application process to enable a qualified applicant to have an equal opportunity to be considered for a job as is provided to all Western employees. If you want to request an accommodation please contact the EEO/AA Compliance Officer at (608)785-9274.

Non-Discrimination Notice

Western Technical College, in compliance with state and federal law, does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, marital status, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, veteran status, genetic testing or other legislated categories in employment, admissions, programs, or activities. Western prohibits retaliation against any individuals who bring forth any compliant, orally or in writing, to the College or government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination. Western provides assurance that lack of English reading/speaking skills will not be a barrier to admittance and participation in the College. General inquiries regarding the College's non-discrimination policies may be directed to:

John Heath
Director of Human Resources
Western Technical College
111 7th Street North
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-9464
WI Relay: 711