Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Retention and Multicultural Coordinator

  • Title: Retention and Multicultural Coordinator
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Level: 5

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Dean of Student Development, plans and administers program objectives and strategies for the Multicultural Center at an assigned campus. Provides coordination for a broad range of activities and programs that promote diversity, inclusion, and equity through student success and goal attainment. The Coordinator researches retention issues and develops programs, in conjunction with instructional and student development units, to ensure the success of at-risk student populations.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities (includes some of all of the following)

  1. Provides oversight and coordination of the day-to-day operation of the Multicultural Center. Coordinates the delivery of information and assistance to students seeking support. Provides information and referral to all students focusing on the needs of students of color.
  2. Oversees the work of academic professional, classified and casual staff, student workers and volunteers. Hires and trains student workers to support programs, tutoring and other activities that promote learning and student development. Participates in performance evaluations and corrective action for staff. Processes personnel paperwork for assigned employees.
  3. Administers multiple program budgets; prepares cost estimates, budget recommendations and monitor budget expenditures.
  4. Works with student leaders to design and implement programs, special events, and services that support student success and development. Advises student leaders on program planning methods and processes. Assists students with problem solving a variety of complex issues during all phases of an event. Teaches students program planning and mentors them throughout the year.
  5. Implements and oversees leadership development program for students of color. Develops and delivers leadership development workshops and seminars for program participants. Facilitates meetings on program services by communicating program details and answering questions.
  6. May develop and deliver classroom instructions as it relates to Counseling and Guidance courses and programs within the Multicultural Center. Conducts student assessments and notifies students of their progress in the program.
  7. Develops retention and multicultural programs that support student success. Incorporates a case management approach to working with students in providing mentoring, job shadowing, seminars, workshops, student involvement programs, support groups, etc.
  8. Provides district-wide leadership and coordination of educational programs/campus signature events and services in assigned areas of responsibility.
  9. Serves as a liaison within the college in providing information on available resources and services. Participates in a variety of meetings, committees, or other related groups to communicate information regarding services, programs, areas of opportunity and other pertinent information related to diversity, inclusion and equity.
  10. Coordinates outreach programs for the community. Serves on committees and boards.
  11. Provides leadership and coordination for campus Diversity Council in the planning and implementation of policies, practices and projects regarding hiring, campus climate, research and assessment, and campus wide events. Provides leadership for District Diversity Council in the development of policies and practices regarding diversity, inclusion, and equity.
  12. Develops improvement plans for the retention of students by assisting students in attaining their educational goals. Works with faculty and other staff to identify students most at risk of not completing their educational goals. Prepares, reviews and analyzes a variety of complex information and data and develops recommendations based on findings to further education equity or equality.
  13. Attends professional conferences and training sessions to remain current on Diversity and Inclusion practices.
  14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in an office environment. Moderate physical exertion. Occasional lifting of boxes of catalogs which may weigh up to 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Multicultural Studies, Social Justice, Sociology or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Demonstrated experience with retention practices and programs. Demonstrated experience working with students in higher education setting. Demonstrated experience working with multicultural/diversity programs. Experience designing and implementing successful strategies and programs involving faculty and staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Knowledge of student retention and assessment strategies
  • Knowledge of best practices in the area of diversity and student retention
Skills in:
  • Skill in assessing and mentoring students
  • Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages
Ability to:
  • Ability to work with at-risk and culturally diverse populations
  • Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form
  • Ability to prioritize multiple projects and work in an environment with regular interruptions

Revised: 5/12

  • Replaces: 12/28/07