Under the direction of the Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) Director of Student Diversity and Belonging, the Senior Coordinator provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the LatinX Center and First People’s Center (FPC) within the Santos Manuel Student Union. This position supports the SMSU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering culturally affirming environments, advancing student development, and managing initiatives that promote the retention and success of LatinX and Native/Indigenous students. The Senior Coordinator supervises professional and student staff, manages center operations, implements culturally relevant programs, and collaborates with campus and community partners to enhance support for historically underserved populations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Strategic Leadership & Supervision

• Provide operational and strategic leadership for the LatinX Center and First People’s Center.
• Supervise and evaluate student staff, providing training, guidance, and leadership development.
• Support and participate in the recruitment, onboarding, and retention efforts for underrepresented students, particularly LatinX and Native/Indigenous communities.

Programming & Community Engagement

• Develop and oversee a calendar of culturally affirming, educational, and identity-based programs including heritage month celebrations, workshops, dialogues, speaker series, and leadership development opportunities.
• Coordinate fall orientation efforts and summer initiatives for LatinX students AND First People’s students.
• Support campus-wide programs and collaborate with cultural graduation ceremonies, affinity group celebrations, and student heritage month committees.

Student Advocacy & Support

• Serve as a resource and advocate for LatinX and First People’s students by building strong relationships and providing holistic support that fosters academic, social, and personal success.
• Provide culturally informed advising related to identity, cultural adaptation, academic persistence, and leadership development.
• Facilitate educational and community-building dialogues related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and intersectionality.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct needs assessments and collect data to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services.
• Develop annual reports and use assessment results to inform strategic planning and programming decisions.
• Assist with long-term planning and strategic initiatives in alignment with university DEI goals and the SMSU mission.

Fiscal & Administrative Oversight

• Create operational budgets for the LatinX Center and First People’s Center, including budget planning, purchasing, and monitoring.
• Develop and maintain administrative procedures that ensure efficient center operations, including opening and closing of the centers
• Represent the centers on committees and boards, including DEI-focused planning groups and student affairs initiatives.

Campus Collaboration

• Collaborate with campus departments as well as the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Colleges to promote student belonging and institutional change.
• Act as liaison with community partners and alumni to strengthen external engagement.
• Support and co-lead training sessions and educational programs across campus in partnership with DEI, academic, and student support units.

Supervisory Responsibilities                                                        

Supervises a graduate assistant and up to ten student assistants. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience                                                       

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related program is required; 3 - 5 years of experience working with students is required, ideally in a student development or advising capacity. Demonstrated knowledge of issues impacting LatinX and Native/Indigenous students in higher education is required. Master’s degree preferred.