Q. We need a set
of job descriptions to use in developing a position at our campus.
Is there a set of samples we can look at from different campuses?
A. Here are six
sample position descriptions from institutions around the country.
We have indicated, in each case, where the school is located, and
whether it is a public or a private institution. In most cases,
position descriptions include a list of job qualifications.
I. PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
(rural Pennsylvania, public)
Senior Diversity Planning Analyst/Coordinator of
Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Equity
The Senior Diversity Planning Analyst / Coordinator
of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Equity is a University
expert and spokesperson in matters pertaining to sexual orientation
and the sexual minority community at The Pennsylvania State University.
The individual in this position maintains accountability to the
Vice Provost for Educational Equity and to the Vice President for
Student Affairs. The SDPA/Coordinator of LGBT Equity provides students,
faculty, and staff with information on and referral to campus and
community resources, provides direct services to faculty and staff
of campus units to improve and enhance their work, promotes an environment
of affirmation and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender
members of the Penn State community, and coordinates educational
programming efforts for the campus on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender issues. In addition, the SDPA/ Coordinator of LGBT Equity
works to facilitate research efforts and curricular initiatives
at the university regarding LGBT issues.
Specific responsibilities are envisioned to encompass,
but are not limited to:
- Administrative Services
- develop three-year strategic plan inclusive
of vision, goals, and actions plans
- provide space utilization documentation to
appropriate supervisors
- hire, supervise and train assigned staff
- assist in the preparation of budgets and control
of expenditures
- assist with policy development and implementation
- seek alternate funding sources: grant writing,
fund raising
- liaison with Commission on Lesbian, Gay, and
Bisexual Equity
- meet with OVPEE / Student Affairs supervisors
- Information Services
Coordinate the following efforts:
- develop, update, and distribute relevant brochures
& printed media
- create a lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgender
library/resource center
- provide resource guides, referral guides,
and referral tools
- share information with appropriate colleagues,
offices, departments, campuses, etc.
- provide LGBT events information to the community
- create, implement, and maintain an on-line
newsletter
- create and maintain an LGBT Resource
and Information Web page
- Education Services
- provide opportunities for LGBT faculty, staff,
and students to discuss their concerns in a safe and supportive
environment
- collaborate with appropriate faculty, staff,
and student organizations to develop programs and activities
for events of particular significance to lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender persons (e.g. NCOD, LGB History Month, Pride
Week)
- serve as a clearinghouse for requests for
speakers on LGBT issues for classes, departments, locations
other than University Park, etc.
- provide resources and act as contact point
for other Penn State locations
- serve as a link and a resource for State College
/ Centre County community regarding LGBT issues/concerns
- coordinate Straight Talk class (prepare curriculum
for peer educators and coordinate calendar of presentations)
- coordinate orientation workshops and act as
a contact for incoming students, faculty, and staff
- consult with faculty on the integration
of LGBT issues in the curriculum
- Advocacy Services and Leadership
- provide support for LGBT student groups (LGBSA,
Coalition of LGB Graduate Students, ALLIES)
- form alliances with other diversity/equity
focused groups on campus
- provide resources/referrals to parents/friends/family
of LGBT students, faculty, and staff upon request
- provide crisis intervention and referral for
students, faculty and staff
- coordinate student interns, work study students,
and volunteers
- serve as liaison to lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender groups including the Commission on Lesbian,
Gay, and Bisexual Equity, the Lambda Alumni Interest Group,
etc.
- assist Support Network Committee in expanding
and maintaining the Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Support Network
- assist Lecture Series Committee in administering
the Lecture Series on Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Lives
- assist the Commission on Lesbian, Gay,
& Bisexual Equity in coordinating efforts regarding university
policy changes or enhancements for the LGBT community
- Research
- coordinate the administration of assessment
tools to evaluate the campus climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender students, faculty, and staff
- promote research regarding LGBT topics among
faculty and students which may include consultation on research
design, assistance in locating appropriate instruments, or
assist in recruiting subjects/participants
- attempt to link faculty, graduate students,
and staff with similar research interests
- Qualifications
In order to maximize credibility with the
faculty, the SDPA/Coordinator of LGBT Equity should have a doctoral
degree (a master's degree is required). The position also requires:
- five to seven years experience in a position
providing appropriate preparation for the responsibilities
of this position, preferably in a college or university
- demonstrated effectiveness in working with
the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community
- demonstrated commitment to diversity and equity
is necessary
- experience in developing and providing educational
programs
- experience in staff supervision
- excellent written and oral communication skills
- excellent leadership, organizational, and
programming skills
- experience in proposal / grant writing
- experience in working in a multi-campus environment
- experience in working with lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender student concerns
II. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
(Ann Arbor, MI, public)
Director, Office
of Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender Affairs
Basic Function and Responsibility
Maintain and enhance educational, social,
support, referral, and resource programs and services for students,
faculty, and staff regarding issues of sexual orientation and gender
identity.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain and enhance policies and procedures for
the Office of Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender Affairs.
- Provide assistance and advising to students, families,
and student organizations on personal and academic issues.
- Maintain and enhance programs and services for
students regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Develop and supervise support and problem solving
network for students. This may include mediation and conflict
management programs, peer support programs, or other approaches.
- Coordinate University responses to concerns about
sexual orientation and gender identity issues.
- Refer students, faculty, and staff to community
agencies, organizations, and individuals to meet needs related
to sexual orientation.
- Represent the Office to University operating units,
faculty, staff, student organizations, and the community.
- Serve as consultant to units and departments to
develop and coordinate staff training programs.
- Supervise department budget and fiscal operations.
- Hire, supervise, train and evaluate department
staff including interns, community service learning volunteers,
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program students, and volunteers.
- Prepare or supervise the preparation of special
and periodic reports.
- Prepare or supervise the preparation of descriptive
materials publicizing services, programs, and activities of the
Office.
- Provide advice and assistance to other student
affairs and campus colleagues for other projects and assignments
as needed.
Supervision Received
General supervision is received from the
Dean of Students or other designated official.
Supervision Exercised
Functional and administrative supervision
is exercised over Office staff.
Qualifications
- A Masters degree in Education, College Student
Personnel, or Counseling or an equivalent combination of education
and experience is necessary.
- Considerable knowledge in student services, counseling,
and leadership is necessary.
- Considerable knowledge regarding the concerns
and issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people is
necessary.
- Reasonable knowledge of policies and procedures
of a large university is desirable.
- Considerable knowledge or experience in leadership
practices is desirable.
- Considerable experience in public speaking and
presentations to a diverse community is desirable.
- Knowledge and understanding of multiple identities
is necessary.
- Demonstrated success in student program development
and initiation.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and equity;
strong interpersonal, communication, and management skills.
Duties
Develop, plan, implement, and maintain policies
and procedures for the Office of Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender
Affairs; develop, plan, implement, and Coordinate programs that
serve the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students;
assist in providing a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment
for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students; coordinate
University responses to concerns about sexual orientation issues;
refer students, faculty, and staff to appropriate community agencies,
organizations, and individuals to meet needs related to sexual orientation,
serve as advocate for LGBT students, faculty, and staff; supervise
all concerns related to the Office of Lesbian gay Bisexual &
Transgender Affairs; participate as a member of the Multicultural
Portfolio.
III. EMORY UNIVERSITY (Atlanta,
Georgia, private)
Director of Office
of Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Life
Job Summary
The director will primarily serve as an
educator for the university utilizing a variety of methods and resources.
Available for consultation with offices, departments and organizations,
the director will design and implement programs and services according
to the particular needs of each setting. As the key communicator
of these issues, the director will support lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender (lgbt) people within the Emory community. The director
will oversee the budget and supervise graduate student coordinators
and work study students. The director reports to the Dean of Students
in the Division of Campus Life.
Job Responsibilities/Job Tasks
I. Program Development
A. Design and implement educational,
cultural, and social programs to address the needs of Emory's lgbt
population.
B. Facilitate the development and implementation
of anti-bias workshops and training programs for various Campus
Life and University departments as well as student, staff, and
faculty organizations.
C. Assist Emory's lgbt organizations in coordinating
social and educational programs on campus.
D. Encourage relevant scholarly dialogue in areas
of lesbian/gay studies.
II. Support Services
A. Be available to meet with individuals
in the Emory community who have questions and concerns regarding
sexual or gender identity and related issues.
B. Support those who have experienced discrimination
or harassment based on sexual orientation/gender identity or expression,
and assist them in reporting such incident(s) to the appropriate
authorities.
C. When appropriate, arrange follow-up services
(support groups, counseling, etc.) for those who have experienced
discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation/gender
identity or expression.
D. As a Campus Life staff member, facilitate the
integration of lgbt concerns into the goals and programs of the
Division.
III. Referral and Resource Development
A. Develop a network of referral sources.
B. Research and collect a resource library.
C. Oversee production of a periodic newsletter
about office activities and information relevant to lgbt issues.
D. Coordinate grant research and proposal writing.
E. Develop and maintain contact with similar offices
on other campuses.
F. Attend relevant national conferences.
IV. Administration
A. Prepare and manage annual budget
for the office.
B. Oversee and approve all expenditures from the
budget
C. Supervise graduate coordinators, work-study
and office volunteers.
D. Generate reports (programming, budget, etc.)
for Campus Life, as necessary.
E. Coordinate and chair regular advisory board
F. Network with representatives of other Emory
organizations with similar concerns.
G. Act as consultant to professional staff
members within the Division of Campus Life,
as well as the larger Emory community on issues relating to lgbt
life.
Qualifications
1. Minimum Education: BA, BS, Masters
Degree. Ph.D. preferred.
2. Specialized Education, Training: History of
significant involvement in and concern for lgbt issues. Community-based
involvement desirable. Experience with developing programs on
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and others. Familiarity
with theoretical issues within lgbt discourse.
3. Minimum Work Experience: Three to five years
of working in higher education or a related field.
4. Special Skills Required: Proven leadership and
management skills working with diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Excellent oral and written skills are essential.
IV. UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
(Philadelphia, private)
Director, Lesbian
Gay Bisexual Transgender Center
Through a wide variety of services and programs,
the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center seeks to enhance the
quality of life of lesbian, gay, and bisexual students, staff and
faculty and to increase the general PENN community's awareness,
understanding, and acceptance of its sexual minority members.
The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Center Director is a University
expert and spokesperson on matters pertaining to sexual orientation
and the sexual minority community. The Director has primary responsibility
for organizational planning, managing Center finances, supervising
Center staff, and implementing and evaluating all Center services
and programs.
The Director maintains accountability to the Vice-Provost
for University Life and to the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Center Advisory
Board and collaborates with many University units and community
and national organizations.
Major Responsibilities
- Staff Supervision- regular individual
supervision and staff meeting, and addressing all personnel issues
involved in supervising a minimum of two full-time equivalent
employees (five individuals) as well as social work interns.
- Administration
- Developing organizational goals and objectives.
- Preparing and managing the departmental budget.
- Seeking sources for supplemental funding.
- Purchasing.
- Facility, office, and technology management.
- Liaison with Center Advisory Board.
- Meetings with VPUL supervisor and directors.
- Service Delivery
- Informal and formal advising of individual
students and ten student organizations.
- Coordination of LGBT student leaders' roundtable.
- Overseeing mentoring program.
- Providing staff assistance to campus organizations:
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Staff and Faculty Association, Penn GALA
(Gay and Lesbian Alumni), Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Academic
Union.
- Advocating within the University on behalf
of individuals from the campus lesbian/ gay/ bisexual community
and on behalf of the entire lgb community.
- Preparing and managing departmental budget.
- Editorial oversight of Center electronic and
printed publications (electronic bulletin, newsletter, Community
Resource Guide, Center brochure, etc.).
- Management of Center Reading Room, including
books, periodicals, and utilization practices.
- Planning and Implementing Educational Awareness Programs
- Bisexual Gay Lesbian Transgender Awareness
Week (B-GLAD)
- National Coming Out Days
- New Student Orientation programs
- MLK, Jr. Commemorative Week program
- "Out in the Workplace" Series
- Film and discussion series
- Numerous other educational programs
- Consultation, Communication, and Liaison
- University spokesperson on matters pertaining
to sexual orientation and the sexual minority community.
- Consultation with University administration
and offices.
- Regular meetings and cooperative efforts with
directors of other University resource offices.
- Ongoing collaboration with Greenfield Intercultural
Center, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Student Life Activities,
Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health, Health
Education, Housing and Residence Life, Career Planning and
Placement.
- Regular communication and joint efforts with
counterpart directors at other
- colleges and universities.
- Other Duties as Assigned
Qualifications
Advanced degree in relevant field
(e.g., student affairs, social work, psychology, education).
Five to seven years experience in a position providing
appropriate preparation for the responsibilities of this position
preferably in a college or university.
Demonstrated effectiveness in working with the
lesbian/gay/bisexual community.
Experience in developing and providing educational
programs.
Experience in staff supervision.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
V. UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
(public)
Coordinator of Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equity
The following outline defines the position of Coordinator
of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equity by:
- stating the goal at which this position is aimed,
- recounting the duties of the position as given
in the "Position Information Form", and
- elaborating the actions to be taken in order to
fulfill those duties. This document should be considered a blue
print that may be altered or refined as experience warrants.
Goal: To create a campus in which lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied students, staff, faculty,
and alumni are included fully in the intellectual life, the social
fabric, and every other facet of the university; to create a campus
where LGBT issues are regarded as legitimate intellectual pursuits,
and where LGBT people are affirmed as valued participants in university
endeavors and recognized for their contributions.
Duty I: Provide students, faculty and
staff with information on and referral to campus and community resources.
Actions:
1. Identify appropriate individuals,
organizations, and other resources to whom students, staff and faculty
can be referred.
2. Create and maintain a list of resources.
3. Establish and develop a collection of directories
of other reference materials.
4. Develop resource film on specific topics.
5. Identify and collect teaching materials for
LGBT topics.
6. Provide easy access to the resource collection
with hours staffed by work/study students.
7. Develop a program for the donation of
materials to the resource collection.
Duty 2: Provide lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender events information to the community.
Actions:
1. Develop and maintain a calendar
of events for the LGBT and allied campus community.
2. Collaborate and develop programs and activities
for events of interest to the LGBT and allied community, particularly
surrounding National Coming Out Day in the fall and Pride Week
in the spring.
3. Coordinate publicity for campus LGBT and
allied events.
Duty 3: Update the list of lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender courses.
Actions:
1. Review the schedule for known LGBT
courses and to identify new courses.
2. Enlist input from appropriate faculty and administrators.
3. Work with the instructors to ascertain the type
and amount of LGBT material in any given course collecting syllabi
whenever possible.
4. Engage with faculty and administration in the
transformation of existing curriculum to include LGBT issues whenever
appropriate.
5. Cultivate the development of new courses
and the development of a certificate in LGB Studies.
Duty 4: Prepare curriculum for peer
educators and coordinate the calendar of presentations.
Actions:
1. Coordinate with students to ensure
continued interest and participation in Speakers Bureau.
2. Develop and implement procedures for requesting
a presentation.
3. Publicize the Speakers Bureau and request procedures.
4. Provide students with training--emphasis on
public speaking
5. Begin development of Speakers Bureau into
a more comprehensive peer education program with modules on various
LGBT topics.
Duty 5: Provide support for lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender student groups.
Actions:
1. Meet with leadership of LGBT and
allied student groups on a regular basis.
2. Work with the graduate assistant in Campus Programs
on leadership development.
3. Coordinate efforts between students and
faculty/staff groups.
Duty 6: Provide crisis intervention
for students, faculty and staff. (Act as a point of contact in connecting
the appropriate resource with the crisis at hand.)
Actions:
1. Develop a network of people and
organizations that can address crisis scenarios.
2. Develop information geared to various crisis
scenarios.
3. Foster and coordinate workshop efforts
that will help prepare others on campus for various crisis scenarios.
Duty 7: Other duties as assigned.
VI. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
(public)
Coordinator of Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resources
(This description is taken from the job announcement
for the position, posted in July 1999 while the position is vacant.)
REPORTS TO: Director, Center for Gender
Equity
POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Coordinator
of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resources will be responsible
for the development, delivery and evaluation of a comprehensive
university program on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues.
This program is administratively housed in the Center for Gender
Equity (CGE) at the University of California, San Francisco.
JOB DUTIES AND REQUIRED SKILLS: Under
minimal supervision from, and subject to final approval of the CGE
Director, the Coordinator of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender
Resources performs the following tasks. In addition, the CACGLBI
(Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Issues)
will serve as an advisory committee to the Coordinator. Programming,
Event Planning and Training: Plan and coordinate events, including
but not limited to workshops, support groups, colloquia, in-service
trainings and presentations intended to raise campus awareness regarding
LGBT issues and heterosexism. Respond to requests for lectures,
panels and resources on LGBT issues. Responsible for the development,
training and supervision of a LGBT Speaker's Bureau.
Outreach: Coordinate all outreach efforts
to raise awareness of the various services and programs available
through the office.
Oversee production of outreach materials that will
publicize programs and services including but not limited to flyers,
posters, brochures and WEB site. Insure participation in annual
campus events (i.e., LGBT Awareness Week).
Administrative: Supervise the development
of LGBT resource material and library. Write reports and correspondence
as needed and requested. Maintain administrative reports and compile
data on program activities. Supervise volunteers.
Advising: Provide advising and assistance
to staff, students and faculty on LGBT issues and compiles data
on the number of cases. Serve as a culturally sensitive liaison
between campus administration, system wide, the community at large
and the LGBT community.
Liaison: Serve as a liaison among committees
and organizations dealing with LGBT issues, including, but not limited
to the LGBTSA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Association),
GLBTA (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Association), and the
GLIRA (Gay, Lesbian Interns and Residents Association).
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:
Graduation from college with a major in educational
administration, sociology, political science, psychology or an allied
field, and two years experience in administration in a university
setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Outstanding analytical, leadership, organizational,
creative, interpersonal and problem solving skills. Extensive working
knowledge of event planning and coordination. Conference planning
skills and experience, the ability to identify, organize and execute
multiple event planning tasks. The ability to effectively administer
and coordinate a variety of concurrent and ongoing activities.
Knowledge and understanding of LGBT issues and the
intersection of race, class, gender and sexual orientation.
Strong listening and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated writing skills and the ability to work effectively
with both campus and community groups.
Knowledge sufficient to use PC computers for electronic
mail, word processing (MICROSOFT WORD) and data base development
(FILE MAKER PRO/EXCEL).
This answer was submitted by Dr. Saralyn
Chesnut, Director of Emory University's Office
of Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Life.
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