OIE: Office of Intercultural Education Community Navigators (S99882)

Summary, Scope, and Responsibilities

Mission – Belonging, Community, Education
The Office of Intercultural Education (OIE) strives to provide students with a sense of belonging in their social and intellectual communities, elevate their awareness of their personal power and educate allies among students, faculty and staff by serving as a community hub that harnesses our differences.

OIE Community Navigators aim to create a welcoming environment that supports the academic and personal development of BIPOC, first-generation to college and LGBTQ+ students, and to engage all students in building an inclusive campus community.


The Basics


Department:Office of Intercultural Education
Supervisor: Mana Abdi
Office Location: Chase Hall 142
Email: mabdi3@bates.edu
Hours: 10
Workers: 14

Qualifications, Requirements, and Responsibilities

Responsibilities


Specific responsibilities include, but may not be limited to: - Staffing the front desk: greeting and directing visitors when they enter the OIE space between the hours of 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends - Connecting students, staff and faculty with the appropriate OIE staff member - Assisting in office projects and programmatic events, including setting up and breaking down events - Maintaining regular cleaning duties and reporting any concerns to their supervisor - Recognize and maintain appropriate confidentiality - Commitment to personal leadership development through application of the Bates Leads framework in all aspects of the work Bates Leads The OIE embeds the Bates Leads Framework into its student leadership and employment positions. The OIE Community Navigators are leaders who take responsibility for solving a problem or achieving a goal. Community Navigators are expected to develop and practice leadership skills with the objective to create a sense of belonging, build community, educate themselves and others, and to forge positive change in their own lives and the lives of others. Consciousness of Self and Impact: Awareness of one's beliefs, values, attitudes, and emotions; recognition that these are shaped by cultural context and other external forces. Self-awareness, including one's inherited and positional power and privilege. Awareness of one’s impact on individuals and community, recognizing the impact of each action and inaction. Peer Educators take care of oneself, one's community and communal space. Peer Educators intentionally elevate marginalized and minoritized voices, bodies and work (BIPOC, LGBTQAIP2+, First Generation, and female-identified peoples). Being introspective, self-reflection, working with intention, asking for what others need and asking for help for themselves will allow Peer Educators to offer students enriching experiences in the OIE. Congruence/Alignment: Alignment of values, beliefs, attitudes, and emotions with actions in the world. Peer Educators will consistently listen for other people’s why while integrating collective values and behaviors that will enhance the mission of the OIE. Commitment: The passion, energy, creativity, and follow-through one brings to ideas, pursuits, and collective goals. Community Navigators strive to engage, follow through and be accountable while establishing and maintaining boundaries with their peers, and saying “no” when necessary. Collaboration: Working reciprocally with others. Working across differences to achieve a shared goal. Bringing multiple perspectives, diverse experiences, and individual creativity to bear on a pursuit. While working with a variety of community partners and stakeholders Community Navigators prioritize the experiences and perspectives of those whose well-being is most at stake. Community Navigators listen actively, share knowledge and ask who is missing or excluded and invite them to the table. Common Purpose: Cultivating a shared goal, direction, and sense of responsibility. Community Navigators listen, learn, and act towards shared goals. Community Navigators build consensus, share the work equitably and ensure access. Controversy: Acknowledging conflict, controversy, and dissent as opportunities for new insight, or new direction or deeper relationships. Disagreeing with others in a spirit of curiosity and learning. Disagreeing without dehumanizing others. Peer Educators recognize the importance and creative potential of disagreement and welcome dissenting perspectives and different points of view, using differences as a point of strength, creative intervention, growth and direction. Civic Agency: Embracing one's capacity and responsibility to work with others to advance communal goals. Actively supporting people's full participation in the decisions, systems, and processes that impact their lives and communities. Recognizing the impact of one's choices on others. Community Navigators pay careful attention to the perspectives and feelings of others and confront injustice, inequity, lack of access, and racism. Community Navigators leverage their own privilege to effect positive change through programming and advocacy, while being sure to elevate the most marginalized voices in the community.

Requirements


- Ability to be Bates Work Authorized - Open to currently enrolled Bates students. Students who identify as students of color, first generation to college or LGBTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply. - Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships with students, staff, faculty and community partners - An investment in equity, access, and anti-racism and demonstrated ability to cultivate a welcoming space that is supportive of all identities - Demonstrated awareness of, sensitivity and commitment to diversity and inclusivity and to serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community - Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaboration Reliability, maturity, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail - Proficiency in basic data management systems, assessment practices, MS Office, Google Workspace, and WordPress

Reporting


This position reports directly to the Program Coordinator for OIE

Working Conditions


Community navigators work primarily in Chase Hall, Office of Intercultural Education but may be expected to provide or attend programming at other locations across campus and occasionally off campus.