Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are:

Swarthmore College launched a new institutional strategic plan, Swarthmore Forward, in January 2024 that deepens the College’s commitment to creating a community that welcomes differences and prepares students for life in a multiracial, multicultural democracy. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was established to develop institutional strategy and vision with respect to these goals. Led by the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, who serves on the President’s senior leadership team, the office collaborates with staff, faculty, and students to guide and monitor the implementation of strategic DEI priorities for the College, coordinate and align DEI efforts across the College, and foster an inclusive and welcoming campus environment. Swarthmore Forward outlines a vision for the present and future of the College in which “equity and inclusion are not just ideals, but lived experiences.” The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion serves a key role in delivering on this vision. It is an exciting time to join us at Swarthmore!

The opportunity:

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Swarthmore College invites applications for an Administrative Coordinator II (AC) to provide senior-level support to the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (VPDEI). The AC serves as the primary administrative point of contact and support for the VPDEI. This role includes, but is not limited to, tracking and prioritizing tasks and projects based on the Office and College’s needs and strategic goals; handling sensitive and confidential information in a discreet and professional manner; managing the VPDEI’s calendar, ensuring it is accurate, up-to-date, and conflict-free; preparing meeting materials; and tracking and at times responding to correspondence on behalf of the VPDEI. The AC may also serve as a highly visible representative of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for various meetings and/or events and, therefore, must be a skilled communicator with outstanding interpersonal and intercultural skills to support an inclusive and welcoming office environment for diverse populations of students, staff, and faculty.

Essential Responsibilities

Executive Support for the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

• Serve as the primary administrative point of contact for the VPDEI.
• Manage the VPDEI’s calendar, ensuring it is accurate, up-to-date, and includes important College events, such as Board meetings, faculty meetings, DEI-related events, high-profile lectures, etc.
• Schedule appointments and meetings for the VPDEI. Responsibilities may include coordinating calendars and calendar invites, reserving conference rooms, organizing materials, arranging catering services, and making travel arrangements.
• Support the VPDEI’s work by assisting with the preparation of agendas for meetings, coordinating meeting logistics, sending reminders, keeping and disseminating minutes, and following up on outstanding items. Ensure meeting technology is set up properly and working prior to the start of and during the meeting.
• Track and prioritize tasks and projects based on the Office and College’s needs and strategic goals.
• Assist with budget reporting, processing invoices, and expense reimbursements for the Office of DEI and the Title IX Office. Provide periodic budget summaries to VPDEI.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Office Coordination & Communication

• Serve as the office's first point of contact for phone calls and walk-ins, exercising good judgment and discretion in working with and on behalf of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Interact and collaborate with administrative coordinators, departments, faculty, staff, students, and other College stakeholders in a manner that models inclusive practices and supports a welcoming environment for diverse populations.
• At the direction of the VPDEI, participate in professional development opportunities that offer continuing education in DEI best practices.
• Organize and plan various DEI events, meetings, and other collaborative functions. Responsible for event logistics, including Zoom management for virtual events, room reservations, catering, AV setup, and other logistics.
• Draft, proofread, and/or prepare emails, memos, letters, presentations, and other materials with precise attention to detail, accuracy, and overall quality, delivering materials on a timely basis.
• In partnership with the President’s Office, help coordinate all aspects of the Board of Managers’ Social Responsibility Committee, including setup and taking meeting minutes as necessary.
• Serve as department administrator for website changes, working with the Communications Office as needed.

Who you are:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills to clearly and confidently communicate and interact with students, staff, faculty, and senior leaders throughout the College as well as members of the broader community.
• Demonstrated cultural competency skills and experience to work with and support a diverse campus population while modeling inclusive practices and supporting a welcoming office environment.
• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise judgment, take initiative, and make informed decisions.
• Ability to handle sometimes sensitive and confidential information in a discreet and professional manner.

Many job postings include a list of preferred qualifications, but we understand that candidates come from diverse backgrounds and may possess valuable skills and experiences that are not always represented in a job description. Your unique perspective and contributions are highly valued, and we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. So don't hesitate to apply – your voice and talents are needed and welcome here.

What you bring:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with five years of job-related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Highly attentive to detail with excellent organizational skills.
• Strong time management and problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work on multiple projects with various deadlines and maintain timely progress
• Proficient in using productivity software and tools such as Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education settings.
• Experience working in or supporting offices committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Technologically savvy and able to learn and use new tools and software.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with pay expectations, including a resume and cover letter, by March 18, 2024.

PA Criminal Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

Education Verification Required by Position

An education verification is required for this position because a college degree is a required qualification for this position.

Review the 2024 Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)*

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.