Director, Nyumburu Cultural Center

About the Nyumburu Cultural Center

The Nyumburu Cultural Center has served the University of Maryland community since 1971 and continues to build on its foundations. The mission of the Nyumburu Cultural Center is to promote an understanding of and appreciation for African-American culture in all of its richness and complexity. In carrying out its mission, the Center strives to provide opportunities and support for all students interested in African and African-American history and culture; to foster greater involvement by students in campus programs and initiatives; to instill in students an informed awareness of and appreciation for African-American, Caribbean, and African heritages; and to improve retention and graduation rates for all students. In its various events and activities, the Center also acknowledges, recognizes, and solicits contributions of other heritages. As a unit of Belonging & Community at UMD, the Nyumburu Cultural Center works in close partnership and collaboration with all functions within Belonging.

Position Summary

The Director of the Nyumburu Cultural Center is responsible for overall strategic leadership and vision, operations, financial stewardship, programming, assessment, and ongoing campus community and external outreach of the Center, including staff supervision and facility oversight. The Director seeks collaborative partnerships with campus partners internal and external to Belonging & Community, and ensures effective signature programming occurs with a direct connection to the academic support, retention, and graduation of students at the University of Maryland.

Operationally, the position manages the Center's fiscal resources including state funds, grants, foundation accounts, and scholarships. The Director serves as a spokesperson for the Center, and cultivates vital relationships and partnerships with alumni, donors, and local K-12 partners to advance fundraising, expand marketing communications, and support university-wide collaborative initiatives. The Director serves on and/or leads internal committees. This position is supervised by the Assistant Vice President for Belonging.

Led by the Vice President of Belonging, the Belonging & Community at UMD portfolio includes: American Disability Act, Bias Incident Support Services, Equal Employment Opportunity, LGBTQ+ Equity Center, Nyumburu Cultural Center, Office of Civil Rights & Sexual Misconduct, Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education, and TerrapinSTRONG Education.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

• Experience: Ten (10) years of professional experience in higher education, student affairs, diversity, inclusion, belonging, community engagement, or student success. Five (5) years of experience supervising and managing professional staff.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of student development theory, advising practices, student success strategies, and culturally responsive support services in higher education
  
• Knowledge of principles and practices related to community building, belonging, identity development, and inclusive engagement
  
• Knowledge of program development, implementation, assessment, evaluation, and data-informed improvement strategies
  
• Knowledge of higher education research, assessment standards, policies, laws, budgeting, and resource management practices
  
• Knowledge of branding, marketing, and communication principles
  
• Skill in developing and implementing strategic plans, programs, and initiatives that support student engagement, retention, and success
  
• Skill in assessing programs and services and using data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement
  
• Skill in building collaborative partnerships and providing consultation to students, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders
  
• Skill in public speaking, written and verbal communication, and preparing reports and presentations
  
• Skill in project management, prioritization, and managing multiple deadlines
  
• Skill in using technology applications, including GSuite, Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Office Suite
  
• Ability to navigate complex institutional structures and advance initiatives that promote organizational change
  
• Ability to interpret policies and regulations and provide recommendations to stakeholders
  
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive matters
  
• Ability to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for students and community members

Preferred Qualifications

Doctoral degree preferred.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter, resume, and contact information for three (3) references.

Best Consideration Date: August 29, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $142,661 to $171,000

This is a full-time, Staff Regular position based on-site in College Park, MD. A Child Protective Services (CPS) background clearance and financial disclosure are required for this position. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background check.

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Location

College Park, MD, USA38.989697-76.937760USMD