Director of First-Generation Student Services

Classification Title:

DIR, Student Affairs

Job Description:

Department Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Oversees the First-Gen Student Success department’s strategic plan, working closely with campus leaders to integrate services and support for first-generation and contemporary students across campus.
• Designs, develops, and executes initiatives that enhance academic, co-curricular and professional outcomes for first generation students from pre-admission through to post-graduation.
• Ensures a coordinated and comprehensive approach to student success, fostering a campus culture that supports first-generation and contemporary students in their academic and life skill development.
• Develops pathways and partnerships that link academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for greater access and student success across disciplines and interests.

First-Gen Student Success Program & Service Management

• Manages scalable program and service offerings to support undergraduate and graduate first-generation students. Leads the development and implementation of innovative offerings that support such contemporary students, with a focus on academic success, career exploration, professional development, personal growth, and post-graduation success.
• Works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to enhance education, engagement, and infrastructures for the success of all students.
• Creates pathways, interventions and initiatives to increase attainments for first generation student success including their participation in high-impact experiences such as work-based learning opportunities, internships, research projects, leadership, life-long learning and service-learning.
• Provides resources, advising, coaching and direct support services to students throughout their UF experience for positive outcomes.

Unit & Staff Supervision

• Manages the department’s operational staffing (direct and indirect staff) and resources to ensure efficient and effective service delivery for the benefit of the university.
• Oversees departmental staff, ad hoc teams, workgroups, councils, volunteers and initiatives to educate, engage and advance the learning experience and the academic mission of the university for student success.
• Supervises, and leads professional staff, graduate assistants, interns, and others providing ongoing coaching, guidance and professional development opportunities.

Assessment & Reporting

• Coordinates data collection and assessment efforts of departmental and institutional data-driven decision-making for enhancements in efficiencies and effectiveness for unit mission and goals.
• Implements data driving decision-making strategies to measure the effectiveness of student success programs and services while focusing on the impact on student persistence, achievement, and post-graduation success.
• Prepares reports on programs, services, partnerships, interventions and success metrics, providing actionable insights to stakeholders and the university leadership. Share findings with key stakeholders for greater reporting and attainments to showcase broader institutional goals and integration success.

Expected Salary:

$80,000 - $90,000

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and six years of relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and eight years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of student development, interventions, and retention strategies, particularly for first-generation and contemporary students.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills, with the ability to build and sustain partnerships across the university and beyond.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and implement strategic plan efforts, manage resources, and assess program effectiveness.
• Experience in program development aimed at educating, supporting, and advocating for higher-risk student populations.
• Experience working with first-generation, low-income students, academic advising, and transition programs.
• Ability to work collegially within a student success-oriented organization.
• Knowledge of higher education, support services, student development, and financial aid.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Experience working with varied student populations and with faculty, staff, and external constituents.
• Competency in advising, mentoring, and assessment/research.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:No