Assistant Director - First Gen Student Success Center

The First-Gen Student Success Center is part of the Student Success team within the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE), a unit within the Executive Vice President and Provost. The AD reports to Deon Newsom, Director of First-Gen Student Success Initiatives.

This position is expected to work on campus in the First-Gen Center located in Appleby Hall on the East Bank campus. Remote work days may be available after successful onboarding and role acclimation.

The Assistant Director (AD) will be part of a new team to develop the operations, services, and programs of the new First-Gen Student Success Center. This position is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the Center's programming, specifically the mentoring initiatives, designed to support first-generation students throughout their college journey and prepare them for life beyond graduation through a high-touch, cohort-based, and asset-focused approach. In addition, the AD will assist the Center's Director in managing and coordinating all functional aspects of the Center, ensuring seamless operations and effective program delivery.

Responsibilities:
Mentorship Program Development and Oversight (65%)

• Develop and implement comprehensive mentoring strategies tailored to first-generation students, ensuring alignment with their unique needs.
• Coordinate logistics, marketing, and communication efforts to ensure successful program execution and high participation rates.
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, and training of mentors, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Design and conduct orientations, training sessions, and ongoing support activities for mentors to enhance their effectiveness.
• Coordinate mentor-mentee matching based on students' academic and personal goals to foster meaningful relationships.
• Organize regular group activities to build a strong, supportive community among first-gen students and their mentors.
• Monitor and support mentees' progress, addressing any challenges they face in their academic journey.
• Collaborate with other campus services to provide additional resources and support for mentees.
• Maintain accurate records of program activities, participant information, and outcomes for reporting and assessment purposes.
• Evaluate and improve programs through regular feedback from participants and analysis of program outcomes.
• Meet with the Director to address operational efficiency and provide updates regarding program delivery.

Center Management and Coordination (30%)

• Assist the Center's Director in the day-to-day management and operation of the Center, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning.
• Foster strong relationships with campus stakeholders and external partners to enhance the Center's resources and support network.
• Represent the Center at university meetings, committees, and events as assigned by the Director
• Plan and execute signature events and activities that promote the Center's mission and engage first-gen students
• Ensure UMN and OUE policies/procedures and practices are upheld.

Professional Development, Service, and Other Duties (5%)

• Engage in professional development and service activities related to the student services profession, within the University of Minnesota community and beyond, when appropriate
• Perform various other duties as assigned

Required:

• BA/BS degree plus 4 years of experience or master's degree plus 2 years of experience in a higher education setting
• Experience with project management and program implementation.
• Evidence of effective relationship-building, team-building, and oral/written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively and collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting a diverse and respectful workplace that welcomes and respects a diverse constituency.

Preferred

• Experience developing and executing mentoring programs that provide support for college students, specifically first-generation students.
• Working knowledge of student development theory.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to be flexible, adaptable, and collaborative, including demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and interdependently as part of a team.
• Experience with complex databases, preferably student data systems similar to Peoplesoft and APLUS.
  

The University of Minnesota is committed to the success of all students, specifically addressing the opportunity gaps that exist for students from historically underserved backgrounds. As part of that commitment, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities recently launched a new center designed to promote the success of first-generation (FG) undergraduate students. The vision for the First-Gen Student Success Center is to provide holistic support to FG students as they transition and progress through their college experience, with a focus on advancing equitable outcomes relating to retention, graduation, and sense of belonging. With 25% of UMTC undergraduate students identifying as first-generation college students, the center will work closely with key campus partners to provide coordinated and complimentary services and support that promote FG student success.

Pay Range: $56,000 - $60,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).