Director, First Generation Student Success

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Position Summary:

Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Director, First Generation Student Success. - Boca Raton, FL.

Summary of responsibilities:

• Oversee the administration of programs aimed at supporting first-generation students through coaching, resource provision, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and fostering a sense of community.

• Responsible for coaching students on various aspects of university life, collaborating with departments and organizations, identifying and addressing barriers for first-generation students, developing tailored resources, leading department initiatives and assessments, providing strategic direction, and supporting the recruitment and retention of first-generation students.  

• Advance the first-generation student experience through developing, implementing, and assessing comprehensive and holistic programming to foster a sense of community and belonging, facilitate student success, and assist first-generation students in their personal, academic, and professional development.  

• Facilitate overall event planning of the yearly calendar and signature programs to support first-generation (undergraduate and graduate) student success, including planning First-generation Week. Organize and conduct workshops and other educational programs, specifically tailored to the needs of first-generation students.

• Supervise, train, and evaluate full-time and student staff.

• Support, attend, and participate in university-wide, division-wide, functional team, and departmental events including, but not limited to, new student orientation, presidential and vice presidential events, staff development, planning retreats, assessment workshops, phone-a-thons, and committees.

• Supervise the development, recruitment, and implementation of the Kelly Strul Emerging Scholars program and other first-generation scholarship programs and initiatives, including eligibility review and selection processes.  Participate in University Advancement events related to First Generation Student Success, including Kelly Strul Emerging Scholars. 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive assessment plan to evolve programs and services to support first-generation student success, including recruitment, retention, graduation, and admission to graduate school or meaningful employment. 

• Partner with the Career Center to connect first-generation students (first-year, transfer, and graduate) with networking opportunities and resources to enhance career readiness.

• Work with New Student Orientation & Family Engagement to develop programs to support and engage first-generation students and their families from admission through enrollment and throughout the undergraduate experience. Work to provide ongoing support to first-generation students’ families throughout the undergraduate experience. 

• Foster a sense of community and belonging among first-generation students, faculty, and staff by creating opportunities to connect, share experiences, and support one another.

• Remain current and trained on best practices, emerging strategies and interventions, and research at the local, state, and federal levels, supporting first-generation students' recruitment, retention, persistence, and graduation.  Design and facilitate training for campus partners to bolster understanding of best practices for serving, retaining, and graduating first-generation students.

• Develop intentional branding, communication (including digital and print), and advertising as a critical function to advance FAU’s commitment to the first-generation student experience. Collaborate with TRiO programs in FAU’s service areas.  Participate in FAU Admissions recruitment and yield events.  

• Identify and apply for funding opportunities that support first-generation student success.

• Administer budget for the Office of First-Generation Student Success.

• Serves as a member of Essential Personnel.

FAU Benefits and Perks 

If Benefits & Perks are important to you, then FAU is the place to be! Working at FAU has its perks! In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, FAU offers: