Associate Director of First Generation Initiatives Program

Department

Position Summary

The Associate Director of the First-Generation Initiatives Program plays a key role in supporting first-generation college students in their academic journey, sense of belonging, career preparation, and college completion.  The Associate Director of First-Generation Initiatives is a leader within the Classroom to Career Hub Student Success team. The Associate Director reports to the Assistant Vice President of Student Success and supports them in setting the strategic vision and implementation for First-generation student success

The Associate Director of the First-Generation Initiatives Program will lead the ongoing development and management of a comprehensive strategy to address the needs of students who are the first in their families to attend college. Close to sixty percent of the MSU Denver student population are first-generation college students. Given the unique college journey of first-generation students, the Associate Director will be responsible for collaborating with key internal and external constituents in implementing "First Generation Ready" policies, conducting needs assessments, developing programs, educating the campus community, and collaborating with the Classroom to Career Hub and other campus departments to support these students.

Recognizing that first-generation students come from various identity groups, the Associate Director will provide culturally competent services that honor, affirm, and explore students' intersecting identities—including, but not limited to, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, income status, and documentation status. This role also involves building community and cultivating leadership among MSU Denver’s first-generation students. The Associate Director is expected to deliver culturally competent, accessible, and inclusive support to the MSU Denver first-generation student population.

The University is particularly interested in applicants with experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for under-represented groups.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver. Fifty-five percent of our undergraduate student body are students of color, and fifty-nine percent identify as first-generation students.

Within the Division of Student Affairs, we strive to create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. Rather, it requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a foundation for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer.

IND208

Duties/Responsibilities

40% - Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Responsible for creating and implementing the comprehensive strategic vision for First Generation programming
• Engage in strategic partnership across the university that will enhance the visibility and the success of first-generation student
• Plan and lead MSU Denver’s First Generation working committee meetings
• Conduct regular needs assessments to ensure programs are effective and relevant
• Evaluate and assess the needs and experiences of MSU Denver first-generation students and provide support services including but not limited to assisting students in obtaining appropriate resources and academic support services and provide referrals to community and campus offices
• Maintain a strong understanding of first-generation needs, current trends, first-generation issues, and policies to inform the campus community.

30% - Program Implementation and Development

• The Associate Director will leverage best practices from the FirstGen Forward network, other related organizations, and institutional data to develop a first-generation undergraduate student experience that addresses their needs, builds community, fosters a sense of belonging, and supports students from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities.
• Responsible for planning and implementing programming that addresses the intersecting identities and needs of First-Generation students such as but not limited to the planning of the First-Generation