at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Director of First-Generation Student Initiatives & Associate Director - OMSAOffice of Minority Student Affairs
Job Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director for the OMSA, the Director of First-Generation Student Initiatives & Associate Director of the Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) will provide leadership in creating innovative university-wide programming and academic supports to expand success and increase graduation rates for first-generation students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking applications for the Director for First-Generation Student Initiatives & Associate Director for the Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA). Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois is one of the nation's original 37 public land-grant institutions. The University of Illinois is home to approximately 56,000 students and 12,000 faculty and staff.
As a part of Student Success, Inclusion, and Belonging within Student Affairs, OMSA provides support for students to reach their personal, academic, and professional goals through curricular and co-curricular engagement opportunities. OMSA reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success, Inclusion, and Belonging (SSIB).
Reporting to the Executive Director for the OMSA, the Director of First-Generation Student Initiatives & Associate Director of the Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) will provide leadership in creating innovative university-wide programming and academic supports to expand success and increase graduation rates for first-generation students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Student Success Advising, Advocacy, and Support (55%)
Lead efforts to plan and provide programming, advising, support services, and referrals for first-generation students at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
Collaborate with campus partners to create a welcoming environment that inspires academic success, personal growth, college retention and graduation for first-generation students from low-income, historically underrepresented, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
Provide advocacy that advances equitable, educational outcomes for OMSA eligible students-which includes first-generation students-and leads to the elimination of persistent graduation gaps.
Leverage technology and collaboration to effectively deliver student success services and support for first-generation students at scale.
Lead and assist with university-wide initiatives for all first-generation students, including orientation activities, curricular initiatives, academic support services, and other co-curricular efforts that enrich the first-generation experience.
Proactively engage in policy development that supports equitable outcomes for first-generation students and other OMSA eligible student populations.
Actively promote and market first-generation programs and services for first-generation students.
Create first-generation learning and leadership experiences that emphasize intersectionality, service learning, democratic dialogue, and other high impact activities.
Collaborate with NASPA's Center for First Generation Student Success to enhance student outcomes.
Proactively collaborate with partners in academic affairs, colleges and departments, student affairs, financial aid, admissions, and other stakeholders to develop and promote initiatives that increase student success and personal development for all OMSA eligible student populations including first-generation students.
Collaborate with campus partners to support the recruitment and yield of first-generation students.
Collaborate with advancement to develop resources and relationships with alumni and donors that support first-generation student initiatives.
Represent the OMSA to and the interests of OMSA eligible student to a diverse array of internal and external stakeholders.
Administration and Supervision (30%)
Lead planning, management, and oversight for activities and initiatives that enhance the first-generation student experience.
Assist in managing a complex budget including state, federal, institutional, and gift funds.
Oversee hiring, onboarding, supervising, professional development, and performance evaluations of related staff.
Assessment and Research (10%)
In conjunction with SSIB Assessment, implement an assessment and research strategy which informs a culturally significant approach to data-driven co-curricular design.
Ensure a learning outcomes-based approach in the development and implementation of educational programs.
Provide leadership in creating strategic goals for first-generation students which align with the Student Affairs and university strategic plans.
Conduct regular program evaluations and assessment activities to ensure continual improvement.
Review and analyze first-generation student data and learning outcomes using various reporting systems to identify trends and evaluate factors such as retention, persistence, graduation rates and learning outcomes to assess students' academic progress and success rates.
Collaborate with academic colleges to develop and support early alert and other student success strategies (e.g., student success advising, supplemental instruction, mentoring, coaching, tutoring, study skills, and educational enrichment workshops).
Other (5%)
Lead and serve on department, campus, and community committees as assigned.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Physical Demands
This is a security-sensitive position. The chosen candidate is required to pass an extensive criminal background check prior to starting the position.
The Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) provides leadership in developing, implementing, and delivering student support services to improve the retention, academic achievement, graduation, and success of undergraduates at Illinois, particularly, students who identify as first-generation, historically underrepresented, low-income, and/or educationally disadvantaged
Travel Requirements
10% Travel for Conferences, Recruitment, and work with peer institutions will be required.
Minimum Qualifications
• Master's degree in Education, Student Development, Student Personnel, or related field suitable for effectively administering student support and success services at a public, land-grant university. • At least 4 years of full-time professional experience leading or managing student success, educational equity, and/or student support services in higher education. • Experience (1) working with high achieving, first-generation students from historically underrepresented, low-income, TRIO eligible, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds; (2) supervising staff and volunteers; and (3) designing and/or implementing academic student success programs (e.g., tutoring, advising, mentoring, academic support services, supplemental instruction, Federal TRIO Program, first-year experiences). • Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and advocacy for equitable academic and personal outcomes for first-generation, historically underrepresented, and underserved students. • Success leading initiatives for diverse, first-generation students at an institution of higher education. • Data-informed, outcomes driven decision-making, with an ability to share a story of success. • Results-driven, teambuilder with a proven ability to effectively convene key stakeholders to collaborate and build consensus. • Displayed innovative and creative approaches to address challenges and institutional priorities. • Experience networking, connecting, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
• A doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., etc.).
• Knowledge of theoretical foundations of student development and experience with practical application and service delivery for first-generation students within a higher education environment
• Success managing complex operating budgets, including state, federal, and gift funds.
• Experience planning events, programs, and services for first-generation students and the diverse, intersecting identities represented in the larger OMSA eligible student populations and their families.
• Experience using academic technologies, student information systems, tutoring management systems, predictive analytics, or early alert system to bolster student success.
• Experience in fundraising and working with diverse alumni constituents.
• Experience in marketing and communications (e.g., electronic newsletters, websites, social media).
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 7/16/2023. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on June 30, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Please complete your application profile and upload: (1) cover letter; (2) resume /vitae; and (3) contact information for at least three professional references. To ensure full consideration, submit your completed materials by 6 pm June 30, 2023. For further information about this specific position, please contact omsa-hr@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .
Requisition ID: 1017843
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
