The Director of First Generation and Retention Initiatives provides leadership and oversight for programs and initiatives that support student persistence, retention, completion, and postgraduation success. This position leads the development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of programs designed to enhance student engagement and success, with a particular focus on first-generation students, at-risk populations, and students experiencing academic challenges. The Director oversees First-Generation Services, Early Alert and Academic Intervention programs, and retention-focused programming. The position works collaboratively with Admissions, Advising, and Financial Aid, and other campus partners to remove barriers to enrollment, ensure students are prepared to begin college successfully, and provide proactive support throughout their educational journey.
Student Success Leadership
- Provide strategic leadership for student success, retention, persistence, and completion initiatives
- Develop, implement, and assess programs that support student engagement, academic achievement, and successful progression toward educational goals
- Lead continuous improvement efforts through assessment, benchmarking, and data informed decision making
First-Generation Programs
- Oversee the development, implementation, and assessment of First-Generation Services and programming
- Develop initiatives that support first-generation students throughout their college experience
- Coordinate workshops, mentoring opportunities, family engagement initiatives, and community-building events
- Serve as a resource and advocate for first-generation students and their families
- Build partnerships with community organizations and external agencies that support student access and persistence
- Partner with Admissions to assist first-generation students with getting started in college, including application completion, enrollment steps, orientation, and initial registration processes
- Support first-generation students in their transition into college by coordinating onboarding experiences, early-term engagement activities, and proactive outreach during critical transition periods
- Leads the Student Ambassador Program and advises the First-Generation Club
Retention and Intervention Programs
- Serve as the institutional lead for Early Alert and Academic Intervention initiatives
- Coordinate proactive outreach and interventions for students experiencing academic or personal challenges
- Develop retention strategies for students on academic alert, probation, intervention, or those at risk of stopping out
- Utilize institutional data to identif trends and implement targeted retention efforts
Strategic Planning and Assessment
- Monitor and analyze student access, retention, persistence, and completion data
- Develop assessment plans and performance measures for departmental programs and initiatives
- Prepare reports and recommendations regarding program effectiveness and student outcomes
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Three years of experience in higher education, student services, enrollment management, retention, advising, or a related field
- Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, organizational, and leadership skills
- Experience working with diverse student populations, including first-generation and at-risk students
- Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to analyze student data and develop intervention strategies
- Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners
- Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License, good driving record, and be insurable on Midland College's insurance policy
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university
- Three to five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education
- Knowledge of first-generation student support, retention strategies, onboarding programs,and student engagement best practices
- Experience with grant development, program assessment, and outcome reporting
- Familiarity with student success technologies, early alert systems, and case management software
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Three years of experience in higher education, student services, enrollment management, retention, advising, or a related field
- Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, organizational, and leadership skills
- Experience working with diverse student populations, including first-generation and at-risk students
- Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to analyze student data and develop intervention strategies
- Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners
- Valid Texas Driver's License, good driving record, and be insurable on Midland College's insurance policy
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university
- Three to five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education
- Knowledge of first-generation student support, retention strategies, onboarding programs, and student engagement best practices
- Experience with grant development, program assessment, and outcome reporting
- Familiarity with student success technologies, early alert systems, and case management software
What We Do
Midland College is a comprehensive community college dedicated to excellence and a commitment to lifelong learning. It supports individual and economic development by offering degrees, certificates, workforce education, and student support services, while also providing community and cultural enrichment opportunities.
