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.

Minimum Qualifications:

A master's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience required.

Salary:

$70,000 - $75,000 per year.

College or Department:

Division of Student Affairs

Location:

Boca Raton

Work Days and Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. Must be able to work evenings and weekend commitments and travel to partner campuses or other SUS institutions.

Application Deadline:

2025-04-24

Special Instructions to Applicant:

This recruitment has been reopened; all previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply. This position may close without prior notice.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:
Resume
Cover letter

OFFICIAL SEALED TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED:
Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS REQUIRED:
Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (level I and level II), motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol, and drug screening check.

REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATIONS:
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email at [email protected]. To contact Human Resources, please call 561-297-3057. For communication assistance call 7-1-1.