Director of ALANA and First-Generation Student Success

Profile

Director of ALANA and First-Generation Student Success
Category:
Administrators
Department:
Student Activities
Locations:
Worcester, MA
Posted:
Feb 25, 2022
Closes:
Open Until Filled
Type:
Full-time
Position ID:
143280
Share
About Assumption University:
Assumption University is a comprehensive, Catholic liberal arts institution sponsored by the Augustinians of the Assumption. We awaken in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Our curricular and co-curricular programs provide students with an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. We are a diverse community that welcomes different points of view and embraces all who share our mission. Enlivened by the Catholic affirmation of the harmony of faith and reason and by the pursuit of the truth in the company of friends, an Assumption education transforms the minds and hearts of students. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Assumption favors diversity, ecumenically welcomes all who share its goals, and strongly encourages applicants from underrepresented racial minorities to apply.
Job Description:
BASIC PURPOSE: At Assumption, our Catholic and Augustinian roots facilitate, in a unique way, the development of a community that reflects the richness of our diverse world. For this reason, we seek to nurture and are deeply committed to a community in which the human dignity of every member of the University is preserved and celebrated. Therefore, Assumption provides the means through which each member has an opportunity to contribute to the vitality of the whole, a contribution that is valued, as is each individual. The Director of ALANA and First-Generation Student success will provide leadership in the area of ALANA and First-Generation student success by improving the access, retention and completion of minoritized student populations. The Director will strategically plan and lead access and retention initiatives such as cross campus collaboration efforts, mentoring programs, student success coaching, and multicultural programs. Establish consistent systems for tracking and reporting on student programs and outcomes utilizing measurable information on participation, retention and graduation rates. Design and implement evaluation methods, instruments, and strategies to: 1) assess operational and programmatic effectiveness; 2) use findings to elevate underrepresented student access retention and completion, produce assessment reports, and action plans.
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
ALANA and First-Generation Initiatives
1. Lead effort with support from the Student Success team to effectively connect ALANA and first-generation students to campus and other community opportunities;
2. Serve as a visible resource for the Assumption community and an advocate regarding ALANA, first-generation student success and timely graduation;
3. Liaison with faculty members to ensure the unique needs of ALANA and first-generation students are communicated;
4. Drive short and long-range planning; programming development, and implementation; assessment, data collection, and data analysis; and the timely delivery of projects, programs, and services that cultivate ALANA and first-generation student learning and success;
5. Develop relationships across campus and within the greater community to enhance the success of our ALANA and first-generation students;
6. Collaborate with the Undergraduate Studies Office to proactively evaluate the incoming class, identifying candidates for the pre-orientation program and COMPASS;
7. Initiate one on one meetings with ALANA and first-generation students providing guidance and mentorship;
8. Develop strategies along with faculty advisors to advance the success of ALANA and first-generation students;
9. Form strategic relationships with the D'Amour Center for Teaching Excellence, the Center for Purpose and Vocation, and the International Students Success Center;
10. Provide just in time information (career and internships, advising, housing, student leadership opportunities, study abroad, Rome, Pathways) to increase participation of ALANA and first-generation students;
11. Perform other duties assigned.
Cross-Cultural Center Initiatives
1. Manage and direct the day-to-day operation of the Cross-Cultural Center including hiring, supervising, training and evaluating a graduate assistant and work-study students.
2. Champion collaboration across the institution with training, cross-cultural awareness, recruitment and initiatives that attract and retain a diverse student body.
3. Facilitate staff development workshops that are aimed at developing cultural competence and understanding of the lived experience of individuals representing diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds (e.g., Reflections on Race).
4. Represent Assumption University on the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts (HECCMA) ALANA sub-committee.
Special Programs and Initiatives
1. Coordinate all aspects of the annual ALANA and first-generation Pre-Orientation Program including marketing, recruiting and assessment.
2. Conduct monthly Success Workshops for ALANA and first-generation student participants of the pre-orientation program.
3. Develop mentoring pathways across the community (e.g. peers, faculty, administrators and staff).
4. Coordinate the multicultural overnight program along with the Admissions Office.
Requirements:
* Must be willing to contribute actively to the mission of the University as well as show respect for the Catholic and Assumptionist identity of Assumption University.
* Keen understanding of traditional undergraduate student population at a Catholic liberal arts University.
* Ability to interact and maintain relationships with a variety of people from all aspects of the University and community.
* Master's degree required with 5-7 years' experience in multicultural programming and/or higher education administration.
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publishers.
* Well-organized, able to work under pressure, plan and accomplish goals.
* COVID-19 vaccination and booster, required.
Additional Information:
SCOPE:
* Strengthen the infrastructure to provide mentorship and support to ALANA and first-generation students.
* Faculty are a key pathway and need to be part of the leadership model in support of ALANA and first-generation students.
* Facilitate the social, emotional and educational development of minoritized students and promote a more diverse and welcoming campus community; identify the needs, issues and concerns facing minoritized students at a predominantly white institution; assist with establishment of policies and programs addressing diversity, discrimination and harassment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sitting, standing, walking, and bending are required of this position. Use of a computer keyboard and computer screen for periods of time with close vision and the ability to adjust visual focus plus manual dexterity are required.
MENTAL DEMANDS: The mental demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Examples of mental demands include reading (documents), detailed work, confidentiality, language, math, reasoning, oral communications, written communications, customer contact, multiple concurrent tasks, constant interruptions, and performing calculations when necessary.
Application Instructions:
Please be sure to submit your cover letter addressing qualifications for this position along with your resume.
Thank you

Company info

Sign Up Now - EducationCrossing.com