Southern California HERC

Accountabilities:

• Assist with, and often take a lead role in, the planning, implementation, and assessment of programming related to the strategic goals of First@Colgate, the Dean of the College Division, and the University's Third Century Plan.
• Ability to apply techniques of assessment to measure programmatic effectiveness. Utilize assessment to refine initiatives; monitor and evaluate student progress, engagement and success.
• The assistant director must be able to take direction and initiative, work independently while managing multiple priorities, and support the vision of the assistant dean.
• Assist in the development of the First@Colgate annual report and data analysis.
• Serve as an institutional resource and advocate for first- generation and underrepresented students, working closely with faculty, staff, alumni and other stakeholders to coordinate supplemental educational programming, transition, and support services.
• Provide programmatic support to the OUS Summer Institute.
• Collaborate with other University Offices to plan and coordinate Pre-Orientation programming.

• Supervise undergraduate staff members who work with First@Colgate. Coordinate training, facilitate onboarding, and provide ongoing evaluation and professional development opportunities for student employees.

• Encourage leadership identity development through training, mentorship, and the development of accountability measures. This may also include identifying, coordinating travel to and accompanying students at leadership conferences and retreats.
• Lead first-gen week programming committee.
• Serve as a university contact for the First-Gen Forward Network. Promote, champion and sustain student success initiatives in support of Colgate's designation as a First-Gen Forward Institution.
• Serve as a mentor to students helping facilitate social, leadership, academic, and identity development, financial literacy and to encourage their holistic well-being, self-advocacy, and ability to utilize resources and support services.
• Coordinate and/or oversee the distribution of a First@Colgate newsletter and monitor and maintain First@Colgate social media accounts.
• Serve as an institutional resource and first-generation advocate, identifying opportunities for ally development, interdepartmental collaboration, and community partnerships.
• Represent First@Colgate through participation in campus-wide initiatives and committees within the Dean of the College Division and University.

• Assist the assistant dean and director in budget management, internal and external reporting, communications, assessment, and other administrative tasks as needed.
• Possess high levels of professional acumen, judgment, and leadership and serve in a variety of capacities in the absence of the director.
• Serve in other capacities as needed.

Professional Experience/Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success in developing programs and services that promote student success and support for first-generation students and other underrepresented groups.
• An understanding of issues facing contemporary higher education, specifically with regards to access retention, and diversity, equity, and inclusion is required.
• Ability to apply student development, identity development, intersectionality, and/or social justice frameworks to programs, trainings, and interactions with the Colgate community.
• Demonstrated understanding and success in applying principles of fiscal responsibility and ethical behavior in the workplace, including a commitment to confidentiality.
• Demonstrated skills in project management, including data gathering and analysis, presentation skills, strategic project planning and project implementation.
• Team-oriented with excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff, faculty and administrators in support of departmental and division goals and priorities.
• Experience in supervising or advising students and/or other staff.
• Experience managing and promoting events, initiatives, and programs through social media outlets and other online platforms.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills are also essential.
• Individual should be an effective collaborator and work well as a member of a team.
• Must be capable of working collegially with a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff on a daily basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with first-generation and underrepresented student populations required; relevant experience in higher education strongly preferred.

Education:

• A Master's degree is preferred; preferably in higher education, student affairs, ethnic studies, social sciences or related fields.
• In lieu of a Master's degree, a Bachelor's degree is required in combination with 2-3 years of comparable full-time experience.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work evenings and weekends to support events and programming.
• Ability to travel and/or drive, in University vehicle, with student groups attending events and conferences.

EEO Statement:

About Colgate University

Colgate University is a highly selective residential liberal arts institution distinguished by academic excellence and interdisciplinary inquiry. Located on a beautiful campus in upstate New York, Colgate takes pride in the active engagement of its students and faculty in local, national, and global communities.

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