This position will support strategic priorities that advance the experiences of first-generation and lower-income students at Northwestern University. Reporting to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and the Sr. Director of Student Enrichment Services, the role will collaborate with a broad range of constituencies in the development and evaluation of initiatives across the University that enable first-generation and lower-income students to thrive at Northwestern. The position will collaborate with schools and units across campus to support initiatives that foster equitable access to educational opportunities at Northwestern. The position will facilitate the Books for ‘Cats program that loans course materials to students with high financial needs, provide logistical guidance for Northwestern’s pre-enrollment programs, and partner in support efforts provided by Student Enrichment Services. The Assistant Director will help to establish web-based resources for FGLI students at Northwestern as well as engage in financial reporting related to key initiatives. Across these efforts, the Assistant Director will work to improve systems to enable better support of and greater accessibility for FGLI students at Northwestern. While engaging with a variety of campus partners is central to this position, the position does not involve direct advising of students.
Specific Responsibilities:
Administration
- Oversees & ensures that day-to-day operations are appropriately managed, efficient and effective.
- Develops, maintains & reports on quantitative and qualitative performance measures.
Budgets & Financial
- Oversees accurate, efficient and compliant workflow of all transactional processes across areas/units.
- Creates & oversees finances, budget, associated analysis & reports.
Communication, Outreach & Recruitment
- Creates & implements program/project brand identity and marketing & advertising strategy.
- Develops and implements communication plan around FGLI initiatives with key partners across campus.
Evaluation
- Manages development and maintenance of evaluation processes including associated metrics and key performance indicators.
- Reviews & analyzes outcome measurements and recommends changes & enhancements to improve program/project.
Program Development
- Research competitor, and state-of-the art developments to enhance, improve, and innovate program curricula and delivery to better meet goals & objectives.
- Oversee development and implementation of new program/project initiatives.
- Manages relationships with partners, foundations, etc. and coordinates logistical support.
- Continually assesses and innovates program/project to achieve educational goals.
- Develops strategy for program/project growth and expansion.
Strategic Planning
- Manages & implements strategic plans.
- Reviews plans, meets with leadership & key faculty & staff.
- Provides advice & counsel & recommends changes & improvements to functional operations to better meet organizational needs & objectives.
Supervision
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
- Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
- 2 years program/project administration or other relevant experience.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Strong analytic and writing skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, establishing community, and promoting innovation.
- Familiarity with student success initiatives and student support services, specifically as they relate to the needs of first generation and lower income students.
Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
- Strong understanding of the educational environment at highly selective institutions.
- Flexibility and comfort working in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated track record as a positive team player with a commitment to collaboration and integrity.
- Master’s Degree in Higher Education or related field OR 4-6 years post undergraduate experience supporting first-generation and/or lower-income college students.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
- Knowledge of current research and theory around first-generation and/or lower-income college students.
- Experience with policy and program development and evaluation, as well as strategic planning and managing budgets.
- Ability to foster collaboration and lasting partnerships with diverse constituents including students, faculty, staff, administrators, funders, and alumni.
The target hiring range for this position will be between $60,000 to $62,000 per year.
Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more!
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home.
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
