Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening, nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition’s quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.

Job Summary

The Director of the First Generation Initiative (FGI) provides oversight and direction for the FGI program. The Director spearheads efforts to foster development of the scholarship portion of the FGI program, while advocating for the wellbeing of any and all first-generation students at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN). Given FGI’s endowed status, the Director must foster relationships with benefactors, ensuring the program’ s viability and sustainability. Reporting to the Senior Director of SSC, the Director will supervise one professional staff member along with student workers. This role entails maintaining a strategic vision for the future of FGI.

As a member of the SSC, the ideal candidate for this position is collaborative, inclusive, and deeply passionate about mission-based institutions. 

FGI was established in 2010 with the aim of ensuring academic success for first-generation college students, those who are the first in their family to attend a postsecondary institution. This mission-driven initiative extends beyond merely facilitating access to college to include an emphasis on retention of first-generation students in their effort to complete their college degree. 

The program caters to students at two key stages in their educational journey: high school and college. High school students from partner schools can participate in the Countdown to College (C2C), an annual summer program designed to enhance academic skills essential for college readiness. Additionally, the FGI scholarship provides full tuition funding for selected first-generation students who enroll at SMUMN, providing access to comprehensive academic, social, and cultural support.

This position entails comprehensive oversight of both FGI and C2C, in collaboration with the planning team, thus ensuring a holistic approach to supporting first-generation students.

Salary Range: $50K-$60K

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide holistic oversight for the FGI program; 
• Supervise the Student Success Specialist for First Generation Students;
• Conduct assessments and annual reviews, updating the organization's handbook as necessary;
• Manage budgets for FGI and C2C;
• Collaborate with the C2C planning team to develop and to implement programs;
• Lead the FGI application process, reviewing and selecting candidates for participation;
• Meet and advise FGI scholars regularly;
• Coordinate the FGI work study program; 
• Lead marketing and promotional efforts for FGI and C2C;
• Facilitate any behavior and academic probation meetings with FGI scholars;
• Organize and facilitate town hall meetings, providing a platform for open communication and feedback;
• Collaborate with the office of advancement to manage and support benefactor relations and to cultivate philanthropic opportunities;
• Lead the FGI Advisory Council;
• Plan and execute the First Year Retreat, coordinating logistics and activities;
• Advocate for first generation student needs throughout SMUMN
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Education Requirements

• Master’s degree required - Preferred in Counseling, Higher Education, Education, or related field
• 3-5 years experience serving similar populations of first generation students or college aged students
• Spanish-speaking a plus

Essential Knowledge & Skills

• Respect and understanding of diverse student populations
• Awareness of intersectionality within identities 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends, as needed
• Empathetic and helpful characteristics are necessary

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work. Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Physical Hazards – Health and Safety Concerns

• General office environments

Apply online at https://www.smumn.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

Saint Mary’s offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.