Assistant Director of First@Colgate

Department Statement
The Assistant Director of First@Colgate collaborates closely with other professionals across the Dean of the College division and the University to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for first-generation and underrepresented student populations. The Assistant Director’s primary responsibilities include coordinating, planning, implementing and evaluating support services for First@Colgate. The Assistant Director assumes a lead role in planning and coordinating Pre-Orientation programs for underrepresented student populations and serves as a liaison to the Provost and Dean of the Faculty Division providing support to the Office of Undergraduate Studies Summer Institute. The Assistant Director serves as a primary contact for students connecting them with campus resources and providing programming and advising on a wide range of topics including academic, transition, and financial matters as well as post-graduation preparation.

It is an exciting time for the University as Colgate enters its third century. President Brian W. Casey is leading the campus through a comprehensive Third-Century Plan to raise the institution’s profile as a distinctive and strong undergraduate liberal arts institution to even-higher levels of achievement.

Having celebrated its Bicentennial in the academic year 2018–2019 and forging into its third century, Colgate has distinguished itself as one of the finest residential universities and has sought a special purpose among institutions of higher learning.

Learn more about Colgate University and the Dean of the College Division by reviewing A Candidate’s Guide to Colgate . Accountabilities
Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Administrative Advising and Director of First@Colgate, the Assistant Director is an equity-minded practitioner, educator, and advisor/mentor. The assistant director position requires experience in program development and implementation, building partnerships across a university/college campus, counseling, advising or mentoring and knowledge of campus resources.

Program Design, Implementation, and Execution
● 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.
● 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.
● 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.
● Utilize assessment to measure the effectiveness of programs and to refine initiatives; monitor and evaluate student progress, engagement and success; and, assist in the development of the First@Colgate annual report and data analysis.
● Provide programmatic and operational support to the OUS Summer Institute.
● Collaborate with other University Offices to plan and coordinate Pre-Orientation programming.

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

Student and Community Engagement
● Encourage leadership identity development through trainings, mentorship, and the development of accountability measures. This may also include identifying, coordinating travel to and accompanying students at leadership conferences and retreats. Advise related student leadership committees or councils.
● Provide individualized advising to students to 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.

Leadership
● Assist the assistant dean and director in budget management, 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.

This position has been designated as a Campus Security Authority ( CSA ), in accordance with the federal statutory requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act. CSA’s are required to and responsible for reporting allegations of crimes they receive from students and employees to the Campus Safety Department. 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, counseling, social work, ethnic studies, or related field.

In lieu of a Master’s degree, a bachelor’s degree is required in combination with 2-3 years of comparable full-time experience. Job Open Date 08/13/2021 Job Close Date Open Until Filled No Special Instructions Summary EEO Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

For more information, click the "How to Apply" button.