Posting Title

Assistant Director, First Generation Success & Intercultural Education

Overview

Take Flight supports the transition of first generation students to life at Catholic University, capitalizing on the gifts and talents they possess. Take Flight is designed for students whose college application indicates that neither parent has obtained a college degree in the United States. Through their participation in Take Flight, first generation students are able to navigate their time at The Catholic University of America with confidence and ease. Take Flight allows first generation students to:  

- easily access all the resources available on campus and beyond;

- reach personal and academic goals; 

- develop healthy habits that ensure academic success; and

- fully engage in campus life.

 

In support of all aspects of the mission of the department, division, and University, the Assistant Director supports the implementation and coordination of the Take Flight program. Executing student-centered initiatives that reflect institutional thinking, foster student retention and promote the holistic development of students. The Assistant Director will serve as a mentor and advisor to students by actively supporting them in both their positive endeavors and in overcoming obstacles. 

 

As a student life professional, the Assistant Director serves as a functional leader and educator for CSE’s programs; serves as a resource for staff and students; supports and promotes the mission and vision of Catholic University; and contributes positively to the Catholic University community of research, teaching, learning and service to the Church, the nation and the world. 

 

The Assistant Director is responsible for the following:

- Program development and coordination, including marketing related to Take Flight sponsored events such as Summer Online Program, Pre-Orientation, Skills-Building Sessions, Peer Mentoring, and Social Events.

- The advisement of first-generation college students and mentors and a number of other Student Organizations, as assigned.

- Expand existing intercultural education offerings. 

- Supervision of Events team of students to provide event planning and marketing support for department events.

- Supervision of Graduate Assistant to support your responsibilities

 

This position reports to the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Engagement and represents the department in a variety of public relations forums and university events.  The Assistant Director establishes relationships with faculty, academic leadership, enrollment services, campus life professionals and other integral staff throughout the campus community.

 

The projected salary for this position, which represents the full range of anticipated compensation, is: $60,000.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and develop intentional programmatic initiatives and services that positively impact the recruitment, retention and enrichment of first-generation college students. Market, promote, and track attendance and assessment data for all Take Flight programs and events, and other related events and programs.Assist in the planning, developing, implementing and evaluating outstanding educational and developmental systems and processes which supplement global University and departmental objectives and provide individualized holistic support services for students, especially those in Take Flight. 

- Assist in the development and coordination of curricular and co-curricular support programs and services to enhance student engagement, learning and success.

- Assist in the coordination of programs and services designed to reinforce and create connections with/between individual students, student groups, and the university community.

- Apply best and emerging practices, consistent with the Catholic identity of the university.

- Develop formal, collaborative working relationships with associated departments, including Academic Affairs; Admission; Athletics; Campus Ministry; Center for Academic and Career Success, Counseling Center; Dean of Students, Disability Support Services, Enrollment Services; Housing Services; Public Safety (DPS); Residence Life; Technology Services; Facilities and Maintenance; Events and Conference Services (ECS), and Student Health Services.

- Become engaged with appropriate and effective professional organizations. Actively seek opportunities to receive regional and national recognition for departmental innovations and initiatives. 

Serve as a resource person for students, parents, faculty and administrators. Contribute to the positive formation of students, serving as a role model and ensuring that out of classroom experiences target the formation of responsible global citizens.

- Provide advisement to student organization leaders; provide sound fiscal guidance and support to students in using the student activity fee and successful event planning.

- Supervise student staff as appropriate.

- Create goodwill for the University in service to families of students, visitors, patrons, government officials, community leaders and the general public. 

- Serve a departmental role in University initiatives, encourage student and student organization participation in same, as well as other University-wide occasions and special events.

- Present training workshops and seminars for students and staff.

- Develop an understanding of the student development field. 

- Assist with the cultivation of positive community relations.

- Contribute to the overall success of the Center for Student Engagement, Student/Academic Affairs, and the University by performing all other essential duties as assigned. 

Administrative and Operational Responsibilities

- Participate in and contribute to the strategic, operational and budget planning processes of the department.  

- Provide departmental and divisional support as necessary.

- Acquire and maintain a strong working knowledge of related university departments, systems and processes. 

- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with professional colleagues on and off campus. 

- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the front office area and back storage room.

Qualifications

Practical Experience:

 

Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred. Experience in campus activities, leadership, orientation and/or other relevant experience is strongly preferred.

 

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed:

- Ability to translate a mission and vision into successful programs and services.  Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, implement and evaluate programs and services.

- Strong service orientation and ability to relate effectively with diverse individuals and groups at all levels of an organization.

- Ability to work collegially and collaboratively to develop effective student-oriented services.  Ability to communicate effectively and by using a wide variety of tools and mediums.

- Proven “hands on” and energetic team leader. Must be able to generate the confidence and trust of individuals and the extended campus community.

- Demonstrated ability to be productive, deliver high quality work, take initiative, use good judgment and solve problems.

- Strong ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and handle heavy workloads under pressure and within deadlines.

- Ability to produce quality results with limited resources.

- Knowledge and skills with automated computer systems, new technologies, records management, database systems to support service and operational needs; skill with use of university systems within three months of appointment.