Job Details

Director, First-Generation Student Support

Position Number: 6328197
Location: Seattle, WA
Position Type: Student Affairs and Services

Director, First-Generation Student Support

Seattle University

Director, First-Generation Student Support

FLSA Status:

Market Reference Range (MRR): 12

Months Per Year: 12

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: On-site

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.

Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

Reporting to the Assistant Provost for Student & Campus Life, the Director is responsible for designing, coordinating, and advancing Seattle University's comprehensive strategy to support undergraduate students who identify as first-generation college students. This role blends direct student support with cross-campus collaboration to foster a robust "first-gen success ecosystem" rooted in equity, visibility, and institutional accountability.

Grounded in our Jesuit and Catholic mission and principles of intersectionality and inclusion, the Associate Director ensures that first-gen student experiences are honored, amplified, and meaningfully integrated into university-wide retention and engagement efforts. This role will lead programmatic innovation, institutional alignment, and community partnerships that build belonging and promote the academic and professional success of first-generation students.

Essential Functions

Program Leadership (30%)

Serve as the primary institutional leader for first-generation student engagement and support focusing on retention and timely graduation.
Coordinate and implement a cohesive, equity-driven strategy that integrates programs, policies, and practices supporting first-generation undergraduate students.
Integrate first-gen initiatives with related programs, services, and events with Student & Campus Life, Student Success, Admissions/Enrollment, Student Financial Services, faculty and other key partnership areas.
Lead the First-Generation Partners Group, aligning stakeholders across divisions and facilitating ongoing assessment and strategy refinement.
Ensure alignment with Seattle University's Reigniting Our Strategic Directions goals related to enhancing the student experience and inclusive excellence.
Design, implement, and assess first-gen-centered programs such as the First-Gen Link, and First to Soar peer mentorship program.
In collaboration with campus partners, design, implement, and assess first-gen centered events, such as First-Gen Week, First-Gen Family Brunch, and other collaborative events that support and engage first-gen students and their families.
In collaboration with the MOSAIC Center, University Advising, Enrollment Services, and Career Engagement, develop bridge and second-year success initiatives that focus on transition, identity integration, and academic achievement for first-generation students.

Student, Faculty, Staff, and Family Engagement (30%)

Provide direct support and mentorship to students as needed to ensure connection to resources and campus life.
Supervise student community ambassadors and coordinate efforts to ensure identity-conscious programming that supports visibility, navigation, and belonging.
Collaborate with the Center for Faculty Development and Learning Assistance Programs to promote inclusive teaching practices and elevate faculty/staff engagement in first-gen student success.
Lead development of first-gen resource guides, pedagogy toolkits, and recognition efforts for faculty/staff advocates.
Coordinate with Parent & Family Engagement to develop culturally responsive onboarding materials, coaching tools, and engagement efforts for families and supporters of first-gen students.
Meet regularly with campus partners, such as the MOSAIC Center, Learning Assistance Programs, and University Advising to collaborate on various programs and services.

Strategic Communications (20%)

Use admissions, academic, and engagement data to shape communications, referrals, and targeted outreach campaigns for first-generation students.
Utilize Slate for Student Success to enhance visibility of support networks and track engagement patterns.
Report on progress using key performance indicators related to retention, engagement, and graduation of first-gen students.
Lead storytelling and awareness efforts that promote first-gen visibility and celebrate student achievements.

Institutional Capacity Building & Advocacy (10%)

Advocate for policy and structural changes that reduce barriers and improve outcomes for first-generation students.
Serve as a resource and thought partner in institution-wide equity and retention initiatives.
Collaborate on developing scholarship-supported cohort programs, success coaching models, and universal design approaches (e.g., paced coursework) that benefit first-gen students.

Other Duties (10%)

Participate as a member of Student & Campus Life's Directors' Leadership Team.
Serve on Student & Campus Life and university committees as assigned.
Attend quarterly in services, retreats, and other training as directed. Attend high profile programs and events on both campuses as directed and maintain a high level of visibility.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, educational leadership, or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in student support services or inclusion-focused roles in higher education.
Demonstrated success in advancing educational equity, particularly for first-generation and historically marginalized students.
Supervisory experience with student leaders or professional staff.
Experience managing complex initiatives across departments with multiple stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

Deep understanding of first-generation student identity, intersectionality, and the systemic barriers to higher education access and success.
Knowledge of current trends, research, and promising practices in student retention, academic success, and inclusive campus environments.
Familiarity with student development theory, critical race theory, and asset-based approaches to student engagement.
Awareness of inclusive pedagogical strategies and institutional change frameworks.

Skills:

Strong program development, implementation, and assessment skills.
Data-informed decision-making, with the ability to interpret and apply data to improve student outcomes.
Exceptional communication and facilitation skills for diverse audiences.
Proficiency in project management, including the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives with overlapping timelines.
Strong writing and content development skills for campaigns, guides, and strategic messaging.
Familiarity with CRM systems such as Slate and student success platforms.

Abilities:

Ability to build trusting relationships with first-generation students and advocate for their needs in institutional settings.
Ability to lead through influence and collaboration across departments.
Ability to center equity in all aspects of programming and policy development.
Ability to train, mentor, and supervise student leaders and ambassadors.
Ability to analyze gaps in service and proactively design culturally relevant interventions.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance

Salary Range: $69,000 - $80,000

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

Hybrid Eligible

This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university's discretion.

To apply, please visit: https://seattleu.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=2856&site=2