About the position The Director, Keating Family Institute for First Gen Students, provides strategic management and coordination in advancing and sustaining the Institute for first-generation college students, focusing on a commitment to student persistence, engagement, and degree completion. The Director oversees the daily operations of the Institute and administrative oversight of the Tri-Alphas Honor Society on both campuses, participating in the design and execution of institution-wide retention strategies. The Director will coordinate and oversee Institute operations, working in collaboration with other individuals, groups, and organizations to plan, organize, and execute the mission and vision of the College and Institute, and coordinate the support network that will provide the variety of assistance first-generation college students need to be successful. The Director will participate in recruitment activities, retention activities, and other college programs as assigned. Travel will be required, as this position will work on both the Gloucester and Cumberland Campuses.

Responsibilities

• Assist campus leaders in developing and implementing a comprehensive student success and retention strategy aligned with RCSJ’s mission and strategic priorities
• Implement and manage the goals and objectives set by the College and the Advisory Board of the Institute
• Translate national best practices and research into locally relevant initiatives that drive student persistence
• Coordinate recruitment efforts to promote membership and develop a system for tracking membership in the Institute
• Foster collaboration and partnerships with various departments, organizations, student leaders, and external partners to strategize, explore, and promote support services for first-generation students
• Communicate effectively with students on topics relevant to and related to first-generation college student experiences in support of retention
• Provide support for the Watermark retention platform implementation, ensuring its effective use for case management, early alerts, forms and workflow, scheduling, and communication campaigns
• Provide oversight and assist in the development of Institute promotional materials and event planning
• Promote scholarship opportunities
• Develop relationships and communicate with program partners/supporters, including colleagues across campus, administration, and alumni, to create a network for mentorship to encourage and guide first-generation students
• Assist with the development of the annual Institute operating budget
• Coordinates with Tri-Alpha advisors for special ceremonies, for example, the Tri-Alpha National Honor Society Induction ceremony
• Participate in College sponsored events, for example, Open House(s) and Commencement.
• Act as liaison to our flagship partner, Rowan University’s Flying First program.
• Coordinate with our High School partners in the development of first-generation programs in high school
• Conduct a regular review of student feedback, engagement data, and retention trends of inform programming that will engage students for the collection of data assessment
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• First-generation college student required
• More than 3 years’ experience in higher education project management in developing student programs, program evaluations, and program improvements
• Ability to use current applicable hardware and software, including Microsoft Office programs, with an emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint
• Familiar with the use of Social Media
• Experience with event and program planning, attention to detail, and well-organized
• Experience in facilitating, mediating, and problem-solving in a group environment
• Ability to work a flexible schedule with varied hours to meet department and College needs, may include evenings, weekends, and occasional travel with some overnight consideration.
• Ability to travel to multiple local educational institutions, utilizing personal vehicle or college vehicle.
• Possess the ability to work well and communicate effectively with prospective and current students, staff, faculty, administration, colleagues and community partners.
• If certain conditions exist, this position requires you to have access to personal technological equipment and capabilities to perform your duties.

Nice-to-haves

• Master’s degree preferred
• member of Tri Alpha preferred

Benefits

• COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for all positions at Rowan College of South Jersey. New hires are expected to be fully vaccinated before beginning work at the College.