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Administrator of First-Generation Student Engagement

Ferris State University

United States, Michigan, Big Rapids

1201 South State Street (Show on map)

Apr 12, 2025

Position Title:	Administrator of First-Generation Student Engagement
Location:	Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:	43105 - First Gen
Advertised Salary:	$50,000- $55,000; Salary commensurate with education, experience, and other requirements.
Benefits:	Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position. Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans
FLSA:	Exempt
Temporary/Continuing:	Temporary
Part-Time/Full-Time:	Full-Time
Union Group:	N/A
Term of Position:	12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:	At Will
Summary of Position:	* The Administrator of First-Generation Student Engagement will serve as the primary advocate and leader for first-generation student initiatives and programs at Ferris State University. * This position is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of all programming designed to support the success of first-generation and first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students. * Through collaboration with campus departments, community organizations, state and national partners, and high schools across Michigan, the administrator will work to enhance recruitment, foster belonging, and advance student persistence, retention, and graduation outcomes. * By overseeing these initiatives and ensuring compliance with grant regulations, this role provides substantial benefit to the university by creating pathways to success for a substantial portion of the student body. * Additionally, the administrator will manage budgets, support grant activities, and work with various stakeholders to strategically position Ferris as a leader in first-generation student engagement. * This is a grant funded position with up to a four-year temporary assignment ending September 30th, 2029, with the possibility of renewal contingent upon continued grant funding and successful performance. The anticipated start date of this position is April 2025. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed.
Position Type:	Staff
Required Education:	* Master's degree in Education, Student Personnel, Social Work, or a related field/equivalent experience. In lieu of a Master's degree, a bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, or a related field and at least 3 years of related experience working with first-generation students and program development within an educational setting will be considered.
Required Work Experience:	* Experience working with first-generation students. * Experience in program development within an educational setting. * Experience with knowledge of working with the challenges and opportunities facing underrepresented populations.
Required Licenses and Certifications:	* Valid driver's license.
Physical Demands:	Office Environment Bending Carrying Moving Reaching Sitting Twisting Driving Lifting
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:	* Experience in higher education program management. * Experience with budget management. * Experience with grant writing and/or oversight of grant implementation. * Strong communication and organizational skills, with a proven ability to build partnerships across departments. * Familiarity with Microsoft 360, Navigate, Banner, Canvas LMS, and other communication platforms, or their equivalent systems. * Supervisory experience.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:	* Serve as the lead advocate and primary voice for all First-Generation and FGLI programming. * Capable of making well-informed, independent judgments, and decisions to support the First-Gen initiative. * Serve in a supervisory role for other staff within the First-Generation Student Success Office (First-Gen Den), including student workers and interns. * Oversees the development, coordination, and execution of all programming related to first-generation and first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students. * Coordinate and implement programming aimed at increasing retention, engagement, graduation, and success of first-generation students. * Partner with university offices that impact the holistic first-generation student experience. * Collaborate with Career Services and other university departments to develop "experienceship" opportunities for first-generation students. * Organize and lead the First-Gen Advisory Team and other university groups focused on supporting first-generation students. * Working collaboratively with both on and off campus partners, high schools around the state of Michigan, local, state, and national organizations to promote Ferris and support First-Generation student success. * Gather, analyze, and report program evaluation data, identifying performance gaps and implementing corrective actions for continuous improvement. * Provide significant benefit to the university through recruitment, working to improve student persistence, retention, and graduation rates. * Demonstrate an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members. * Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives. * Collaborate with the grant director to ensure compliance with all regulations of the Title III grant. * Manage the program's budget and fiscal practices. * Oversee and provide training to student champions and mentors supporting first-generation students. * Participate in recruitment and transition activities, such as Dawg Days, Admitted Student Open Houses, Orientation, and high school outreach. * Develop and manage the program's sustainability plan beyond the grant period. * Participate in professional development activities to stay informed on best practices related to first-generation student success. * Collaborate to provide training sessions and professional development for faculty and staff on best practices for working with first-generation students. * Collaborate with the First-Generation Workgroup, the First-Generation Registered Student Organization, and other campus partners to coordinate programming and resource dissemination. * Participate in evening & weekend events. * Participate in off-campus driving for collaborative events and partnerships. * Operates university motor or personal vehicles safely while carrying out job responsibilities. * Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Skills and Abilities:	* Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills. * Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population. * Data collection and program evaluation skills. * Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity, and inclusion. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and familiarity with university data management systems, or their equivalent systems (e.g., Navigate, Banner, Canvas LMS).
Required Documents:	Cover Letter Resume Unofficial Transcript 1
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Initial Application Review Date:	March 14, 2025
Open Until Position is Filled?:	Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement:	Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
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