Job no: 522112
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Executive/Director/Management, Student Affairs/Services
Department:04010000 - SL-STUDENT LIFE

Classification Title:

DIR, Student Life

Job Description:

Vision and Leadership

• Provide oversight, strategic planning, and leadership for the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars (MFOS) Program.
• Stay current on the first-generation, lower-income national and local trends and rely on theory, lived experiences of students, and data-driven outcomes to make decisions about program offerings and enhancements. Focus on recruitment, persistence, success, graduation, and university affinity.
• Oversee the brand development, communication plan, and maintenance of the website content, social media, and technology related to the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars Program.
• Responsible for a $88,000 budget for programmatic efforts (some funds are time-limited).
• Elevate the national visibility of MFOS by engaging national media outlets, strategically presenting at national higher education conferences, publishing with faculty in notable journals, and consulting with other universities interested in building a similar program all with a goal of increasing the UF profile and supporting the drive for excellence. Have continued involvement with professional associations.
• Contribute to the Division of Student Life strategic vision and strategy. Serve on the Student Life Leadership Team. Participate in time-limited projects as needed. Contribute to the division and university through active participation on committees and division-wide initiatives (example opportunities: emergency dean on call, event support team, conduct committee, student welcome events, etc.)
• Collect data and complete story-telling for university partners about the outcomes and impact of the scholarship support services. Disseminate data to the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President for Student Life, University Advancement, Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and other relevant parties.

Campus Relationships & Collaborations

• Chair the MFOS campus-wide advisory committee.
• Lead MFOS efforts and collaborative partnerships with a variety of campus constituents including Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, the Office of the Provost, Student Financial Affairs, University Athletic Association, Thrive Center, etc. Serve on the university recruitment and retention committee as well as other committees on behalf of MFOS.
• Educate campus partners including faculty and administrators as well as other campus units about the strengths and needs of MFOS students as well as assist Academic Affairs in the design of similar programs requested. Advocate for and support MFOS scholars to attend and receive support in graduate and professional school as well as careers.
• Partner with Enrollment Management to support pipeline and yield of Pell-eligible, first-generation students.
• Work with Advancement University Initiatives team and the communications team as well as the Director of Student Philanthropy and Donor Relations on story telling as it relates to the stewardship of MFOS donors and annual giving efforts. Co-lead the MFOS Leadership Council.
• Identify scholarship recipients for speaking engagements, share stories about the return on investment, and attend scholarship fundraising events when needed.

Direct Student Support

• Support MFOS students regarding academic, financial, social, developmental, career, and life issues.
• Refer scholars appropriately and answer scholarship and university-specific questions.
• Ensure that programs such as Peer Mentoring, leadership retreat, MFOS Life Coaches, summer bridge, and other programs are aligned with goals and outcomes. Organize events to welcome and celebrate MFOS students, including the MFOS President’s Reception, MFOS orientation, Fall Welcome Back Day, and MFOS graduation celebrations.
• Meet directly with scholars as part of the New Scholar Check-in and Academic Intervention process. Work with faculty to closely follow the academic progress of MFOS students.
• Request Bridging the Gap funds and other emergency funds for students from the Office of the Vice President for Student Life and the Division of Enrollment Management as needed.

Supervision

• Supervision and oversight of one Associate Director, two Program Coordinators, two graduate assistants, three undergraduate student assistants, and student volunteers.

Other

Contributes to the division and university through active participation on committees and division-wide initiatives (example opportunities: emergency dean on call, event support team, conduct committee, student welcome events, etc.) Perform related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishment of the responsibilities and functions related to this position. Serve on division and university-wide committees as needed.

Expected Salary:

$80,000 to $90,000 commensurate with experience

Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in an appropriate area and six years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Prior experience with program development aimed to educate, support, and/or advocate for higher-risk student populations.
• Experience working with first-generation students, low-income students, academic advising, and transition programs.
• The desire to work collegially within a student success-oriented organization.
• Knowledge of higher education, support services, student development, financial aid, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work collaboratively and be a team player.
• Competency in problem solving.
• Experience working with diverse populations of students.
• Evidence of effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external constituents.
• Experience advising, mentoring, and with assessment/research.
• Must be an effective communicator and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills; interpersonal skills; and the ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
• An appreciation for and support of diversity in the workplace in all its forms; proven success working with stakeholders; project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; organizational skills; and the ability to lead, influence and motivate others are required.
• The ability and willingness to travel, when needed.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:No

Advertised: 24 May 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 26 Jun 2022 Eastern Daylight Time