| Seattle University 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. Student & Campus Life is committed to creating a vital and engaged campus community that challenges and supports undergraduate, graduate and professional students to learn and develop the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead and serve in an interdependent, global society. Position Summary 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.
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