Director, First-Gen+ Center

Director, First-GEN+ Center George Mason University invites qualified applicants for their next Director for the First-Gen+ Center. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.About the Department:The First-Gen+ Center serves as an accessible starting point for students (and their families) to understand and connect with relevant university resources. The unit prioritizes data to better understand the student experience and proactively works toward improving the campus environment to serve students who identify as first-generation, undocumented, TPS, and/or with limited income. The Center enhances the student experience through services, programs, policy awareness, and educating the campus community.Mission The First-Gen+ Center supports students who are historically underrepresented in higher education and their allies while specifically centering college students who identify as first-generation, who identify as undocumented, have refugee status, and those who have families with limited income. VisionExcellence in the establishment of equitable, accessible, and sustainable practices that support the first-generation community.About the Position:The Director of the First-Gen+ Center promotes a campus community that engages in issues of diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing. This mid-level student affairs professional fosters an institutional culture that promotes events and offerings that are inclusive, social consciousness, and advocates for the needs of historically underrepresented populations, particularly for students who are first generation, undocumented, have Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA), have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), are refugees, and/or have limited income (First-Gen+).This position collaborates with institutional and community stakeholders to advance information building, policy, advocacy, and success for these populations. This position provides leadership on intersectional outreach, contemporary educational best practices, and student-focused advocacy. This role also provides a structure for the development of education and preparedness for units, colleges, and schools to successfully support and facilitate growth for First-Gen+ populations towards their educational outcomes, identity development, engagement on campus, and overall personal enrichment.This position has supervisory responsibilities; responsible for staff performance and accountable for conducting staff performance reviews for three (3) full-time Assistant Directors within the department.Required Qualifications:Master's degree in counseling, higher education, or related field; or equivalent combination of related education and experience;Experience working with diverse student populations;Experience managing budgets;Knowledge of issues, challenges, and opportunities facing institutions of higher education with regard to enrollment, equity, diversity, and student success;Skill in effective written and verbal communication; andDemonstrated ability to use basic technology to facilitate required work and ability to navigate the university systems.Preferred Qualifications:Ability to motivate, and serve as a strong advocate and coalition builder particularly with a range of diverse communities including students, faculty, external vendors, and donors;Ability to navigate competing priorities and solve complex problems;Ability to leverage faculty collaborations;Knowledge and experience of assessment strategies appropriate for student affairs;Ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and report data;Knowledge of cultural, socio‐economic, political, and environmental issues affecting matriculation, retention, and success of traditionally marginalized college students;Experience with performance and goal assessment and reporting;Advanced experience in multicultural competencies, and advocating for traditionally marginalized students;Experience working with and/or leading large, complex, interdisciplinary working groups; andExperience building and enhancing collaborative relationships in support of departmental, division, and/or institutional goals.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."