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Saint Mary's University of Minnesota is seeking candidates who are eager to contribute to its Lasallian Catholic mission of awakening,
nurturing, and empowering learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. We invite individuals to help transform lives through
education, inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition’s quest to understand the human experience through faith and reason and its
embrace of all who are dedicated to learning from one another through authentic conversations in search of the truth. We are especially
interested in and give preference to candidates who demonstrate a vision to create and nurture initiatives that will advance our mission
within the scope of their duties and who will foster a culture of dialogue that, with respect for all people, supports the search for
meaning and purpose in pursuit of excellence.

Job Summary

The Director of the First Generation Initiative
(FGI) provides oversight and direction for the FGI program. The Director spearheads efforts to foster development of the scholarship portion
of the FGI program, while advocating for the wellbeing of any and all first-generation students at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
(SMUMN). Given FGI’s endowed status, the Director must foster relationships with benefactors, ensuring the program’ s viability and
sustainability. Reporting to the Senior Director of SSC, the Director will supervise one professional staff member along with student
workers. This role entails maintaining a strategic vision for the future of FGI.

As a member of the SSC, the ideal candidate for this
position is collaborative, inclusive, and deeply passionate about mission-based institutions.

FGI was established in 2010 with the
aim of ensuring academic success for first-generation college students, those who are the first in their family to attend a postsecondary
institution. This mission-driven initiative extends beyond merely facilitating access to college to include an emphasis on retention of
first-generation students in their effort to complete their college degree.

The program caters to students at two key stages in
their educational journey: high school and college. High school students from partner schools can participate in the Countdown to College
(C2C), an annual summer program designed to enhance academic skills essential for college readiness. Additionally, the FGI scholarship
provides full tuition funding for selected first-generation students who enroll at SMUMN, providing access to comprehensive academic,
social, and cultural support.

This position entails comprehensive oversight of both FGI and C2C, in collaboration with the planning
team, thus ensuring a holistic approach to supporting first-generation students.

Salary Range: $50K-$60K

Main Duties &
Responsibilities

• Provide holistic oversight for the FGI program;
• Supervise the Student
  Success Specialist for First Generation Students;
• Conduct assessments and annual reviews, updating the organization's handbook as
  necessary;
• Manage budgets for FGI and C2C;
• Collaborate with the C2C planning team to develop and to implement
  programs;
• Lead the FGI application process, reviewing and selecting candidates for participation;
• Meet and advise FGI
  scholars regularly;
• Coordinate the FGI work study program;
• Lead marketing and promotional efforts for FGI and C2C;
• Facilitate any behavior and academic probation meetings with FGI scholars;
• Organize and facilitate town hall meetings,
  providing a platform for open communication and feedback;
• Collaborate with the office of advancement to manage and support
  benefactor relations and to cultivate philanthropic opportunities;
• Lead the FGI Advisory Council;
• Plan and execute the
  First Year Retreat, coordinating logistics and activities;
• Advocate for first generation student needs throughout SMUMN
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Education Requirements

• Master’s degree required
  - Preferred in Counseling, Higher Education, Education, or related field
• 3-5 years experience serving similar populations of first
  generation students or college aged students
• Spanish-speaking a plus

Essential Knowledge &
Skills

• Respect and understanding of diverse student populations
• Awareness of intersectionality within
  identities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated organizational and project management
  skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends, as needed
• Empathetic and
  helpful characteristics are necessary

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work.
  Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers,
  and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often
  necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are
  met.

Physical Hazards – Health and Safety Concerns

• General office environments

Apply online at and include a cover
letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary’s offers a comprehensive benefit package
including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and
graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background
check.