Coordinator of First-Generation Student Services
Company Description:
Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - to meet a public need and promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs, and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve, and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham, and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded, but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.
FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate and professional students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and professional fields, and enrolls 48% BIPOC students and 54% first-generation college students in our undergraduate programs. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU eight Insight Into Academia Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Awards and led to our recognition in the Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.
FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation, and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.
Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.
Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.
Job Description:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The Division of Student Success and Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) support all students and the academic mission of Framingham State University through its services: Tutoring/Writing Center, Supplemental Instruction, Success Coaching, and Disability/Access Services. The Coordinator of First-Generation Student Services supports the academic success, engagement, retention, and sense of belonging of first-generation students at FSU. The role develops and implements programs, events, mentoring initiatives, and support services designed to enhance the student experience and promote equitable outcomes. The position primarily is responsible for coordinating GenerationOne, the affinity group for first-generation students at FSU, and partners with campus offices, faculty and staff to creating opportunities that empower first-generation students throughout their college journey; the position will be responsible for project management from inception to completion, including data collection for analysis.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Dean of Student Success and Persistence
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None at this time. May be assigned supervision of part-time and/or student personnel.
EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordinates activities for first-generation students and the GenerationOne affinity group, including but not limited to:
- Welcome receptions for new or prospective students as well as outreach efforts over the summer prior to matriculation
- Oversight of GenerationOne affinity group to include establishing and managing advisory boards
- Creation of mentor networks for first-generation students
- Special events for National First-Generation Student Celebration Week
- Induction ceremony and advisory board for Tri-Alpha Honor Society
- Participation with First-Gen Forward professional organization
- Support RAMS 101 GenerationOne Next Level seminar activities
- Assists with organization of summer registration activities for matriculated students, including but not limited to assigning staff to cohorts, generating support materials for outreach activities (scripts for calls and templates for emails), and tracking progress through notes in a centralized location
- Assumes responsibility for any other special projects as assigned
- Generates statistical data for reporting and analysis of special projects undertaken to support retention and persistence projects.
- Provides guidance and referrals related to academic, financial, personal and career resources.
- Assists with transition, retention and persistence initiatives for first-generation students.
- Maintain regular communication with students through outreach campaigns and social media.
- Collaborate with faculty and staff to improve awareness of the first-generation student experiences and barriers.
- Collaborate with CASA staff for other duties and activities as needed.
- Accountable for ensuring that equal opportunity, inclusion, and equity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.
WORK CONDITIONS
This is a fully in-person office position. Typical hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The position requires some evening and weekend work, especially during new student onboarding events and First-Generation events for students and families.
Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Experience working with college students, especially underrepresented or first-generation populations.,
- Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
- Experience planning events, workshops or student programs.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling or related field.
- Experience in higher education
- Knowledge of retention strategies, student development theory and equity-focused practices.
- Experience developing and sustaining collaborative relationships with colleagues, preferable in support of student success
- Ability to speak and read Spanish and/or Portuguese
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Staff Associate. The starting salary range is $60,000 - 65,000.
Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.
Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Instructions:
Candidates must apply online by submitting:
- Cover Letter,
- Resume/CV,
- Equity and Inclusion Statement*,
- Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).
*Regardless of personal demographic characteristics, FSU has a commitment to hiring candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss past efforts, future plans, research, scholarship, professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the University's efforts to promote an equitable and inclusive learning and working community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials.
For best consideration, please submit application materials by July 31, 2026. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee.
Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.
Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.
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