Sr. Coordinator, First-Generation Student & Family Initiatives

The Dean of Students' office is committed to helping students connect to the resources needed to be successful at Mizzou. The office oversees programs and services that promote student thriving and engagement outside the classroom. We encourage growth and exploration, provide care, and promote accountability.

Summary
The Senior Coordinator for First-Generation Initiatives provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for programs that advance the success, retention, and graduation of first-generation undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Missouri.

This position leads efforts to build a welcoming and supportive community that celebrates first-generation students and integrates families as essential partners in the student experience. The Senior Coordinator plans and implements initiatives such as mentoring programs, first-generation celebrations, and workshops; collaborates with faculty, staff, and advisors on retention and success strategies; and works with academic advisors and other student success offices to create a campus-wide network of support for first-generation students and their families.

Essential Functions

• Design, coordinate, and implement programs and workshops that foster belonging and success for first-generation students and alignment with the division and institutions strategic plan.
• Lead signature events including National First-Generation College Celebration Week, First-Gen Family Welcome, First-Gen Student Social and related recognition activities.
• Ensure compliance with Higher Learning Commission (HLC) standards for accreditation and elevating Mizzou's position within the First Scholars Network (First Gen Forward) to become a First Scholars Champion Campus.
• Design and oversee mentoring programs and other high impact initiatives connecting students with peers, alumni, faculty, and staff.
• Provide individualized support, guidance, and referrals to first-generation students navigating academic, financial, and social challenges.
• Champion and implement family-centered strategies that help first-generation families navigate the college experience and connect with campus resources.
• Strengthen and facilitate programs and communications that strengthen family partnerships in student success.
• Collaborate with faculty, academic advisors, and student success offices to align programming with retention and student engagement goals.
• Leverage and lead the First-Gen Advisory Council to continuously build and maintain partnerships with campus and community organizations to support first-generation students and their families.
• Advise and support first-generation student organizations such as Tri-Alpha Honor Society (Kappa Nu Chapter) and First-Gen Tigers.
• Collect and analyze data on student participation, outcomes, and engagement to inform assessment and planning.
• Manage day-to-day budgets, resources, and student employees supporting first-generation initiatives.
• Reimagine fundraising and grant-seeking efforts to expand programming and outreach.
• Amplify and represent the first-generation office at orientation, admissions, and university-wide engagement events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Work Location: On Campus

This position may require evening and weekend hours supporting activities and programs within the department. Occasionally division and campus projects may require additional hours outside of your normal schedule.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related field.
• Experience working with first-generation students and family initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to plan programs, manage budgets, and assess outcomes.
• Strong communication, organizational, collaboration and partnership-building skills.

Salary Range: $53,976 - $65,000
University Grade: GGS 010
University Title: Senior Student Services Coordinator
Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Complete application and upload resume and cover letter and provide contact information for at least three references (including current or former supervisor).

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.