About the Department

The Director, Keating Family Institute for First Gen Students, provides strategic management and coordination in advancing and sustaining the Institute for first-generation college students, focusing on a commitment to student persistence, engagement, and degree completion. The Director oversees the daily operations of the Institute and administrative oversight of the Tri-Alphas Honor Society on both campuses, participating in the design and execution of institution-wide retention strategies. The Director will coordinate and oversee Institute operations, working in collaboration with other individuals, groups, and organizations to plan, organize, and execute the mission and vision of the College and Institute, and coordinate the support network that will provide the variety of assistance first-generation college students need to be successful. The Director will participate in recruitment activities, retention activities, and other college programs as assigned.

Travel will be required, as this position will work on both the Gloucester and Cumberland Campuses

Position Duties

Assist campus leaders in developing and implementing a comprehensive student success and retention strategy aligned with RCSJ’s mission and strategic priorities
Implement and manage the goals and objectives set by the College and the Advisory Board of the Institute
Translate national best practices and research into locally relevant initiatives that drive student persistence
Coordinate recruitment efforts to promote membership and develop a system for tracking membership in the Institute
Foster collaboration and partnerships with various departments, organizations, student leaders, and external partners to strategize, explore, and promote support services for first-generation students
Communicate effectively with students on topics relevant to and related to first-generation college student experiences in support of retention
Provide support for the Watermark retention platform implementation, ensuring its effective use for case management, early alerts, forms and workflow, scheduling, and communication campaigns
Provide oversight and assist in the development of Institute promotional materials and event planning
Promote scholarship opportunities
Develop relationships and communicate with program partners/supporters, including colleagues across campus, administration, and alumni, to create a network for mentorship to encourage and guide first-generation students
Assist with the development of the annual Institute operating budget
Coordinates with Tri-Alpha advisors for special ceremonies, for example, the Tri-Alpha National Honor Society Induction ceremony
Participate in College sponsored events, for example, Open House(s) and Commencement.
Act as liaison to our flagship partner, Rowan University’s Flying First program.
Coordinate with our High School partners in the development of first-generation programs in high school
Conduct a regular review of student feedback, engagement data, and retention trends of inform programming that will engage students for the collection of data assessment
Performs other duties as assigned

SUPERVISES

KFGI Advisor(s)
Tri Alpha Advisor(s)

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required, Master’s degree preferred
First-generation college student required, member of Tri Alpha preferred
More than 3 years’ experience in higher education project management in developing student programs, program evaluations, and program improvements
Ability to use current applicable hardware and software, including Microsoft Office programs, with an emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint
Familiar with the use of Social Media
Experience with event and program planning, attention to detail, and well-organized
Experience in facilitating, mediating, and problem-solving in a group environment
Ability to work a flexible schedule with varied hours to meet department and College needs, may include evenings, weekends, and occasional travel with some overnight consideration.
Ability to travel to multiple local educational institutions, utilizing personal vehicle or college vehicle.
Possess the ability to work well and communicate effectively with prospective and current students, staff, faculty, administration, colleagues and community partners.

If certain conditions exist, this position requires you to have access to personal technological equipment and capabilities to perform your duties.

Other Qualifications

COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for all positions at Rowan College of South Jersey. New hires are expected to be fully vaccinated before beginning work at the College. For more information about RCSJ’s vaccine requirements, visit the RCSJ Coronavirus Updates website for the latest information.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical activity of the position:

Standing
Walking
Talking
Hearing
Repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, such as picking, pinching, typing

Physical requirements of the position:

Light work- exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently

Visual acuity requirements of the position:

The worker is required to have close visual acuity

Workplace conditions of the position:

The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

As a New Jersey First Act Employer, new employees must establish a primary residence in New Jersey within one year unless an exemption applies.

Benefits

All full time staff employees earn sick, vacation and personal time off. The College also offers 16 calendar holidays.

Pension Benefits:
Participation in the New Jersey State Pension System is a requirement of employment. This position requires enrollment in the Alternate Benefit Plan (ABP). ABP is a defined contribution plan that offers substantial opportunities for long term tax-deferred investment. Six investment carriers are authorized to provide investment options and service under ABP. Under this plan, employees contribute 5% of their base salary with an 8% employer match. For more information visit: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/pension-active-abp.shtml

Health Benefits:

Medical: RCSJ offers its employees several health insurance options through the NJ State Health Benefit Program as a local education employer. All employees are required to contribute to the cost of their health benefits under Chapter 78, P.L. 2011.

Dental: The College offers dental insurance through Delta Dental with four plan options (base plan is free to employees).

Group Life Insurance:
Life Insurance is underwritten by the Prudential Insurance Company of America, Inc., and is provided as a result of pension membership. There is no cost to the member for this coverage. The State Treasurer is the official policyholder for all the Noncontributory Group Life Insurance, which is issued as Policy Number G-14800.

Flexible Spending Accounts:
The flexible spending program allows you to deduct pre-tax dollars which can be used for co-pays, deductibles, dental, vision, and dependent day care. The medical limit is $3,400 per year, and the dependent care limit is $7,500 per year.

Tuition Reimbursement/Waiver- RCSJ offers tuition reimbursement for up to 12 credits per fiscal year. The College also offer a tuition waiver for RCSJ courses for employees and eligible dependents.

Employee Assistance Program:
RCSJ offers its employees an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This is a free and completely confidential service available to help employees manage issues in their work and personal lives. EAP counselors provide assessment, support, and if needed referrals to additional services. The issues for which EAP provides support vary, but examples include:

Substance abuse
Safe working environment
Emotional distress
Major life events, including births, accidents, and deaths
Health care concerns
Financial or legal concerns
Family/personal relationship issues
Work relationship issues
Concerns about aging parents

Supplemental Questions

Are you a First-Generation College student?

Please state your highest level of education and degree, if applicable.

Please describe your experience, including the number of years and departments, in higher education project management, including developing student programs, program evaluations and program improvements

Describe in detail your experience working with Microsoft Office products, including Excel and PowerPoint.

Are you available to work a flexible schedule with variable hours, including both evenings and weekends?

Travel between multiple campus locations is required for this position. Do you have use of a personal vehicle to travel to multiple campus locations?

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: Rowan College of South Jersey
Address: 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell, NJ 08080

3322 College Drive, Vineland, NJ 08360

Sewell, New Jersey, 08080
Website: https://www.rcsj.edu/

Director, Keating Family Institute First Gen Students