Director of First-Generation Student Initiatives & Associate Director - TJC

Director of First-Generation Student Initiatives & Associate Director - TJC

The Jeffries Center

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director for the Jeffries Center (TJC), provide leadership in creating innovative university-wide programming and academic supports to expand success and increase graduation rates for first-generation students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Student Success Advising, Advocacy, and Support (55%)

• Lead efforts to plan and provide programming, advising, support services, and referrals for first-generation students at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
• Collaborate with campus partners to create a welcoming environment that inspires academic success, personal growth, college retention and graduation for first-generation students at Illinois.
• Provide advocacy that advances equitable, educational outcomes for TJC eligible students—which includes first-generation students—and leads to the elimination of persistent graduation gaps.
• Leverage technology and collaboration to effectively deliver student success services and support for first- generation students at scale.
• Lead and assist with university-wide initiatives for all first-generation students, including orientation activities, curricular initiatives, academic support services, and other co-curricular efforts that enrich the first-generation experience.
• Proactively engage in policy development that supports equitable outcomes for first-generation students and other TJC eligible student populations.
• Actively promote and market first-generation programs and services for first-generation students.
• Create first-generation learning and leadership experiences that emphasize intersectionality, service learning, democratic dialogue, and other high impact activities.
• Collaborate with NASPA’s Center for First Generation Student Success to enhance student outcomes.
• Proactively collaborate with partners in academic affairs, colleges and departments, student affairs, financial aid, admissions, and other stakeholders to develop and promote initiatives that increase student success and personal development for all TJC eligible student populations including first-generation students.
• Collaborate with campus partners to support the recruitment and yield of first-generation students.
• Collaborate with advancement to develop resources and relationships with alumni and donors that support first-generation student initiatives.
• Represent the TJC to, and the interests of TJC eligible students, to a diverse array of internal and external stakeholders.

Administration and Supervision (30%)

• Lead planning, management, and oversight for activities and initiatives that enhance the first-generation student experience.
• Assist in managing a complex budget including state, federal, institutional, and gift funds.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, supervising, professional development, and performance evaluations of related staff.

Assessment and Research (10%)

• In conjunction with SSIB Assessment, implement an assessment and research strategy which informs a culturally significant approach to data-driven co-curricular design.
• Ensure a learning outcomes-based approach in the development and implementation of educational programs.
• Provide leadership in creating strategic goals for first-generation students which align with the Student Affairs and university strategic plans.
• Conduct regular program evaluations and assessment activities to ensure continual improvement.
• Review and analyze first-generation student data and learning outcomes using various reporting systems to identify trends and evaluate factors such as retention, persistence, graduation rates and learning outcomes to assess students’ academic progress and success rates.
• Collaborate with academic colleges to develop and support early alert and other student success strategies (e.g., student success advising, supplemental instruction, mentoring, coaching, tutoring, study skills, and educational enrichment workshops).

Other (5%)

• Lead and serve on department, campus, and community committees as assigned.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Travel Requirements

10% Travel for Conferences, Recruitment, and work with peer institutions will be required.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Education, Student Development, Student Personnel, or related field suitable for effectively administering student support and success services at a public, land-grant university.
At least four (4) years of full-time professional experience leading or managing student success, educational equity, and/or student support services in higher education.
Experience working with first-generation students.
Supervising staff and volunteers; and designing and/or implementing academic student success programs (e.g., tutoring, advising, mentoring, academic support services, supplemental instruction, Federal TRIO Program, first-year experiences).
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and advocacy for equitable academic and personal outcomes for Illinois students.
Data-informed, outcomes driven decision-making, with an ability to share a story of success.
Results-driven, teambuilder with a proven ability to effectively convene key stakeholders to collaborate and build consensus. Displayed innovative and creative approaches to address challenges and institutional priorities.
Experience networking, connecting, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., etc.).
Knowledge of theoretical foundations of student development and experience with practical application and service delivery for first-generation students within a higher education environment.
Success managing complex operating budgets, including state, federal, and gift funds.
Experience planning events, programs, and services for first-generation students and the diverse, intersecting identities represented in the larger TJC eligible student populations and their families.
Experience using academic technologies, student information systems, tutoring management systems, predictive analytics, or early alert system to bolster student success.
Experience in fundraising.
Experience in marketing and communications (e.g., electronic newsletters, websites, social media).

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 7/16/2026. Salary range for this position is $75,000.00 - $77,000.00.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, June 5, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Complete applications will include a detailed updated resume, cover letter, and name, affiliation, phone number and email for at least three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact The Jeffries Center Human Resources at tjc-hr@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1035882
Job Category: Education & Student Services
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu