First-Generation Student Success is a new initiative at Babson College, building upon existing programming and resources across campus offices and groups. First-Generation Student Success falls within Babson College Student Success which takes an integrative, synergetic, student-centered approach to developing entrepreneurial leaders. We provide a seamless and supportive living-learning environment that prioritizes self-advocacy, health, and well-being as central to academic, personal, and professional success. First-Generation Student Success leverages this approach with a focus on students whose parents have not completed a 4-year college degree within or outside of the United States.
As a population, first-generation students at Babson have grown from 9% to 20% of undergraduate enrollment since 2019. First-Generation Student Success will coordinate efforts across the College and develop a comprehensive strategy to support all first-generation students.
About the Position:
Community Building & Major Programs (50%)
- Assist First-Generation Student Success Interns, and other College community members in programing administration
- Programs support may include: First-Gen Welcome Dinner, end-of-year First-Gen recognition, First-Gen College Celebration Day (11/8)
- Support Manager in building and grow the first-generation mentoring program to include both upper-level students and faculty/staff
- Serve as the additional Student Life Advisor to the Semillas Society (student organization) and the First Gen Special Interest Housing Community
- In partnership with appropriate stakeholders across campus, develop programs and workshops that best meet students’ needs as they relate to student success
- Coordinate professional development opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to enhance their awareness of the needs of First-Generation students and their families with the goal of removing unnecessary barriers and improving programming and services to contribute to First-Generation student success.
Administrative & Operational Responsibilities (25%)
- Support the Manager in recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising a team of undergraduate interns and office assistants in their programmatic responsibilities, signature events, and general office management
- Staff the main office area to ensure general office presence and access, including greeting and supporting guests as needed
- Help to maintain a clean and safe working and social space
- Maintain office space reservation system for staff, students, student groups, and faculty with a focus on First Generation interests
- Assist guests, particularly students, identify and access college resources and opportunities as needed
- Support the efforts of other offices by participating in alumni, admission, undergraduate program, wellness and prevention, student success, and career development events
- Participate in College-wide committees as designated by supervisor.
- Assume additional responsibilities as required
Communication & Marketing (25%)
- Promote inter-office/department collaboration by sourcing and promoting events and resources that would be beneficial to the First-Generation student community
- Develop office materials, including event flyers, brochures, resource materials, social media posts, office branded merchandise, and newsletters or community updates
- Monitor office email account to ensure timely response and service to students and College partners
Preferred Qualifications
Within the First-Generation Student Success, we believe professional competencies and "readiness" are learned skills to which some have more access and opportunities than others. Below represents some ideal skills; however, we are invested in your growth and want to hear what you bring to the role and what you are excited to learn.
- Must be a matriculated graduate student (Higher Education Administration, Counseling preferred; open to comparable programs and or individuals with career alignment)
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and maintain confidentiality of students entering and engaging with the First-Generation Student Success staff and programming
- Ability to work with ethnically, culturally, and socially diverse students, faculty, and staff
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Must have strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Workday and Salesforce or other student information systems.
- Flexibility and willingness to assume new tasks and special projects
- Ability to manage and seek appropriate resources for students in needs/crisis
- Knowledge of or willingness to learn organizational marketing guidelines and online design tools
- Ability to anticipate and embrace change; demonstrate willingness to achieve, acquire, and utilize new skills and challenging tasks; and is flexible in changing conditions.