What are the responsibilities and job description for the First-Generation Student Development Specialist position at Ramapo College of New Jersey?
Description
ABOUT RAMAPO COLLEGE:
Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ) develops ethical leaders who serve as change agents across all sectors. The College’s unique interdisciplinary academic structure, its liberal arts core, its size (approximately 5,500 students), and its setting in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains on the New Jersey/New York border provide an optimal environment for individualized, student-centered learning and leadership development. RCNJ’s designation as “New Jersey’s Public Liberal Arts College” by the State legislature is the foundation from which the College’s commitment to an accessible and transformative undergraduate and graduate education is realized.
Established in 1969, CondeNast Traveler named Ramapo one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America. The barrier-free campus occupies 300 acres and is home to 52 bachelor’s degree programs spanning the arts, business, data science, humanities, education, nursing, social work, social sciences, and the sciences. Ramapo College boasts an average student/faculty ratio of 16:1 and an average class size of 21; affording students the opportunity to develop close ties to the College’s exceptional faculty. In addition, the College offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work, and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Every degree program is designed and delivered through the collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts of student-centered faculty scholars and staff who are committed to serving the public good through the delivery of an academically rigorous, inclusive, and a transformative collegiate experience. Ramapo is ranked #1 among New Jersey public institutions by College Choice and is recognized as the State’s top college on the list of Best Disability Schools by Great Value Colleges. Further commendations include designation as a “Military Friendly College” in Victory Media’s Guide to Military Friendly Schools, and as a leading college by U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger’s, Princeton Review, and Money Magazine, among others.
This is a full-time, grant-funded (for a period of 5 years) managerial position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Note: This position is in the “NL” category of employment (non-fixed work week). Compensatory time shall be earned for hours worked beyond the normal workweek, or on an employee’s regular day off, if requested and approved by their supervisor.
JOB SUMMARY
Examples of Duties
- Provide advisement to a caseload of undergraduate first-generation students, monitoring and evaluating their academic progress through advisement and assessment using campus technology and analytical systems and data to ensure students are actively engaged in their educational progress and meeting program requirements.
- Prioritize student support using data analytics and tools.
- Participate in the planning, orientation, and delivery of the Legacies in the Making Summer Bridge Program.
- Be aware of campus resources such as Center for Health and Counseling, Financial Aid, Student Success, etc. to address psychological, socio-adjustment, academic, and social needs.
- Be knowledgeable of the financial aid process while assisting students in the procurement of grants, loans, scholarships, internships/co-ops, leadership, and research opportunities.
- Assist with the admission and recruitment of students through admissions open houses, college fairs, and student orientations that could include occasional evening and weekend coverage, as necessary.
- Develop programming with the Assistant Director of the First-Generation Student Center.
- Co-facilitate mentoring programs with the Assistant Director of First-Gen Center.
- Contribute as a member of First-Generation Action Team to execute events, programs and strategies in support of the first-gen student population.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
- Two years professional experience in an institution of higher education or in education, or other field that is directly related to the functions of the position to be filled or equivalency as determined by the appointing authority.
- Passion for working with under-represented, underprepared, and/or first-generation students.
- Preferred experience in student advising, support services, and/or admissions.
- The successful candidate will possess excellent written, oral, presentation, organizational, and collaboration skills.
Supplemental Information
Ramapo College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Ramapo has a long history of advocating, advising, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Examples can be found in its mission statement, strategic plans, degree and course offerings, community outreach programs, and other diversity programs. Ramapo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is infused across all facets of the College; where the environment is welcoming, dedicated to social justice, respectful of freedom of expression, focused on educating and having an ongoing conversation regarding cultural competence and the benefits and importance of diversity.
