Career Center

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The University of Washington Tacoma is an anchor institution that is deeply invested in its local communities and in student success. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. UW Tacoma’s commitment to access and diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth. More information about UW Tacoma and its strategic plan can be found here.

UW Tacoma takes pride in serving students who are the first in the family to attend college, and is recognized as a First-Gen Forward institution. Through our programs and services, we seek to support prospective and enrolled first-generation students to successfully transition into college life and provide opportunities for the academic and personal success of all first-gen students. Under the direction of the Senior Director of Student Transitions and Success, the Assistant Director is responsible for leading the development of co-curricular programs for first-generation college students that enhances their ability to access degree programs at UW Tacoma and supports persistence and success. They act as the subject matter expert to bring consultation to internal and external partnerships on the ongoing and developing support needs of this population.

The Assistant Director will oversee and coordinate first-generation college student access and success efforts which include: development and implementation of a comprehensive model of support for first generation college students; development and implementation of a rigorous assessment/planning cycle that aligns to departmental, divisional, and campus priorities; collaboration and communication with stakeholders in key university departments and community partners to develop and implement programs and services that support access to higher education, academic and professional success; and developing and implementing training and professional development programs for internal and external partners around supporting the success of first generation college students. They will have budget responsibilities, work with the Senior Director to grow and sustain program funding, and supervise full-time staff and student employees.

Program Oversight

Develop, implement, and assess a comprehensive model of support for first-generation college students.

Provide direct leadership for co-curricular programs, services, and resources that increase access to higher education, enrich enrolled students’ academic life, and enhances the experiences and overall success of first-generation students.

Organize and host workshops, trainings, and retreats for UW Tacoma staff, faculty, student organizations, and college access partners that support their efforts to improve first generation students’ experiences, promote social justice, and provide students with opportunities to learn and practice the fundamental principles of good citizenship and responsible leadership in a diverse, global society.

Implement and oversee continuous improvement practices, and ensure goals and priorities align to divisional and campus strategic goals. Oversee communication of outcomes to campus and community stakeholders.

Ensure youth programs meet UW compliance requirements.

Compile and present data on first generation student needs and UWT programs to internal and external partners.

Budget Oversight and Staff Supervision

Responsible for overseeing and balancing budgets from multiple funding sources, and supporting the development of funding applications and reports.

Hire, train, and supervise the Pathways to Promise Programs Manager and student staff who work with First Gen Fellows.

Advising

Advise enrolled first-generation college students individually and in groups concerning academic and personal success.

Foster the development of problem-solving skills, teach self-advocacy and personal responsibility, and encourage participation in broader campus life opportunities.

Make referrals to appropriate support units and campus resources as needed.

Partnership Development

Identify and build positive relationships with UW Tacoma students, staff, faculty, K-12 educators, informal educators, and community members and organizations that support the success of first-generation college students.

Work collaboratively to identify solutions to barriers that prevent students from accessing higher education and persisting through degree programs to graduation.

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in multicultural affairs, cultural studies, education, or a related field.

At least four years of direct student services experience, to include at least two years of managing programs in the student development profession or with a community nonprofit or social services agency.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Skilled at counseling or advising individuals and/or groups on complex student related matters, including multicultural, low-income, first generation college and other marginalized student populations.

Ability to initiate, establish, and foster collaboration within a diverse community of internal and external partners.

Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and handling difficult situations in a sensitive and professional manner to reach positive outcomes.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with public speaking experience.

Experience assigning and directing work, and providing feedback to staff.

DESIRED:

Master's degree in a related field.

Experience with developing and overseeing the full-cycle of first-generation college support programs.

Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn university infrastructure, policies and procedures.

Supervisory experience.

Fundraising experience.

Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process.  These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others.  Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.