Assistant Director, Student Enrichment Services

Department: Campus Inclusion & Community
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Student Enrichment Services at Northwestern University partners with FGLI students - pronounced figly - who are first-generation, lower-income, and/or DACA/Undocumented. SES works with undergraduate students to foster identity development, navigate campus resources, and build community. Through campus-wide partnerships, SES strives to build a Northwestern community that is welcoming, supportive, and accessible for all students. Learn more about SES here: https://www.northwestern.edu/enrichment/

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Student Enrichment Services (SES) reports to the Senior Director and serves as a key leader in SES's direct student support area, shaping the overall experience and success of first-generation, lower-income, and/or undocumented/DACA (FGLI) students. This role is a member of the Beacon Scholars leadership team, a four-year, high touch program for low-income undergraduates. The Assistant Director plays a critical role in creating a supportive environment that promotes self-efficacy, fosters identity development, and recognizes what FGLI students bring to Northwestern. The role provides individualized coaching, resource navigation, and consistent communication to connect students with the services and referrals they need to thrive. Within the Beacon Scholars Program, the Assistant Director manages a caseload of 60 Scholars, supervises a Graduate Assistant, assesses outcomes grounded in research, and assists with event planning. The role also leads the Work the Room professional development program in partnership with Northwestern Career Advancement and Alumni Relations and Development. This program leads quarter professional development programs including the Suit Up event with JC Penney and the annual Etiquette Dinner.

With responsibilities spanning high-impact one-on-one support, program leadership, and campus-wide collaboration, the Assistant Director plays a vital role in advancing SES's mission and improving the sense of belonging among FGLI students.

Hybrid Position (3 days on campus; 2 days remote)
Work Hours: 8:30AM-5:00PM, weekends and evenings as needed

Pay Range: $60,000 to $62,500 depending on experience, skills, and internal equity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Development 40%

• Play a key role coordinating and implementing the Beacon Scholars Program
• Develop and execute events and programming
• Assist with Beacon Scholars review process and serve on review committee
• Serves as the primary coordinator for Work the Room, a collaborative initiative between Student Enrichment Services (SES), Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA), and Alumni Relations and Development (ARD).
• Designs and implements quarterly career development events that prepare first-generation and lower-income (FGLI) students to navigate professional environments with confidence.
• Leads planning, logistics, and partnership communication to ensure program alignment with institutional goals and student needs.
• Assesses program outcomes and student feedback to inform continuous improvement and deepen collaboration with campus partners.
• Manages relationships with partners, foundations, etc. and coordinates logistical support
• Foster purposeful partnerships and serve on various committees within the Division of Student Affairs and across the university, including academic entities, to create interdisciplinary efforts in support of student success.
• Partner with staff, faculty, and administrators to share trends, provide and receive information, and stay updated on academic and co-curricular resources, supports, programs, and changes.
• Work alongside the Destin Lab to research and assess high impact and relevant practices
• Build relationships across campus and refer Scholars to resources and services

Student Support 30%

• Implements a department strategy for structure, process, & staff support of students.
• Manage a case load of 60 students, providing individual, student-centered, advising and case management support for first-generation, lower-income and/or undocumented/DACA students
• Provides as needed case management for walk-in students and referrals
• Develop supportive action plans that connect students to resources and services
• Maintain a system of notes/documentation to track and follow up with students through ConnectNU, Canvas, Microsoft SharePoint, etc.

Supervision 10%

• Responsible for the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, supervision, and evaluation of a Graduate Assistant supporting the Beacon Scholars program
• Provides regular coaching, mentoring, and professional development to foster the Graduate Assistant's skill growth and alignment with departmental and programmatic goals
• Conducts ongoing one-on-one supervision meetings to monitor progress, set priorities, and provide feedback
• Completes formal mid-year and end-of-year performance evaluations
• Creates a supportive supervisory relationship that promotes accountability, learning, and the application of student development theory in practice

Administration 10%

• Develops, maintains & reports on quantitative and qualitative performance measures.
• Track, document, and assess student advising and support for record keeping and stewardship reports
• Communicate regularly with the SES team to share information on student development and progress
• Manage, track, and reconcile budgets

Evaluation 5%

• Reviews & analyzes outcome measurements and recommends changes & enhancements to improve program/project.
• Coordinate assessment and evaluation of project-based work (Beacon Scholars, Work the Room, etc.)

Events 5%

• Manages event details including communication, venues, presenters, travel arrangements, materials, refreshments and technology are arranged and completed in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Develop and assess group events/workshops utilizing research and best practice focused on FGLI student success
• Facilitate small and large group workshops and events for FGLI students
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2 years program/project administration or other relevant experience within higher education and/or nonprofit setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two to four years of experience working as a case manager, advisor, or coach and/or developing and implementing supportive action plans for first-generation, lower-income, and/or undocumented/DACA students
• Experience advising college students, individually and group advising, with an emphasis on identity development and leadership skills.
• Experience working with crisis intervention and crisis management
• Strong understanding of the educational environment at highly selective institutions
• Flexibility and comfort working in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and high-pressure environment
• Strong ability to build rapport and connections with students, staff, and faculty
• Strong project management skills with exceptional time management and attention to detail
• Demonstrated track record as a team player with positive interactions and a commitment to collaboration and integrity
• High degree of competence around understanding and interacting with students from different social identities
• Strong trauma-informed knowledge and principles that can be integrated into policies, procedures, and daily practices that prioritize the safety and empowerment of our stakeholders.

Minimum Competencies:

• Knowledge of financial aid law, rules, policies, and procedures
• Knowledge of latest research and theory around first-generation, lower-income, and/or undocumented/DACA students
• Strong familiarity with relevant theories and models of leadership.

Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth and Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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