NASS Associate Director

UMN Morris is federally recognized as a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) - the only NASNTI university in the upper Midwest. Just 1-2% of college students in Minnesota and nationally, over 300 Native American students comprise about 30% of the UMN Morris student body, Most Native students are from Dakota and Anishinaabe Nations, with 70 Tribal Nations, Alaska Native Villages, and First Nations represented on campus.

The Native American Student Success (NASS) Associate Director is a key leader in two US Department of Education funded projects - Pathways to Success: Cooperative Program Development Between UMN Morris and Minnesota's Tribal and Community Colleges and Fostering Native American Student Educational Equity & Attainment at UMN Morris. The position works with colleagues to facilitate the projects' plans of operations and to assess, enhance, and document their impact. The Associate Director leads efforts contributing to a welcoming campus environment where Native American cultures, histories, and lifeways are reflected and valued and students thrive.

This is an administrative professional appointment, UMN 9703AC, Student Services Professional 3. The position is available with a NASS Associate Director title and responsibilities commensurate with the successful candidate's background and experience. This position is supported by US Department of Education NASNTI funds through September 2025; UMN Morris and collaborating partners intend to seek NASNTI 2025 funding to further this work through Sept. 2030.

Project management and leadership: Pathways to Success (.75 FTE)

• Co-lead project teams in the implementation of new pathways for transfer students from tribal and community colleges to earn BA degrees at UMN Morris.
• Lead and co-lead team meetings, facilitate planning for project components, manage project budgets, and guide work outcomes to successfully implement the plan of operation. Ensure good planning, communication, and utilization of culturally relevant practices.
• Collaborate with the Student Success Center and the Transfer Student Services team in building and guiding support for new and continuing transfer students.
• Supervise Transfer Pathway Navigators. Work with the navigator(s) in hiring, training, and supervising transfer peer mentor(s) and a project assistant coordinating with other NASS staff.
• For ADs with master's degrees, teach agreed upon Interdisciplinary Studies course(s) (e.g., IS 3002: Transfer Semester Experience); assist students with course selection, working closely with the Student Success Center; provide success and recovery coaching.
• Oversee a modest plan for transfer student programming (Tuesday lunch meetups, etc.), in collaboration with Student Success Center initiatives.
• Lead the development and piloting of a Transfer Pathway summer bridge program.
• Act as a resource for colleagues on tribal college collaboration and Native American student success. Coordinate professional development, immersion learning, and workshops.
• Advance a welcoming environment for Native American and low income students by participating in campus governance, committees, programming, and initiatives.
• Lead collaborative efforts to anticipate, prevent, and resolve challenges inherent in program development and system change efforts with skill, creativity, and cultural sensitivity.
• Lead project documentation, assessment efforts, and annual performance reporting areas..

Project management and leadership: Fostering Native American Student Educational Equity & Attainment (.25 FTE)

• Assist in implementing NASS First Year Experience project components/ plan of operation (e.g., Gateway collaboration, NASS Extended Welcome Program, Morris 1101)
  • Participate in New Student Orientation and Welcome Week; assist new students with course selection; present workshops.
  • For ADs with masters degrees, teach agreed upon Interdisciplinary Studies course(s) such as Gateway IS 1051 summer bridge components and a Native-centric section of IS 1101: Morris 1101 transition course; coordinate with other instructors and peer mentors.
  • Serve as a success coach for Morris 1101 students in their first year and beyond.
• Assist in and support the hiring and training student staff.
• Assist students in achieving their goals utilizing intrusive and appreciative advising practices and intervention strategies. Partner with others to ensure that students access resources for learning and success. Serve as an academic recovery coach for designated students, Log student contacts, success plans, referrals and follow-up.
• Support assessment activities and initiative enhancements to ensure services contribute to students' learning, community building, academic success, retention, and graduation.
  
  

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree plus at least 4 years of relevant experience or Master's degree and 2 years of relevant experience. (Masters degree required for teaching responsibilities; Education in Native American/Indigenous Studies, Student Affairs, Education, or related fields preferred.)
• Experience working with Native American students, low-income students and/or students from other underrepresented populations.
• Experience in an educational setting and knowledge of college programs.
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to diverse student populations and the ability to contribute to the University's commitment to a diverse, inclusive learning environment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Masters degree or doctoral degree
• Training in college educational success and retention strategies for disadvantaged populations.
• Experience with and knowledge about programs supporting Native American college success.
• 2+ years of professional experience coaching, mentoring, and/or supporting college students.
• Teaching experience.
• Cultural knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about Native American students' support needs and build programs reflecting and valuing Native cultures, histories, and lifeways.
• Background that includes overcoming barriers similar to those of participants.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration. Finalists will be asked to provide 3 references.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris)

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121-year-old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The small, close-knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning. Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).