Job description
Milwaukee, WI
Posting Number: 201104384
Employment Status: Full Time
Job Family: Student Support, Advising, and Career Development
Position Overview
Be The Difference Begins with Great People.
Are you looking for a new opportunity where you can make the difference in the lives of students and faculty? Were always looking for highly talented individuals to join our team – people who think big, care deeply, and believe in being the difference in their work and community.
We prioritize student success, access to education, and service in our work to educate well-rounded servant leaders who transform their fields, our society and the world. Our Catholic, Jesuit approach emphasizes student engagement with the world around them and formation of the heart and mind.
We believe in our mission: The search for truth, the discovery and sharing of knowledge, the fostering of personal and professional excellence, the promotion of a life of faith, and the development of leadership expressed in service to others. These core values guide our relationships with our students, each other, and our community.
Marquette University offers a rich and competitive Total Rewards package including medical, dental, vision, 403(b) with up to 8% university match, generous time off package, and tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents with no payback requirement! For more information, please view the Total Rewards Guide.
The Director, Urban Scholars Program provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for one of the universitys largest, most mission-aligned undergraduate scholarship initiatives. This full-tuition scholarship program supports high-achieving, primarily first-generation college students with a focus on leadership and academic success. This role is responsible for all aspects of the programs execution, including program design, student engagement and development, supervision of staff, budget and assessment management, recruitment, and cross-campus collaboration. As a key leader in the Division of Belonging and Student Affairs (DBSA), the Director, Urban Scholars Program plays an essential role in cultivating a sense of belonging, advancing student retention and success, and empowering student leaders in a manner that reflects Marquettes Catholic, Jesuit mission and values.
This is your next opportunity to join an organization that invests in their employees career journey by diversifying their skills, deepening their expert knowledge, encouraging a healthy work-life balance, focusing on personal wellbeing, providing leadership training, and sustaining a culture of respect and inclusion.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Program Leadership & Strategy: Develop a vision and strategic plan for the Urban Scholars Program that aligns with the University and DBSA strategic plans. Create and execute strategic initiatives that enhance student success, leadership development, and career readiness. Oversee day-to-day operations including orientation, cohort and all-scholar meetings, annual celebrations, leadership retreats, service events, and cross-program partnerships. Ensure programs are aligned with Jesuit values and advance student leadership and community engagement.
2. Student Engagement and Support: Design and implement academic, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for students. Foster identity development and a deep sense of belonging among Urban Scholars. Act as an advocate and support system, building strong relationships with campus partners to remove barriers to student achievement. Provide individual guidance and coaching to students as needed. Act as a liaison between Urban Scholars and key institutional departments to promote program goals. Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and student affairs professionals to support student retention and success. Serve as a resource for conflict resolution, wellness, and retention-focused interventions. Keep up to date with the latest research and best practices in student success and belonging.
3. Assessment, Reporting & Strategic Impact: Track academic progress, retention, engagement, and outcomes for Urban Scholars. Design and implement assessment tools to evaluate program impact and guide improvements. Produce reports for internal and external stakeholders, contributing to divisional and university-wide strategic goals related to student success and equity.
4. Supervision of Staff: Responsible for the supervision of staff which includes but is not limited to hiring, terming, disciplinary actions, performance management, staff development, etc. Model inclusive leadership practices and support staff in serving diverse student identities. Provide on-site support for evening and weekend programs as needed.
5. Scholarship Recruitment & Selection: In collaboration with Undergraduate Admissions, oversee outreach, recruitment, and selection processes for the Urban Scholars Program. Coordinate events, information sessions, application review, and interview logistics. Maintain strong working relationships with Financial Aid and other stakeholders to ensure smooth scholarship administration.
6. Partnership Engagement & Network Development: Establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, alumni, employers, and community organizations. Maintain an active database of Urban Scholars alumni. Engage Urban Scholar alumni through newsletters, mentorship opportunities, and events. Involve employers, community organizations, and other external stakeholders in developing internship and service-learning opportunities. Collaborate with University Advancement to support programming milestones, fundraising, and anniversary celebrations.
7. Fiscal Oversight & Scholarship Administration: Manage program budget, financial aid coordination, and administrative reporting. Ensure responsible stewardship of scholarship resources and effective collaboration with Admissions, Financial Aid, and divisional finance teams. Advocate for program resources and funding opportunities, including grant writing and fundraising efforts. Ensure compliance with institutional policies and programmatic requirements.
8. Division & Campus Contributions: Serve as a key partner in the Division of Belonging and Student Affairs. Contribute to divisional strategic planning, student retention initiatives, and campus-wide efforts to support inclusion and belonging. Serve on university committees and as a conduct administrator, as needed.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Masters degree in student personnel administration, higher education administration, public service, non-profit management or related field and a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, student affairs, scholarship program administration, or related nonprofit leadership – OR – Bachelors degree with minimum of 10 years experience in higher education, student affairs, scholarship program administration, or related nonprofit leadership
Deep understanding and commitment to addressing the challenges faced by college students of diverse perspectives, life experiences, and backgrounds.
Knowledge of student development theories and best practices in the field of student success, belonging, leadership, and social justice.
Strong appreciation for and experience with the diverse needs of all members of the campus student community and surrounding city.
Demonstrated success in program development, implementation, and assessment, including data-informed decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and guide staff.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate conversations across diverse audiences including students, campus partners, funders, and senior leadership.
Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments, colleges, alumni, and with external partners to cultivate excellence in program operations and impact.
Strong problem resolution experience, including a demonstrated ability to manage complex and multiple tasks and exercise sound judgement.
Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed to support student events and programming.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of Milwaukees educational and community landscape, especially related to student access and success in K-12 and higher education.
Familiarity with scholarship management, financial aid processes, and donor reporting.
Experience using assessment and data tools (e.g., Qualtrics, CMS, Power BI) for program evaluation and improvement.
Experience in grant writing, donor stewardship, or program fundraising is a plus.
Department: Office of Student Affairs
