Work at NASPA

Research & Data Manager

FirstGen Forward

 

About FirstGen Forward

FirstGen Forward aspires to be a transformational partner for higher education, first-generation students, and all who care about them; working to maximize the success of the FirstGen student population in education, career, and life. That success benefits the economic mobility of the students and the missions of the colleges. It produces multigenerational impacts for families. Our country benefits from the experience, determination, and economic potential of FirstGen graduates in the workforce and our communities.

 

FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, operations are managed by NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. FirstGen Forward staff are employees of NASPA.

 

About NASPA

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA centers justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work; read more about our commitment here.

 

Department 

Insights and Impact leads the data analytics, research, and impact work of FirstGen Forward, providing timely information on first-generation student success and the work of FirstGen Forward to external and internal audiences. 

 

Reports To: Assistant Vice President, Data Analytics

Supervises:  None 

 

About the Position

The research and data manager, with focus on FirstGen Forward's engagement with the Postsecondary Data Partnership (PDP) will serve a vital role in managing and analyzing data in support of FirstGen Forward programs, services, offerings, and outcomes, with primary focus on the management and analysis of data submitted to the Postsecondary Data Partnership. The manager will work closely with the Insights & Impact team to support the research, assessment, and evaluation efforts for FirstGen Forward as well as existing programs and services. The manager will also communicate findings in ways that encourage both internal and external audiences to utilize data for actionable decision-making. 

 

Essential Responsibilities

 

Postsecondary Data Partnership (PDP): 

• Serve as one of the primary liaisons between FirstGen Forward and the Postsecondary Data Partnership, attending weekly meetings with the PDP account manager, quarterly meetings with other third-party organizations, and bi-annual virtual and in-person convenings;

• Lead the PDP data submission project management for FirstGen Forward Network institutions by managing timelines, internal and external communications, and escalating challenges to appropriate internal audiences and the PDP; 

• Audit data submitted to the PDP for quality assurance regarding the successful submission of first-generation data, and data output within expected bounds;

• Work with the Data Expert Guide to ensure institutions have the support and understanding of PDP dashboards and analysis-ready files for continuous improvement;

• Analyze PDP data to assess the impact of FirstGen Forward and the trends in first-generation student outcomes across the FirstGen Forward Network.   

 

Data Analytics:

• Manage existing FirstGen Forward data, and organize the data to be appropriately utilized by FirstGen Forward staff for analysis and decision-making; 

• Manage and plan data collection for FirstGen Forward research, assessment, and evaluation efforts across a set timeframe;

• Manage, evaluate, and develop the current data infrastructure and organizational procedures for effectively storing and analyzing data, and reporting key findings and analytics efficiently and effectively;

• Identify missing data and carry out plans to fill data gaps;  

• Analyze and interpret data from the various internal and external data sets; 

• Merge multiple datasets to create data narratives; 

• Prepare, analyze, interpret, and present data for various audiences using tables, charts, visualizations, dashboards, and written reports; and 

• Utilize predictive analytics, group comparisons, and longitudinal analysis to identify trends across FirstGen Forward data. 

 

Project Management:

• Lead the planning and administration of FirstGen Forward data collection and analytics;

• Design Asana projects for tracking Network institutions’ milestones and data collection;

• Act as a liaison between the FirstGen Forward’s Growth team and Network Recruitment and Operations team; 

• Prepare and deliver reports for institutions, stakeholders, and funders; 

• Support FirstGen Forward staff in their goals by providing appropriate, relevant, and timely data;

• Provide data visualization design support for external funders, recruitment collateral, presentation templates, video development, and editing;

• Support elements of the formative and summative evaluation processes;

• Support elements of the FirstGen Forward’s research agenda, including landscape analysis; 

• Manage timely correspondence with FirstGen Forward Network institutions, stakeholders, and partners and provide outstanding customer service.

 

Additional Responsibilities:

• Serve as part of the FirstGen Forward’s Insights & Impact  team on team projects;

• Support FirstGen Forward staff with research, assessment, and evaluation of programs and services to include FirstGen Forward Online Learning, CatalystFIRST, and the First-generation Student Success Conference;

• Participate in departmental, divisional, and organizational strategic planning, meetings, and projects;

• Support FirstGen Forward and NASPA tasks, projects, professional development, and engagement as deemed appropriate;

• Assist with all-team projects and actively participate in staff meetings and projects; and 

• Other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned to support the association. 

 

Qualifications

• A commitment to first-generation student success through personal experience, research interests, and/or practice.

• A bachelor’s degree is required, a master’s degree is preferred or commensurate experience in higher education data analytics.

• Experience in higher education, data science, statistics, and/or other relevant fields.

• Experience with the Postsecondary Data Partnership is preferred.

• Professional experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research projects, including manipulating, validating, and analyzing large-scale data, administering quality assurance processes, and writing research findings.

• Experience with complex, detailed project management with strong organizational skills, ability to establish priorities, and attention to detail and deadlines is required:

• Experience with project management in the Asana platform is a benefit.

• Strong customer service, interpersonal skills, and critical thinking with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as experience with data visualization and reporting.

• Familiarity with college and university data systems, fields, and reporting structures.

• Proficiency in utilizing Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and video conferencing software

• Experience with Qualtrics, Tableau, or other data visualization software is required.

• Experience considering the impacts of work on the diverse intersectional identities of postsecondary students.

• Ability to work efficiently and independently in a predominately remote work environment with both internal colleagues and external partners at various levels of leadership. 

 

Employment Status:

Full-time Exempt: Exempt employees by definition are exempt from overtime compensation requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and are required to work as the job demands on a no time limit basis. 

 

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $68,000 - $75,000.

 

NASPA offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.

 

Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements 

 

Office Location

This remote position may be based anywhere in the contiguous 48 states. It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities.

 

Travel 

Moderate overnight travel to represent FirstGen Forward at events, on college and university campuses, and in-person meetings is an essential function of this position. Locations vary and can include sites outside of taxi service from major airports. As a result, the position is required to have the ability to travel independently, including air travel, navigating ground transportation, and occasionally driving a rental car. 

 

Physical Requirements

• This position is primarily office-based with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing.

• Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines and support events and programs. 

• This position will be required to coordinate on-site event execution, which may include moving furniture and other items, navigating event spaces, and communicating verbally with venue staff. 

Additional COVID-19 Information

Vaccination is not a requirement for employment. However, all employees are strongly encouraged to follow the CDC guidance on vaccination, including becoming fully-vaccinated and staying up-to-date as eligible. All employees may flex their schedules for time taken to receive and recover from COVID-19 vaccinations.

 

In certain circumstances, NASPA therefore FirstGen Forward may require testing for all staff regardless of vaccination status. 

 

Masks must be worn per local, state, tribal, and federal guidance, including the CDC, with the most stringent level of guidance followed. Regardless of guidance, all employees must have masks available should masking be requested by other employees, members, or external constituents. In certain settings, NASPA and/or FirstGen Forward may require or strongly recommend that employees wear masks. 

Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement 

NASPA and therefore FirstGen Forward provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. NASPA and FirstGen Forward does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA and FirstGen Forward also makes reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. 

 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following for consideration: 

• Letter of Interest/Cover Letter

• Resume

• Sample of Work; Please provide a sample showcasing your experience with data analytics and/or reporting. Examples may include a screenshot of a dashboard, a fact sheet, a presentation, or a written report. Candidates may redact any identifiable information to maintain confidentiality.

• Three References

 

A complete set of materials should be submitted through this Asana form. Materials received by Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11:59AM  Eastern will receive priority consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled. 

 

Director, Workforce Development & Solutions

FirstGen Forward

 

Position Title: Director, Workforce Development & Solutions

 

About FirstGen Forward

FirstGen Forward aspires to be a transformational partner for higher education, first-generation students, and all who care about them; working to maximize the success of the FirstGen student population in education, career, and life. That success benefits the economic mobility of the students and the missions of the colleges. It produces multigenerational impacts for families. Our country benefits from the experience, determination, and economic potential of FirstGen graduates in the workforce and our communities.

 

FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, partners with NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education with respect to certain operational matters. FirstGen Forward staff are employees of NASPA.

 

About NASPA

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA centers justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work; read more about our commitment here.

 

Reports To: FirstGen Forward, Chief Executive Officer

 

About the Position

The Director of Workforce Development & Solutions will initially lead a groundbreaking initiative to enhance workforce outcomes for Texas community college students. This leader will partner with the FirstGen Forward team to recruit new community college partners, and will be responsible for building key relationships with community college department leaders within each college and employers. The preference will be for this leader to have experience in, or knowledge of workforce development and community colleges. This leader should have experience working in a community college system and a track record of student outcome results, e.g. increased graduation, transfer rates, workforce or job placement. Key initial responsibilities will include ongoing engagement with community college leaders and Texas corporate employers.  

 

Essential Responsibilities

Stakeholder Collaboration & Partnership Development

• Recruit and onboard community college partners from regions across Texas.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community college leadership teams, Texas business leaders, and workforce development organizations.

• Facilitate collaboration among Texas community colleges and members of the FirstGen Forward Network to share best practices and innovations.

• Convene meetings and workshops with institutional leaders, academic coaches, career coaches, and business partners to align on strategies and objectives.

• Establish partnerships with Texas businesses to provide internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities for students.

 

Project Management & Strategy

• Track project milestones and deliverables, ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and outcomes.

• Monitor progress across partner institutions, identifying and addressing challenges to ensure project success.

• Provide regular progress updates and presentations to FirstGen Forward leadership and funders including supporting any completion of grant reporting. 

• Collaborate with the Insights & Impact team to manage systems for collecting and analyzing data on student outcomes, such as credential completion rates and workforce placement metrics.

 

Program Design & Institutional Support

• Lead efforts to train and support academic and career coaches at partner institutions to improve student advising and career readiness.

• Collaborate with community college leaders to enhance career services, integrating career planning into orientation and academic advising.

• Oversee the creation of a virtual resource library with tools, templates, and guidance for partner institutions to achieve workforce placement goals.

• Assists with all-team projects and participates actively in staff meetings and projects.

• Other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned to support the organization. 

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred in education, business, workforce development, public administration, or a related field.

• Proven track record in the Texas community college system, with experience in achieving improved student outcomes (e.g., increased graduation or transfer rates).

• Expertise in workforce development and noncredit training programs aligned with employer demand.

• Strong project management skills, including program implementation and stakeholder engagement.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to travel regularly for in-person meetings with community college leaders and other stakeholders.

• Commitment to FirstGen Forward’s mission of supporting first-generation students.

• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a decision-making process.

• Demonstrated commitment to cultivating an inclusive work environment that values the perspectives and lived experiences of a diverse workforce and membership.

 

Employment Status:

Full-time Exempt: Exempt employees by definition are exempt from overtime compensation requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and are required to work as the job demands on a no time limit basis. 

 

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $105,000.

 

NASPA offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.

 

Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements 

 

Office Location

This remote position may be based anywhere in the contiguous 48 states. It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities.

 

Travel 

Moderate overnight travel to represent FirstGen Forward at events, on college and university campuses, and in-person meetings is an essential function of this position. Locations vary and can include sites outside of taxi service from major airports. As a result, the position is required to have the ability to travel independently, including air travel, navigating ground transportation, and occasionally driving a rental car. 

 

Physical Requirements

• This position is primarily office-based with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing.

• Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines and support events and programs. 

• This position will be required to routinely pack and unpack program materials for shipment, which will require pulling, pushing, lifting, and moving boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. 

• This position will be required to coordinate on-site event execution, which may include moving furniture and other items, navigating event spaces, and communicating verbally with venue staff. 

Additional COVID-19 Information

Vaccination is not a requirement for employment. However, all employees are strongly encouraged to follow the CDC guidance on vaccination, including becoming fully-vaccinated and staying up-to-date as eligible. All employees may flex their schedules for time taken to receive and recover from COVID-19 vaccinations.

 

In certain circumstances, NASPA therefore FirstGen Forward may require testing for all staff regardless of vaccination status. 

 

Masks must be worn per local, state, tribal, and federal guidance, including the CDC, with the most stringent level of guidance followed. Regardless of guidance, all employees must have masks available should masking be requested by other employees, members, or external constituents. In certain settings, NASPA and/or FirstGen Forward may require or strongly recommend that employees wear masks. 

Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement 

NASPA and therefore FirstGen Forward provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. NASPA and FirstGen Forward does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA and FirstGen Forward also make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. 

 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following for consideration: 

• Letter of Interest/Cover Letter; 

• Please submit a Letter of Interest/Cover Letter that clearly highlights your knowledge of and/or experience with two-year or four-year institutions as well as your expertise in job and workforce development.

• Resume

• Three References

 

A complete set of materials should be submitted through this Asana form. Materials received by Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11:59AM  Eastern will receive priority consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled. 

                      

Director, Financial Operations
FirstGen Forward

 

About FirstGen Forward

 

FirstGen Forward (FGF) aspires to be a transformational partner for higher education, first-generation students, and all who care about them; working to maximize the success of the FirstGen student population in education, career, and life. That success benefits the economic mobility of the students and the missions of the colleges. It produces multigenerational impacts for families. Our country benefits from the experience, determination, and economic potential of FirstGen graduates in the workforce and our communities.

 

FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success operations are managed by NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. FirstGen Forward staff are employees of NASPA.

 

About NASPA

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA centers justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work; read more about our commitment here.

 

Reports to: Assistant Vice President, Growth & Operations

 

About the Position

The Director, Financial Operations is a new role at FirstGen Forward developed to provide critical financial management and financial systems oversight for our growing nonprofit. The person in this role will be primarily responsible for developing and managing departmental budgets, managing philanthropic grant spend, overseeing weekly expense processing, and monitoring month and year end close processes and reporting. NASPA is FirstGen Forward’s fiscal sponsor and also provides technical accounting support for this work through a managed services agreement. The Director, Financial Operations will work closely with NASPA’s accounting team and controller to create and facilitate these processes and provide reports and analysis to the Assistant Vice President, Growth & Operations and FirstGen Forward Leadership Team. The person in this role will also help define the strategy for the organization moving forward as we determine whether or not we will maintain our fiscal sponsorship and management services agreement with NASPA or build out independent operations. 

 

FY25 Annual Goals

• Month end close is completed by the 20th of each month. 

• 90% of available restricted grant funds are expended by June 30, 2025.

• 100% of grant reports are completed, submitted, and accepted by the stated due date with no more than a 10% budget variation between approved budget categories. 

• FirstGen Forward ends the fiscal year with 6 months cash on hand. 

• Annual audit returns no material misstatements or non-compliance as it pertains to philanthropic funding. 

 

Essential Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with NASPA’s accounting team. 

• Develop and sustain strong relationships with internal grant managers and stakeholders. 

• Create and communicate financial procedures in collaboration with NASPA’s accounting team to support organization and staff needs, training staff to ensure compliance.

• Work with department leads to create annual budgets and monitor on a monthly basis. 

• Monitor grant spend down, identify grant expenses, and produce a monthly grant status report for FirstGen Forward’s leadership team.

• Lead the production of grant summary documents for each grant, including newly awarded grants, to summarize the terms, funding, and intent for internal stakeholders. 

• Lead grant check-in meetings with key internal stakeholders to address spending concerns or necessary budget amendments. 

• Prepare monthly transfer requests for grant expenses to NASPA’s accounting team for processing. 

• Closely review month end close reports and questions with NASPA’s accounting team to facilitate a timely and accurate close. 

• Partner with NASPA’s accounting team and external auditors to facilitate and complete the organization’s annual audit. 

 

Qualifications

FirstGen Forward seeks a solution-oriented leader with experience engaging diverse stakeholders and possessing:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a similar field required

• 3-4 years of relevant experience, including at least 1 year of direct experience with philanthropic contributions or nonprofit finance

• Experience developing and documenting processes, policies, and procedures for a new or developing organization

• Superior project management skills

• An ability to communicate utilizing a variety of methods in a remote environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

• Self-motivation and proven ability to work as a member of a high-performing team

• Demonstrated experience developing and tracking individual and team goals

• Demonstrated commitment to cultivating an inclusive work environment that values the perspectives and lived experiences of a diverse workforce and membership

 

Employment Status:

Full-time Exempt: Exempt employees by definition are exempt from overtime compensation requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and are required to work as the job demands on a no time limit basis. 

 

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $105,000.

 

NASPA offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.

 

Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements 

 

Office Location

This remote position may be based anywhere in the contiguous 48 states. It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities.

 

Travel 

Occasional overnight travel (3-5 times per year) for in-person staff meetings is an essential function of this position. Locations vary and can include sites outside of taxi service from major airports. As a result, the position is required to have the ability to travel independently, including air travel, navigating ground transportation, and occasionally driving a rental car. 

 

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing.

 

Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines and support events and programs. 

 

Additional COVID-19 Information

Vaccination is not a requirement for employment. However, all employees are strongly encouraged to follow the CDC guidance on vaccination, including becoming fully-vaccinated and staying up-to-date as eligible. All employees may flex their schedules for time taken to receive and recover from COVID-19 vaccinations.

 

In certain circumstances, NASPA therefore FirstGen Forward may require testing for all staff regardless of vaccination status. 

 

Masks must be worn per local, state, tribal, and federal guidance, including the CDC, with the most stringent level of guidance followed. Regardless of guidance, all employees must have masks available should masking be requested by other employees, members, or external constituents. In certain settings, NASPA and/or FirstGen Forward may require or strongly recommend that employees wear masks. 

 

Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement 

NASPA and therefore FirstGen Forward provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. NASPA and FirstGen Forward does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA and FirstGen Forward also makes reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. 

 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following for consideration: 

• Letter of Interest/Cover Letter

• Resume

• Three References

 

A complete set of materials should be submitted through this Asana form. Materials received by Thursday, January  2, 2025 at 11:59AM Eastern will receive priority consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled.