Assistant Director, Student Enrichment Services

Location:

Evanston, Illinois

Department: Campus Inclusion & Community

Salary/Grade: EXS/6

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:

8:30 AM–5:00 PM, weekends and evenings as needed.

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

• 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.
• Serve 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).
• Design and implement quarterly career development events that prepare first‑generation and lower‑income (FGLI) students to navigate professional environments with confidence.
• Lead planning, logistics, and partnership communication to ensure program alignment with institutional goals and student needs.
• Assess program outcomes and student feedback to inform continuous improvement and deepen collaboration with campus partners.
• Manage relationships with partners, foundations, etc. and coordinate 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.

• Implements a department strategy for structure, process, & staff support of students.
• Manage a caseload of 60 students; provide individual, student‑centered advising and case management support for first‑generation, lower‑income, and/or undocumented/DACA students.
• Provide case management for walk‑in students and referrals as needed.
• 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 Connect
  
  NU, Canvas, Microsoft SharePoint, etc.

• Responsible for the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, supervision, and evaluation of a Graduate Assistant supporting the Beacon Scholars program.
• Provide regular coaching, mentoring, and professional development to foster the Graduate Assistant’s skill growth and…