The Placement Exchange Job Board

Director of New Student & Transition Programs - Job #040232

The Director of New Student and Transition Programs is responsible for the successful planning and execution of the University’s new student orientation programs as well as initiatives that support new student transition and sense of belonging. The Director will be responsible for developing and executing New Student Orientation that assists the institution in achieving its goal of creating shared experiences that will inspire new students to connect, thrive, and engage across differences.

The Director will create, plan, and oversee the implementation of all orientation programs. The position will also coordinate student programming to address 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd year undergraduate student transitions. The director will work with other University departments to ensure continuity and synergy among all programs for new students.

The Director develops goals, objectives, vision, and provides strategic oversight for the organizational, managerial, fiduciary, assessment, and administrative functions of the office, including supervision of professional staff members. The Director demonstrates a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility through program delivery and decision making.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in higher education, college student personnel, or related field required.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in an academic setting, preferably in programs that serve new students.

Job Specific Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in program design, implementation and assessment.
• Exceptional relationship building skills with the ability to collaborate, guide, and influence campus stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate a community of belonging.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a team.
• Strong organizational skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, technical competence, strong oral and written communication skills, and demonstrated skills in analysis are critical to success in this position.
• Understanding of best practices in new student orientation and community building/belonging.

Responsibilities

• Create and foster collaborative relationships with cross-campus stakeholders to actualize effective and strategic efforts and programming related to welcoming and supporting new students and creating a sense of belonging. Key partners include but are not limited to senior leaders and staff within all schools and colleges as well as the Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Provost, Enrollment Services, Student Experience, Auxiliary Services, Marketing and Communications, and Facilities Management.
• Spearhead on-going strategic analysis of student and campus community needs to provide direction in shaping changes in first year programming. Anticipate student and campus changing needs and proactively adapt programming as needed.
• Develop goals, objectives, vision and provide strategic oversight for the organizational, managerial, fiduciary, assessment, and administrative functions of the office of New Student Programs. Direct and optimize office budget. Facilitate continued assessment of programming costs and provide strategic direction of budget allocations.
• Supervise professional staff members and oversee supervision of office student leaders. Foster departmental goals and implementation of student leadership programs designed to develop student leadership and wellness skills. Leverage campus partnerships to recruit, train, and schedule student and faculty/staff volunteers to assist with new student orientation.
• Direct departmental initiatives to further diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as part of first-year and transfer student programming. Ensure accessibility in all programming including planning for and arranging accessible entrances and seating, sign language, and live transcription.
• Assist in planning and executing programs and initiatives aimed at increasing students ability to engage across differences in viewpoint and create a welcoming community for all.

For full consideration, applicants are required to complete an online application at https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/101770.  Please submit a cover letter and resume.  

Syracuse University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to equality of opportunity and a diverse work force. Women, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.