POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director, New Student Orientation
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1967
GRADE 46
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, Admissions & Outreach
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director, New Student Orientation provides leadership, vision, and oversight for the University’s comprehensive new student onboarding experience. The Director is responsible for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of orientation programs that support successful student transition, academic readiness, and engagement with the University.
Working within Enrollment Management, the Director plays a critical role in the transition from admission to enrollment by aligning orientation efforts with recruitment, admissions, advising, and student support services. The position collaborates broadly across the University to ensure a coordinated, student-centered onboarding experience that reflects institutional priorities and promotes student success.
The Director manages departmental operations, including supervision of professional staff, graduate assistants, and student employees, as well as oversight of a student-fee–supported budget. The Director fosters a culture of operational excellence, collaboration, and high-quality customer service in the delivery of orientation programs.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree in higher education administration,
student affairs, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of years
of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience:
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs, enrollment
management, orientation programming, or a related area is required. At least two years
experience supervising staff, managing complex programs or events, and collaborating
across organizational units is required.
Skills:
Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills are required. Demonstrated
ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment is required.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability
to manage multiple priorities are required. Demonstrated problem-solving and crisis
management skills are required. The ability to analyze information and support continuous
improvement of programs and processes is preferred.
Other:
The scope of the position requires evening and weekend work, particularly during peak
orientation and onboarding periods.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides leadership and direction for the University’s new student orientation program by establishing goals, developing program structures, and ensuring effective delivery aligned with institutional priorities.2. Designs, implements, and evaluates comprehensive orientation programs for first-year, transfer, and other student populations, ensuring a high-quality and consistent student experience.
3. Promotes recruitment and yield through effective communication with and programming for prospective students and families.
4. Collaborates with Enrollment Management units, academic units, advising, and student services to align orientation programming with institutional processes and timelines.
5. Develops and maintains partnerships across the University to integrate academic, co-curricular, and student support components into orientation programming.
6. Plans, coordinates, and executes orientation sessions, welcome programs, and related transition initiatives, including management of logistics, schedules, and communications.
7. Supervises and develops a team that includes one professional staff member, graduate assistants, and student employees; establishes expectations and fosters a high level of performance and customer service.
8. Oversees the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of student orientation leaders and ensures effective delivery of peer-led program components.
9. Manages the department’s budget, including oversight of student-fee–supported funds, and ensures responsible and strategic allocation of resources.
10. Gathers feedback and evaluates orientation processes to identify opportunities to improve the clarity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the student onboarding experience, including preparation for registration.
11. Coordinates the development and delivery of orientation-related communications, materials, and digital content in collaboration with appropriate campus partners.
12. Represents New Student Orientation on institutional committees and participates in university-wide planning efforts related to enrollment, onboarding, and student success.
13. Supports a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes student engagement, connection, and successful transition to the University.
14. Remains competent and current through self-directed reading of professional journals, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by Supervisor.
15. Contributes to the overall success of the Enrollment Management office by performing all other essential duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION: The Director of New Student Orientation supervises and develops a team that includes one professional staff member, graduate assistants, and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
AUGUST 2026