Director of New Student Programs

JOB SUMMARY

The University of Connecticut is in search of its next leader of Orientation. The Director of New Student Programs is a full-time position that provides professional expertise to the Division of Enrollment Planning & Management and reports to the Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management. The incumbent will provide leadership for new undergraduate student orientation programs across all UConn campuses.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serve as a member of the Enrollment Planning and Management (EPM) leadership team which includes the Vice President for EPM, Assistant Vice President for EPM, Enrollment Analyst & Fiscal Officer, Executive Assistant to the Office of the VP EPM, University Registrar, Director of Student Financial Aid Services, and the Director of Undergraduate Admissions.
2. Provide leadership for new undergraduate student orientation programs across all UConn campuses, working in collaboration and supervision (where applicable) of campus-based orientation managers. Serve as a thought leader and convener of all the University’s student orientation managers and staff in ensuring consistent administration of the onboarding of new students across all topics. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be expected to travel to regional campuses as needed.
3. Conduct regular assessments of all new student orientation programs to ensure programmatic compliance and quality service to students, families, and other constituents.
4. Work to enhance the University’s ability to recruit and retain talented and diverse undergraduate and graduate students by applying practices in the development, implementation, and management of orientation programs. Ensure that the purpose and intent of each program is fulfilled.
5. Develop and implement an orientation framework, informed by CAS Standards, UConn’s Student Experience Framework, the University Strategic Plan, and other institutional guiding documents.
6. Supervise and/or guide new student orientation activity across the University, including the establishment of orientation goals and objectives, common orientation content, training guides, program components, and more.
7. Manage and supervise the professional and administrative staff of the Orientation Services Office. Ensure adequate staff training and development. Conduct annual performance evaluations in accordance with University protocols. Provide guidance to all regional campus undergraduate orientation directors/managers.
8. Maintain oversight of the departmental operating budget in accordance with established funding limitations. Create proposals for new spending programs that enhance orientation activities.
9. Collaborate across various institutional departments, including Regional Campuses, Residential Life, Dining Services, Facilities & Operations, Student Affairs, ODI, University Advising, Honors & Enrichment, Institute for Student Success, and others, to ensure sufficient support and resources are provided in support of the logistics and programming of orientation across all UConn campuses.
10. Support and enhance the quality of experience for multicultural and underrepresented populations by collaborating with critical partners throughout the University.
11. As a member of the EPM Leadership team, represent the University upon request, at recruitment and marketing events such as open houses, yield receptions, school counselor receptions, school counselor fly-in programs, etc.
12. Facilitate monthly Orientation Leadership meetings which include the directors of respective campus orientation programs. Regularly attend relevant University-wide meetings, such as Advising Council and the Regional Campus Forum, bringing agenda items for discussion and consideration to these bodies as it is relevant to fulfilling the duties of the role.
13. Leverage and deploy orientation systems. Foster a data-rich environment and monitor associated key performance indicators such as post-orientation melt rate, student feedback, and orientation registrations. Utilize assessment to ensure programs serve all University communities effectively and uphold the high standards of the Division of Enrollment Planning and Management.
14. Serve as EPM’s lead for UConn’s DEI onboarding undergraduate student Initiative.
15. Facilitate and share best practices for enhancing inclusivity, engagement, and cultural proficiency among new student programs.
16. Contribute to and uphold the Enrollment Planning and Management Diversity Plan.
17. Complete other duties assigned by the Vice-President for Enrollment Planning and Management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree.
• Six years of experience with Orientation programs and student transitions.  
• 3 years of experience managing professional staff.
• Demonstrated evidence of successful experience working with diverse populations and collaborating across institutional areas.
• Strong organizational leadership skills and transitional programming experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with departmental operating budget management.
• Ability to work long hours, including nights and weekends as required.
• Knowledge of research and best practices in student Orientation and Transition.
• Knowledge of assessment techniques for Orientation programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Published and/or conducted research on orientation and transition.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent, 12-month position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/. The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $135,000. Final compensation will be commensurate with the qualifications and credentials of the chosen candidate. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496380 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on June 19, 2022. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.