Orientation Coordinator

Mount Royal University Career Services; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 59,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Calgary is seeking an Orientation Coordinator to develop and execute programs for new students. The role involves analyzing student engagement metrics and collaborating with campus partners. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and relevant experience in event management and leadership. This is a full-time position, offering a hybrid work environment and a salary between $59,386.60 - $75,147.80 annually.

Benefits

Paid vacation

Health and dental benefits

Free recreation centre membership

Qualifications

• 2 - 3 years of relevant experience in peer programming, marketing, event management, and leadership.
• Experience in education or a post-secondary environment considered a strong asset.
• Proven ability to supervise professional and student staff using a coaching and mentoring approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute programming and initiatives supporting new students.
• Analyze student engagement, retention, and success metrics.
• Collaborate with campus partners to design data-informed initiatives.

Skills

Critical thinking

Data analysis

Collaboration skills

Communication

Event management

Education

Bachelor's degree (3 - 4 year program)

Tools

Database management software

Word processing software

Job description

Job Title: Orientation Coordinator

Job Type: Permanent

Union: MRSA

Position Classification: SAC07 Academic Services VII

Salary Grade: $59,386.60 - $75,147.80

Full/Part Time: Full-time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid Work, this position is eligible

Location: MRU Main Campus – Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)

About This Position

The Office of Student Experience creates meaningful opportunities for connection, belonging, and growth. We lead the First-Year Mentorship Program, Orientation programming, and Multifaith and Spirituality support on campus, while also coordinating large-scale university events. Our office combines data, innovation, and best practices to design strategies and initiatives that help students thrive during their transition to university and throughout their academic journey. Engagement is directly tied to persistence and satisfaction, so our goal is to holistically support student success at university and beyond.

About The Role

Reporting to the Engagement Supervisor, the Orientation Coordinator is responsible for developing and executing programming and initiatives supporting new students as a member of the Office of Student Experience team. This role will analyze student engagement, retention, and success metrics while applying theoretical frameworks (e.g., Lizzio’s Five Senses of Success, Chickering’s Identity Development, Tinto’s Model of Retention) to inform program design and interventions. The Orientation Coordinator collaborates with internal and external campus partners to design data‑informed initiatives that foster student success, specifically, but not limited to, new student orientation. Working at the intersection of institutional research, academic affairs, and student support services, the ideal candidate will use sophisticated facilitation, program planning, and evaluation to design interventions that promote student belonging, academic self‑efficacy, and long‑term success. This position requires an ability to interpret and translate complex information and nuance into actionable insights and build cross‑functional partnerships to drive strategic institutional change. The incumbent will not only work behind the scenes designing strategic initiatives but will also serve as a key facilitator, workshop leader, and public speaker, engaging with students, faculty, and staff to translate research and data into actionable insights. This position requires a highly skilled communicator capable of leading cross‑functional teams, delivering compelling presentations, and fostering dialogue that promotes student‑centered change across the institution. This position is a full‑time role, working 35 hours per week.

Program Development

• Works with supervisor to develop and implement a comprehensive, data‑informed student transition curriculum that spans enrollment, first‑year experience, and ongoing student development.
• Develops and manages all logistics of both online and in‑person orientation events for new students including workshops, presentations, tours and Orientation events.
• Implements and guides the community outreach, event planning, and communications for all new student materials.
• Engages and responds in a timely manner to multiple campus partners, considering occasional conflicting needs, which requires clear decision‑making under pressure.
• Collects and analyzes program data, creating robust reporting and storytelling assets.
• Report on key performance indicators related to student retention and engagement.
• Provide support, respond to inquiries, manage conflict, and conduct check‑ins for program participants.

Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships

• Intentionally co‑creates initiatives with on‑campus services and associations (Access & Inclusion Services, SAMRU, Iniskim Centre, Alumni Services, Career Services, Recreation, Wellness Services, Changemakers Studio, etc.) to develop meaningful engagement opportunities for students and support student transition.
• Develop strategic partnerships across academic affairs, student services, enrollment management, institutional research, and diversity, equity, and inclusion offices to create a cohesive and integrated approach to student support.
• Manages relationships with a great amount of professionalism when engaging with Chairs, Deans, Directors and Vice‑Presidents, while also having the ability to be relatable with student audiences and use student language and jargon.
• Identifies and develops opportunities for mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources between the university and the broader community (i.e. sponsorships and partnerships).
• Collaborates with campus partners to provide timely support to students based on the student life cycle and their transition needs.
• Responsible for all content development, approvals and messaging during onboarding events, including Program Orientations, Welcome speeches and Online Orientation to encompass the entire onboarding experience for new students.

Supervise and Training

• Hires and manages summer staff to support with Orientation development and execution.
• Develops all training and onboarding for student staff as well as student and staff volunteers needed to execute the orientation program.
• Creates a multiple‑day training for student leaders that includes icebreakers, logistics, inclusive language and leadership development.
• Recruits, trains, and supervises over 200 student volunteers, which includes faculty representatives, current students and new Students recently enrolled.
• Implements universal design for learning strategies and differentiated approaches for event planning and communication development for transition events.

Communication and Marketing

• Conduct digital content performance tracking, analytics, evaluation, and reporting.
• Support all engagement activations including sponsorship and vendor management.
• Communicates through multiple mediums including LMS, e‑mails, webpages, and newsletters.
• Coordinates with the central marketing and communications team to ensure adherence to brand and style guidelines.
• Daily oversight of communication assets, website, and e‑mail channels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (3 - 4 year program) or equivalent.
• 2 - 3 years of relevant experience in peer programming, marketing, event management, and leadership.
• Demonstrated understanding of the university student experience, including transition‑related challenges.
• Strong critical thinking, data analysis, collaboration skills, and the ability to work independently.
• Experience in education or a post‑secondary environment considered a strong asset.
• Proven ability to supervise professional and student staff using a coaching and mentoring approach.
• Track record of engaging, supporting, and cultivating volunteers.
• Knowledge and experience in program development, implementation, and assessment.
• Understanding of peer support models, student development theory, and adult learning principles.
• Ability to conduct research and effectively analyze data.
• Excellent time‑management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and maintain strong attention to detail.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including database management and word processing software.

Salary

$59,386.60 - $75,147.80 per annum

Closing Date

December 3, 2025

Application Requirements

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify [e-mail] and we will work together on your accommodation request.

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid‑sized university in 2009. A student‑focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top‑calibre programs, high‑quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full‑time and 4,030 part‑time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor’s degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post‑secondary institutions. At MRU, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.