Assistant Director of Enrollment Support - Orientation Programming

Nodaweb; Charleston (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Illinois University is seeking an Assistant Director of Enrollment Support – Orientation Programming to lead the design, planning, and execution of undergraduate Orientation for new students. The role sits in the Enrollment Management Operations office and partners with Admissions, Academic Advising, and other campus services.

The position supervises graduate assistants and a large staff of student employees, coordinates logistics for large-scale Orientation events, and uses yield and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's may substitute for one year of experience.
• At least two years in higher education or event planning.
• Experience leading graduate assistants and student staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, and execution of undergraduate Orientation for first-year and transfer students.
• Oversee graduate assistants and a large staff of student employees; manage staff scheduling and training.
• Coordinate Orientation logistics and serve as a liaison with Admissions, Academic Advising and campus partners.
• Monitor yield, melt, and retention data to inform pre-arrival communication plans and programming.

Skills

Event planning

Leadership

Public speaking

Data interpretation

Collaboration

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CRM systems

Student information systems

Event registration platforms

Job description

Position Summary: The Assistant Director of Enrollment Support – Orientation Programming serves as the operational lead for Orientation Programming at EIU, operating within the Enrollment Management Operations office. This position directs the day-to-day design, planning, and execution of undergraduate Orientation programming for first-year and transfer students, positioning Orientation as one of the final milestones in the new student enrollment process and the foundation for students' long-term success at EIU. The position builds and maintains programming schedules, leads event planning and logistics for large-scale Orientation events, and provides oversight of graduate assistants and a large staff of student employees. The position coordinates Orientation logistics and services, working in close partnership with Admissions, Academic Advising and other campus service areas to support students' transition to the University. The role is highly collaborative by design, serving as a connector among Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs and interfacing with key partners across all three divisions. The position is a leader in the Enrollment Management division's efforts to strengthen yield, reduce melt, and improve retention by monitoring students' progress from their initial commitment to EIU through the start of the semester, contributing to pre-arrival communication plans, and recommending programming and process improvements informed by yield, melt, and retention data. The role requires exceptional organization, close attention to detail, and steady composure under the pressure of firm deadlines and live events. In all aspects of this work, the position fosters a welcoming and inclusive experience for every new student, their guests, and all Orientation staff members. This position is classified as a Program Coordinator under the State University Civil Service System.

Application Deadline: September 18, 2026

Salary Range: $55,000 to $65,000 annual salary.

Benefits Package Summary:

Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals.

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs for this specific position class, please visit https://www.eiu.edu/humanres/benefits/newemployees.php

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree required
• A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position. (Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
• Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.

Additional education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization:

• A minimum of two years of experience in higher education, or, in event planning in a business or non-profit setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Education, Management, or Communications. For candidates without a Master's degree, specific undergraduate course studies in Management, Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications / Public Relations, or Education are preferred.
• Knowledge of customer relationship management (CRM) systems, student information systems, or event registration and management platforms
• Experience leading, training, or coordinating the work of others, along with the judgment necessary to assign, prioritize, and review work performed by graduate assistants and student employees
• Experience contributing to yield, retention, or melt-reduction efforts is beneficial

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A highly collaborative leadership style that - across offices, departments, and divisions - builds and maintains enduring partnerships based on trust, shared accountability, and strong sense of integrity
• Excellent event planning and logistics management skills
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet strict deadlines while thriving under pressure
• The ability to interpret data to inform strategic decision-making
• A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive office environment
• Effective communicator with an engaging public speaking skillset