Assistant Director of Orientation, New Student & Family Programs

Suffolk University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk University in Boston seeks a collaborative professional to manage Orientation and transition programs for new students, including fall, spring, and summer initiatives. You will co-lead planning, coordinate logistics, supervise student staff, and partner with campus units to ensure engaging, inclusive onboarding experiences.

The role emphasizes assessment, data-driven improvements and strong communication with families and partners, with occasional evenings/weekends to support events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s preferred in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
• Two to four years of professional experience in orientation programs, student affairs, or related field.
• Experience supervising, advising, mentoring, or training student leaders.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Commitment to supporting diverse student populations and inclusive environments.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and assess Orientation programs for first-year and transfer students.
• Coordinate logistics, schedules, participation, campus partner involvement, and event execution.
• Manage orientation registration processes, participation tracking, reporting, and attendee communications.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through assessment tools, surveys, and feedback mechanisms.
• Support the development of transition programs that promote engagement, belonging, persistence, and academic success.
• Assist with large-scale university events that support onboarding and transition efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Mentoring

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Student information systems

Event management software

Job description

Primary ResponsibilitiesOrientation & Transition Program ManagementCo-lead the planning, implementation, and assessment of comprehensive Orientation programs for new first-year and transfer students, including summer, fall, winter, and mid-year experiences.Assist with coordinate program logistics, schedules, student participation, campus partner involvement, and event execution to ensure a high-quality transition experience.Manage orientation registration processes, participation tracking, reporting, and attendee communications.Evaluate program effectiveness through assessment tools, surveys, and feedback mechanisms, utilizing data to recommend and implement program improvements.Support the development and delivery of transition programs that promote student engagement, belonging, persistence, and academic success.Assist with large-scale university events that support new student onboarding and transition efforts.Student Leadership Development & SupervisionProvide direct supervision of office student staff.Assist in supervision of Orientation Team Leaders, Orientation Leaders, RAM Supporters, and other student staff supporting Orientation and transition initiatives.Coordinate student leader recruitment, selection, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation processes.Manage the daily work assignments and professional development of office student employees, ensuring effective support for departmental operations, customer service, and program implementation.Develop and facilitate leadership development opportunities that promote communication, mentorship, inclusion, and student success.Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to student leaders.Foster a positive and inclusive student employment experience while maintaining high standards for professionalism and accountability.Support assessment efforts to measure student leader effectiveness and program outcomes.Communications & Student EngagementCoordinate and implement communication strategies that support students and families throughout the onboarding and transition process.Manage communication campaigns utilizing CRM systems, text messaging platforms, email communications, and web-based resources.Create and maintain content for orientation materials, websites, newsletters, presentations, and other student-facing resources.Respond to student and family inquiries, providing timely and accurate information regarding orientation, transition programs, and university resources.Collaborate with campus partners to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated outreach efforts.Support family engagement initiatives that educate families about the student transition experience and available campus resources.Campus Partnerships & Student Success InitiativesCollaborate with Enrollment Management on initiatives that support student yield, onboarding, enrollment, and retention efforts.Partner with academic and administrative departments to coordinate new student requirements, advising initiatives, placement processes, and specialized orientation programs.Work closely with departments including Academic Advising, Residence Life, Student Affairs, Athletics, International Student Services, and other campus partners to support successful student transitions.Assist in the planning and implementation of Family Weekend and other campus-wide engagement programs.Represent Orientation, New Student & Family Programs on divisional committees, working groups, and campus initiatives.Contribute to retention-focused initiatives and programs that support student success beyond Orientation.Operations & Administrative CoordinationManage databases, registration systems, student records, reports, and communications related to Orientation and transition programs.Maintain accurate program documentation, assessment records, and operational procedures.Assist with the development, management, and reconciliation of departmental budgets, including monitoring expenditures, processing purchases, and ensuring appropriate stewardship of resourcesAssist in the administration of vendor agreements and service contracts, including coordinating purchasing processes, maintaining documentation, and ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.Monitor shared departmental communication channels and ensure timely follow-up.Support office operations and special projects as assigned.Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support departmental and divisional priorities.RequirementsBachelor's degree required; master’s degree preferred in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Student Personnel Administration, or a related field.Two to four years of professional experience in orientation programs, student affairs, academic advising, student success, or a related higher education field preferred.Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and assessing programs and initiatives.Experience supervising, advising, mentoring, or training student leaders.Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.Ability to build collaborative relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners.Demonstrated commitment to supporting diverse student populations and fostering inclusive environments.Ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems independently, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and utilize student information, CRM, and event management systems.Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends to support Orientation programs and university events.The salary range for this role is $60,000–$70,000.Salary TransparencySuffolk University provides salary ranges as a good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for a role at the time the position is posted. The actual salary offered to the selected candidate will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, training, and applicable legal requirements. The listed pay range reflects base salary only and does not include additional benefits or compensation.Equal Opportunity StatementSuffolk University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The University strives to recruit, develop and retain faculty and staff committed to educational excellence, the robust exchange of ideas, and engage in membership in a diverse and inclusive community.