Director of Orientation and New Student Programs

University of California, Riverside; California (MO); On-site; USD 106,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Riverside invites applications for the Director of Orientation and Student Retention. Lead a comprehensive engagement portfolio for New Highlander Orientation and new student programming, including first-years, transfers, student parents and commuters, while coordinating with Admissions and Undergraduate Education to align messaging and content.

The role emphasizes collaboration across campus, developing holistic programs that foster belonging, strengthen retention

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Strong skills in monitoring/assessing people, processes or services to improve.
• Strong project management skills and intercultural competence.
• Ability in problem solving, leadership and persuasion.
• Thorough knowledge of Student Affairs/Student Life specialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead orientation programming for New Highlander Orientation and New Student Programming.
• Collaborate with Admissions and Undergraduate Education on communication and content.
• Develop retention programming including 2nd year and pre-college initiatives.
• Oversee New Student Welcome and Peer Mentor programs.
• Coordinate cross-campus efforts to enhance student belonging and success.

Skills

Advising techniques

Counseling skills

Project management

Leadership

Intercultural competence

Persuasion

Communication

Collaboration across campus

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Advanced degree

Tools

University-specific computer applications

Job description

Position Information

The Director of Orientation and New Student Programs will lead a comprehensive new student engagement portfolio of New Highlander Orientation and New Student Programming, including supporting first-years, transfers, student parents and commuters. The Director will be the primary liaison between Admissions and Undergraduate Education throughout the Orientation development process, collaborating on communication, programming and content. This position plays a critical role in student retention efforts and will lead initiatives across campus in this area. This position will develop orientation and new student programming that integrates co-curricular components in the areas of academic success and social development. It is expected that the successful candidate will increase collaboration with departments across campus, continuously revitalize orientation programming to meet the needs of each new cohort of students and develop holistic new student programs that lead to a great sense of belonging for new students. The Director will also develop retention programming including, but not limited to, 2nd year retention and pre-college programs with an emphasis on collaboration across campus. Additional responsibilities include New Student Welcome, the Peer Mentor program and the creation of new programs of similar content. The salary range for this position is $106,200.00 - $202,200.00 annually. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $140,000.00 annually. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, UCR is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Requirements

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Advanced Degree

Advanced degree in related area.

Experience Requirements

8 - 13 years of related experience.

Previous supervisory/managerial experience.

Experience with Orientation programming with an emphasis on week-long Orientations.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate across campus units and build relationships.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Strong skills in monitoring/assessing people, processes or services, to make improvements.
• Strong skills in project management, social perceptiveness to be aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Ability in problem identification, reasoning, ability to develop original ideas to solve problems, persuasion, leadership, and intercultural competence.
• Thorough knowledge of Student Affairs/Student Life specialization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advance knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
• Thorough knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.
• Understanding of student development theories, including belonging and retention

Additional Information

In the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities' air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, and culture. UCR gives every student, faculty and staff member the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.

UC Riverside is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the country boasting several key rankings of which we are extremely proud.

• UC Riverside is proud to be ranked No. 12 among all U.S. universities, according to Money Magazine's 2020 rankings, and among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide, according to the 2019-20 Center for World University rankings.
• UC Riverside is the top university in the United States for social mobility. - U.S. News 2020
• UCR is a member of the University Innovation Alliance, the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to improving student success for low-income, first-generation, and students of color.
• Among top-tier universities, UC Riverside ranks No. 2 in financial aid. - Business Insider 2019
• Ranked No. 2 in the world for research, UCR's Department of Entomology maintains one of the largest collections of insect specimens the nation. - Center for World University Rankings
• UCR's distinguished faculty boasts 2 Nobel Laureates, and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview

Job Description Details

Generic Scope

Oversees through subordinate managers a large department or multiple smaller units, OR manages a highly specialized technical function/team. Has significant responsibility to achieve broadly stated goals through subordinate managers. Determines objectives, directs programs, develops strategies and policies, manages human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with a high degree of autonomy. Proactively assesses risk to establish systems and procedures to protect organizational assets. Determines strategies for a program with organization-wide impact.

Custom Scope

Manages a complex Student Affairs or Student Life & Development function and/or program or several smaller programs. Develops the long term organizational goals and strategic plans of the organization. Directs subordinate supervisors and/or managers. Has broad program responsibility. Oversees the program analysis and evaluation. Manages the budget and human resources. Represents the organization with external organizations. Evaluated on overall program results and effectiveness.

Department Custom Scope

The Director of Orientation and Student Retention will lead a comprehensive new engagement portfolio of New Highlander Orientation New Student Programming and retention programming including supporting first-years, 2nd years, transfers, student parents and commuters. The Director will be the primary liaison between Admissions and Undergraduate Education throughout the Orientation development process, collaborating on communication, programming and content. This position plays a critical role in student retention efforts and will lead initiatives across campus in this area. This position will develop orientation, new student programming and retention initiatives that integrates co-curricular components in the areas of academic success and social development. It is expected that the successful candidate will increase collaboration with departments across campus, continuously revitalize orientation programming to meet the needs of each new cohort of students and develop holistic new student programs that lead to a great sense of belonging for students. Additional responsibilities include New Student Welcome, the Peer Mentor program and the creation of new programs of similar content.