Executive Director for New Student, Transitions and Family Programs

Nodaweb; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 98,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The University of Texas at Arlington invites applications for the Executive Director for New Student, Transition, and Family Programs. This role provides strategic leadership for orientation, transition, and family engagement initiatives and oversees major programs to support new student success and retention.

The Executive Director will supervise staff, partner with Admissions and Student Affairs, manage the unit’s budget, and ensure effective use of technology for orientation and onboarding,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and five (5) years of relevant experience, including new student orientation and first-year experience programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, implement, and assess comprehensive orientation and transition programs for various student groups and families.
• Provide strategic leadership and daily management for New Student, Transition, and Family Programs, including supervising staff.
• Lead major new student programs and initiatives and coordinate with campus partners to ensure a seamless transition.
• Direct orientation registration, onboarding, and retention activities with Admissions, Yield, and campus stakeholders.
• Oversee orientation technology platforms to ensure effective functionality and user-friendly processes.
• Develop and manage family engagement and outreach initiatives and departmental communications.
• Manage the department’s annual revenue budget, fiscal strategy, and assessment plans.

Education

Master’s degree in higher education administration, counseling, college student personnel, or a related field

Job description

Salary

The annual salary for this position ranges from $98,100 to $115,000. The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.

Documents Needed to Apply

1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. References (minimum of three)

Purpose of Position

The Executive Director for New Student, Transition, and Family Programs provides strategic leadership for orientation, transition, and family engagement initiatives that support new student success, engagement, and retention. The role oversees major programs, collaborates with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs partners, and ensures a seamless transition experience for new students and their families. Essential Functions

• Develop, plan, implement, and assess comprehensive orientation and transition programs for new first-year, transfer, international, and graduate students and their families, including in-person and virtual orientation options and related transition experiences.
• Provide strategic leadership and daily management for New Student, Transition, and Family Programs, including supervising professional staff, paraprofessionals, and student leaders; setting priorities; and advancing short- and long-term goals.
• Lead the implementation and facilitation of major new student programs and Student Affairs initiatives, including New Maverick Orientation, Blaze Camp, Early Arrival Move-In Orientation, Maverick Kickoff, Convocation, and related events.
• Direct orientation registration, onboarding, and retention coordination with Admissions, the Yield, Onboarding, and Retention Committee, Student Affairs leadership, and campus stakeholders to support a seamless transition experience.
• Oversee orientation and transition technology platforms, including Visual Zen, Slate, Advantage Design Group Online Orientation, CampusESP, and Canvas orientation modules, ensuring effective functionality, compliance, registration processes, and user experience.
• Develop and manage family engagement, communication, and outreach initiatives, including Friends and Family Weekend, guest orientation and welcome events, First Generation, Transfer, and Off-Campus initiatives, and departmental website, publications, and electronic messaging.
• Manage the department’s annual revenue budget, fiscal strategy, expenditure projections, year-end balances, assessment plans, and committee participation to support program effectiveness and departmental priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, counseling, college student personnel, or a related field and five (5) years of relevant experience to include experience in new student orientation and first-year experience programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of professional experience with significant experience in orientation/first-year programs.
• Familiarity with programs and services for family members, first-generation students, former transfer students, and other student communities who receive support from departments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to achieve goals.
• Ability to establish unit priorities.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range unit goals.
• Ability to formulate policy and organize/manage resources.
• Ability to examine and re-engineer operations and procedures.
• Excellent program planning and implementation skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of academia to achieve results in a cross-functional environment.
• Demonstrated supervision skills, including management practices and principles.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive work and educational environment for all UTA students and staff.
• Ability to assist students and parents with concerns.
• Strategic planning, budget preparation, and budget management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, presentation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying backgrounds.
• Commitment to fostering an equitable workplace culture.

Work Schedule

• Monday through Friday; 8:00am through 5:00pm
• Available to work evenings and weekends as needed, particularly during orientation season

Benefits Information

Position is benefit eligible: Yes

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees at the University.

https://www.uta.edu/hr/employee-benefits

PreEmployment Background Check

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a pre employment background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.

This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA 48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.

University Information

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.

UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community.

This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.

ADA Accommodations

The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email [e-mail].