NSFP Orientation Chair (Student)

American University; Washington; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC is seeking Orientation Chairs (OCs) to help implement New Student and Family Programs for NSO and All-American Welcome. Six chairs positions available; you will lead a team of Orientation Leaders, plan events, manage communications and logistics, and support incoming students and families.

This is a part‑time, non‑exempt student position; candidates should be available for summer planning and early August orientation activities.

Job description

Work Where You Learn: Build Experience, Grow Skills, and Contribute to Your University Community.

This position is available only to enrolled American University students.

Most student positions at American University are eligible to use Federal Work Study (FWS) awards, with a few exceptions. FWS funds cannot be applied to janitorial, construction, partisan or sectarian positions. For information or questions regarding FWS funds, please contact American University's Office of Financial Aid.

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Department:

Logistics & Operations

Time Type:

Part time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Job Description:

Summary:

Orientation Chairs (OCs) are responsible for the efficient and effective implementation of all New Student and Family Programs projects and goals. To accomplish this, OCs will assist in welcoming and supporting all incoming first-year students, transfer students, and their families and supporters by leading a variety of efforts in preparation for and during New Student Orientation (NSO). This support continues through the All-American Welcome programming during the first weeks of the semester.

Being an Orientation Chair requires a significant commitment and dedication to the work of supporting students and families in their transition to American University. There are six (6) vacant positions available. In addition to the general responsibilities of the OCs listed below, each Chair will also have the chance to focus on one of the areas of specialization below.

Essential Functions:

1. 1.) Orientation Planning

   Assist with the planning and execution of pre-arrival activities throughout the summer and in-person orientation activities and functions in August, including preparing materials, working with campus partners, compiling interest and assessment data, and supporting day-of logistics.

   Contribute to evaluation and assessment by tracking attendance, participating in staff debriefs, and leading team debriefs among Orientation Leaders.

   Other duties as assigned.

2. 2.) O-Team Management

   Assist in the recruitment and interview process of the Orientation Leaders.

   Serve as team leader responsible for the oversight of a group of Orientation Leaders (OLs) as well as team motivator for the OLs during pre-arrival and in-person orientation activities and functions.

   Facilitate daily team meetings/debriefs for your group of OLs throughout New Student Orientation.

   Manage OTeam communications via email, social media, and other platforms.

   Manage OTeam staff bios and photos for website and other promotional outlets.

   Manage OTeam SharePoint and other digital and print materials.

   Other duties as assigned.

3. 3.) Pre-Arrival Programming

   Support the Eagles Overnight Experience pilot program, a new-for-2027 program designed to minimize withdraw-after-deposit students by inviting students to participate in a two-day, overnight experience in June or July.

   Manage the New Student and Family Programs social media accounts.

   Contribute to and participate in the creation of digital content for new students and their families.

   Keep up to date with expectations of incoming students by reviewing the weekly New Eagle Newsletter that is sent to all new students throughout the summer.

   Other duties as assigned.

4. 4.) In-person OL Training

   Facilitate various informational sessions during Orientation Leader training.

   Manage and confirm OL duties and assignments for the week.

   Serve as a point of contact and coordinator of daily orientation activities for your OLs.

   Other duties as assigned.

5. 5.) New Student Orientation

   Serve as a guide and point of contact for all Orientation Leaders throughout the NSO program.

   Assist with day-of logistics, including but not limited to confirming NSO presenters arrive on time, ensuring all NSO spaces are unlocked and prepared in advance, line control and crowd management, and more.

   Foster a sense of belonging through active engagement in all in-person programming.

   Other duties as assigned.

6. 6.) Merchandise and Marketing

   This Orientation Chair will work closely with the Assistant Director of Pre-Orientation and Operations, serving as the primary point of contact for all marketing, communications, and merchandise development for Pre-Orientation and NSO needs.

   This OC should be comfortable developing social media graphics, promotional videos, and office and program-specific swag materials.

   Scheduling and Logistics, Accessibility.

   With oversight from the Associate Director of Orientation, this Orientation Chair will focus on the physical logistics of the NSO sched