Program Coordinator, Orientation Programs

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University is currently seeking a Program Coordinator for the Orientation Programs team in West Lafayette, IN. This role supports leadership development of undergraduate student leaders and helps with trainings, recruitment, and professional development within the office.

The coordinator mentors the Student Orientation Committee, guides staff trainings and recruitment efforts, and collaborates on Purdue 101/102 online modules and onboarding initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience.
• Experience in event planning, online learning development, student development, or curriculum development.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience supervising undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Mentor student leaders and SOC at group, committee, and individual levels.
• Provide leadership and guidance for staff trainings, recruitment, interviews, and development.
• Hold meetings with undergraduate students to support communication and development.
• Support Purdue 101/102 online orientation and onboarding initiatives.
• Assist planning and execution of orientation events (BGR, BGRi, Boiler Cold Rush).
• Collaborate with campus partners and generate program reports.
• Occasional nights/weekends during peak seasons; hybrid work possible.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Writing/editing

Verbal/written comms

Discretion

Creativity

Initiative

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

Job Summary

Orientation Programs at Purdue University facilitate experiences where new students are welcomed “All Aboard Purdue,” a four-step process to start their journey as Boilermakers. The four steps are interconnected to help transition 9,000+ incoming undergraduate students to campus each year. Over 700 current students serve as peer leaders to support the office mission and help new students in their transition.

This description represents one vacant position in West Lafayette, Indiana.

The Program Coordinator supports a variety of operations on the Orientation Programs team.

Supports leadership development of undergraduate student leaders. Mentors the Student Orientation Committee (SOC) at group, committee, and individual levels. Works with a team of professional staff to provide support and guidance in one-on-one and group settings for student staff trainings, recruitment strategies, interviews, selection processes, and professional development. Provides leadership, advising, guidance, mentorship, and development as needed for students and their professional and academic success. Holds individual meetings with undergraduate students to promote open communication, professional and academic development, and contribute positively to office work environment. Refers student staff to campus resources supporting academic success.

Supports transition and retention experiences. Supports the planning, development and execution of Purdue 101 and Purdue 102 online orientation modules. Contributes to additional transition and onboarding initiatives related to First-Year Success. Facilitates outreach and collection of information from campus partners. Provides thoughtful scaffolding of information for new students navigating university onboarding. Recommends and implements improvements in the experience for incoming students through annual and longitudinal program assessment findings. Pays critical attention to student progress and generates reports to office and departmental leadership as necessary.

Supports on-site programs. Contributes to select projects for a variety of new student orientation events, including but not limited to Boiler Gold Rush (BGR), BGR International (BGRi), and Boiler Cold Rush. Provides support as needed for other office, departmental, and university initiatives as a member of Student Success Programs and the Division of Teaching and Learning.

As a member of the Orientation Programs team, the Program Coordinator joins a dedicated staff committed to innovating and continuously moving programs and experiences forward for new students and staff. Seeking to understand the experiences of students, with the desire to think critically and thoughtfully about supporting the Orientation Programs mission of introducing and connecting all new undergraduate students to Purdue University, is critical in this role.

This position will work in-person on campus in West Lafayette, Indiana, but will work closely with members of the Orientation Programs team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The nature of work in orientation is cyclical and has peak seasons, which sometimes requires staff members to work some nights and weekends, and at times may give the opportunity for flexibility and hybrid work. This role reports to an Associate Director of Orientation Programs.

What We're Looking For: Education and Experience

Qualified candidates will need:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Two (2) years of professional experience

Preferred:

• Candidates with experience in event planning, online learning development, student development, and/or curriculum development
• Master’s Degree.
• Experience in a college orientation or first year programs setting.
• Experience supervising undergraduate students.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.
• Professional writing and editing skills.
• Basic computer, communication (verbal & written), and presentation skills.
• Ability to balance interruptions, multiple and varied tasks and confidential information with discretion.
• Creativity and professionalism required.
• Ability to take the initiative to solve problems, assume responsibility, establish and maintain quality standards.
• Ability to work in a flexible, fast-paced, positive team atmosphere.

Additional Information:

• This position has a preferred application deadline of November 18, 2026.
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Career Stream: Professional 2

Pay Band S055

Job Code # 20002134

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $43,600.00 to $48,750.00. The final salary offer will be determined based on various factors, including internal equity, available budget, and relevant experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university