Program Coordinator, Orientation Programs

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

Job summary

Purdue University’s Orientation Programs team is seeking a Program Coordinator to support leadership development, student staff training, onboarding, and program assessment. The role involves mentoring undergraduate leaders, coordinating interviews and recruitment, and guiding students toward academic and professional success.

The position focuses on Purdue 101/102 modules, transition initiatives, and a variety of on-campus orientation events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Two years of professional experience required.
• Preferred: Master's Degree.
• Experience in event planning, online learning development, student development and/or curriculum development.

Responsibilities

• Mentor the Student Orientation Committee (SOC) and support undergraduate leaders and staff trainings, recruitment, interviews and development.
• Plan, develop and implement Purdue 101 and Purdue 102 online orientation modules and related onboarding initiatives.
• Contribute to on-site and university-wide orientation events (e.g., Boiler Gold Rush) and support cross-office projects.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Writing skills

Editing skills

Discretion

Creativity

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Job description

Job Description:

Req Id: 44779

Job Title: Program Coordinator, Orientation Programs City: West Lafayette

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.

About Us:

For more information about Purdue University Orientation Programs, visit the office website , meet the team , and follow us on Instagram .

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.

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

Who We Are:

For more information about Purdue University Orientation Programs, visit the office website , meet the team , and follow us on Instagram .

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

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

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