Director of First Year and Transition Programs

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Director of First Year and Transition Programs will support transition and retention efforts across campus for first year students as well as transfer students. Their work will also incorporate family orientation and communication as a part of student success. The position will include strategic and programmatic aspects as well as individual work with students. The Director of First Year and Transition programs will also collaborate with professionals across the university to promote holistic student development. Mount Mary University serves an undergraduate population with over 60% of students identifying from historically marginalized backgrounds.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Dean of Students and Chief Retention Officer to develop, implement, and evaluate MMU1- a comprehensive program to engage first year students, towards encouraging student success.
• Plan, direct, and evaluate all onboarding efforts for new students, including New Student Registration and Orientation programming.
• Collaborate seamlessly with the division of student affairs as well as constituents outside student affairs, including admissions and faculty, to create effective first year programming.
• Facilitate programs that create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, promote social justice, and multi-cultural competence among first year students on campus.
• Oversee first year retention programs for example bridge programs, extended orientation, and outside of classroom skills.
• Individually coach a defined number of first year students totaling around 30% of the first-year class using Navigate 360 as a communication tool.
• Organize and create initial pre-registration and continued communication efforts for new students from acceptance to the university through their first year.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate student staff.
• Oversee two Graduate Assistants who work with student organizations and campus engagement
• Sponsor and collaborate with others on campus engagement events
• Oversee Transfer and Adult Orientation.
• Create and facilitate family orientation for families new to the college experience and create long term communication plans for families to assist in students' success.
• Manage any necessary social media connections with students, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Assess the needs of students and programming provided and analyze data about first year students; reporting out results of assessment and analysis.
• Explore additional programs that increase the first-year retention.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Other Administrative Responsibilities:

• Provide reports to the senior leadership of Student Affairs as required.
• Manage budgets assigned to the First Year and Transitions Department.
• Collaborate on the development of university-wide policies that affect students.
• Perform other duties, responsibilities, or special projects as assigned

Skills and Experience:

• Master's degree required, preferably in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or College Student Personnel Administration
• Experience developing and implementing a wide range of successful programs at the college level
• Experience with developing new student orientation and first year student programs and services
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting equity and inclusion; experience working with underrepresented students
• Exceptional ability to multitask and prioritize projects
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to work with diverse groups, facilitate group process and foster collaborative decision making

Physical Demands:

• May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must reach, bend, stoop, lift
• Must sit, walk, or stand
• Some repetitive motion may be required

Working Conditions:

• Can regularly be scheduled for 40+ hours a week
• Varying workflow; sometimes stressful with high workload times of the year
• Complete work required within a limited space
• Complete work required within a limited time

**Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references. Cover letters should address the mission and values of Mount Mary University and how this role fits into the MMU and the candidates personal mission. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Salary vetting will take place at early stages of the process.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary functions.

Mount Mary University encourages applications from all qualified candidates and is vitally committed to all aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates and all will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ethnicity, pregnancy, disability, genetic information or any other groups protected by law. Mount Mary seeks to hire and retain personnel who will make a positive contribution to its mission, vision and values.

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