Director of Orientation & First Year Programming

Job Title:Director ofOrientation & First Year Programming

Reporting Relationship: Dean of Students & Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Unit: IWU-Marion

Campus Location: Barnes Student Center

Summary of Position:    The Director ofOrientation & First Year Programming will provide leadership and strategic vision for the experience of first-year students and enhance institutional retention efforts for all students through transitions from orientation, First Year Programming, and short-term retention initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Administrative Leadership
  • In partnership with the Student Development staff, develop and implement programs designed to increase spiritual, personal, social, and academic connections among First Year students
  • Training of faculty, staff, and students on retention-related topics, systems, and special projects. Assist the Dean of Students in training faculty and staff on early alert practices and processes
  • Partners with staff on special projects that support high risk students or student retention more broadly and provides leadership and training for these efforts
  • Manage budgets for first-year experience and new student orientation
  • Assist in the development of the Dean of Students annual report
  • Attend departmental meetings, committee meetings (RiSER), and other meetings associated with the position, and participate in professional organizations that pertain to the position
  • Support the policies of the Student Handbook with integrity
  • Fulfill other duties as assigned by supervisor
• Retention & Student Success
  • In collaboration with campus stakeholders, develop frameworks for First Year student academic success, with special attention to students currently at risk, on academic probation, and traditionally underserved by the University
  • Work with the Dean of Students in the administration of the university's early alert system, properly coordinating support for all student alerts to various support areas
  • Providing support and limited coaching for first-year students through tools such as the early alert system, and partnership with faculty and/or staff
  • Serves as a resource hub for students and initial hub for first-year students who may be considered high risk to leave the university (e.g., identified by campus partners, need help navigating the university system) through thorough knowledge of university systems, partners, and processes
  • Keep current research, trends, and best practices in First Year advising, retention, student development, and student success, including first- and second-Year Programming aimed at fostering students' thriving
• First-Year Programming
  • Work closely with the Dean of Students to develop, implement, and provide oversight to a comprehensive first-year experience program aimed at helping students thrive during their earliest college stages
  • Work independently and collaboratively with peers within Academic Affairs, Student Development, Enrollment, and Marketing on implementation, marketing, program delivery, and results monitoring for retention programs designed for First Year students
  • Works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to implement a framework of programs and support services for first-year students, including orientation, improvement of college success classes/workshops, and academic alert system
  • Lead work teams in monitoring first-year students to identify areas for improvement, service gaps, and opportunities to assist students in maintaining academic success and successfully transitioning to a college environment
  • Train and manage student Peer Educators
  • Teach and cultivate the development of the LDR-245 Peer Educator Practicum o Assist with LFC-280 Transfer Student FYE
  • In consultation with the Dean of Students and the graduate assistant, develop, implement, and provide oversight to New Student Orientation for the fall and spring semesters
  • Hire, train, and manage new student orientation leaders in work with the graduate assistant
  • Lead New Student Orientation Coordinating Team Meetings for fall and spring semesters
  • Work with campus partners to plan orientation, including reserving space, coordinating SLM needs, NSO workshops (e.g., conference services, chapel, faculty, SAC, FYE coordinator), and communicate their needs to Conference Services
• Supervisory Responsibility
  • Supervises Graduate Assistant

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Master's degree required (preferably in higher education, student development or related area)

Experience

• Three to five years of experience in co-curricular education (preferably in student activities/programming, or retention)

Required Skills

• Gifted in motivating others; creative and innovative; discerning; flexible; effective planner, organizer, and communicator; experience in developing Christian servant leader, cultivated emotional intelligence
• Energetic, student-centered, and team-oriented professional who has a demonstrated record of leadership and student programming
• Knowledge of student success programs and strategies, specifically programs targeted towards historically under-served student populations
• Demonstrated ability to successfully balance, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in an active, fast-paced environment while providing superior constituent service
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Must be able and willing to work some evenings and weekends
• Maintain a professional image and manner consistent with Indiana Wesleyan University's mission and goals

Diversity Statement

IWU commits to create a community that reflects kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment that exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.