Director, New Student Programs

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Job description

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs & Assistant Dean of Students, the Director of New Student Programs must be a visionary leader who facilitates, designs, manages, implements, and assesses all orientation efforts, including Camp Crimson, for undergraduate first year and transfer students, and other inclusive outreach efforts. As the campus expert on new student services and orientation, the Director will serve as key strategist on matters pertaining to the development and implementation of transitional activities at the University of Oklahoma's Norman campus. The Director will serve on various campus-wide committees and maintain close partnerships with key stakeholders in both Academic and Student Affairs. The Director will be responsible for providing incoming students with exceptional orientation experiences and providing leadership and support for both academic and co-curricular programming. The New Student Programs office will also be expected to assist with campus welcome week events, yield activities for newly admitted students in conjunction with the Division of Admissions and Enrollment Management, host mandatory educational training programs in collaboration with campus partners, and any virtual orientation programs hosted in collaboration with academic personnel or specific undergraduate colleges. The Director will serve as the campus subject matter expert for all matters pertaining to the successful transition of incoming undergraduate students into the OU community. In this capacity, the Director will work closely with faculty and academic personnel in the undergraduate colleges, staff members within the advising community, staff within the Academic Success Center, Office of Housing and Residence Life, Center for Student Life, International Student Services, Office of the President, Division of Access and Belonging, colleagues within the Division of Student Affairs portfolio, and other campus administrators in order to ensure that the transitional activities of the office meet the needs of the entire campus community as well as over 5,000 new undergraduates each year. The Director will be responsible for developing and managing an estimated budget of $1.5M for this office and supervising a high achieving staff of 5 FTE; establishing student learning outcomes; leading program assessment efforts; and developing, drafting, and implementing necessary program revisions in collaboration with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have: an understanding of the role Student Affairs plays in student success and retention; skills and accomplishments in collaborative work with internal and external constituencies; strong strategic planning skills; exceptional communication skills including group and one-on-one advising, conflict resolution, coaching skills, and the ability to present and facilitate workshops, programs, and events; good judgment and analysis in decision-making and problem-solving; a history of developing and implementing efficient budgets; experience developing and managing support services for underserved student populations and first-generation students; a proven record of successful experience responding to individual and community issues and crisis; the initiative to improve existing and develop new programs and processes; and a high level of personal and professional integrity at all times. Required Education and Experience: Master's degree in higher education, counseling or other related field, AND: 5 years of progressively responsible experience in orientation programs, new student services, the first year experience, or other related higher education experience. Skills: A strong student-centered philosophy supported by student development theory and its application to the student experience. Subject matter expert on orientation and transitional programs. Proven and successful track record of program development from conception to implementation. Proven and successful track record of effective collaborations with faculty members on faculty programs. Demonstrated experience managing complex and difficult situations involving students, parents, staff and faculty. Must have highest standards of integrity and ethics in both performance and behavior. Excellent political acumen demonstrated by the ability to successfully navigate complex networks of relationships and to work with a high level of multicultural competence and sensitivity to achieve departmental and division-wide goals. Outstanding communication skills demonstrated by the ability to interact comfortably with a wide range of diverse people, including professional staff, students, faculty, parents, system-wide colleagues, community partners, and media. This includes the ability to write clearly and concisely in different styles as appropriate to the audience. Leadership experience demonstrated by creating cross-campus partnerships. Administrative and political acumen to work closely with staff in other offices that provide services to students. Exceptional critical thinking skills demonstrated by the ability to analyze information, evaluate results, and facilitate resolution of difficult challenges. Advertised Physical Requirements: Planning and supervision of outdoor activities. Ability to handle high stress situations relating to student mental/physical illness, rape, suicide, racist incidents, etc. Supervision: 1-5 Staff Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

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