Assistant Director for New Student Orientation, Transitions, & Family Programs

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

 

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Associate Director for New Student Orientation, Transitions, & Family Programs, the Assistant Director for New Student Orientation, Transitions, & Family Programs performs a variety of functions and responsibilities related to the delivery of student services with primary responsibility for implementation of the new student orientation, transitions, and family programs for undergraduate students and their families. 

 

Essential Functions

• Supports the development and implementation of the New Student Orientation, Transitions, & Family Programs Office services, events, and initiatives.
• Assists with the implementation of policies, procedures, and efforts related to New Student Orientation, Transitions, &Family Programs.
• Supports the developments and implementation of comprehensive orientation and transition programs for multiple populations in the Fall and Spring including Next for the U, Guide to the U, Ready for the U, and Welcome to the U.
• Directly supervises and coordinates the recruitment, hiring, training, and evaluation of 60-75 student employees.  Coordinates the recruitment and selection process of graduate interns.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive engagement and leadership learning curriculum for graduate interns and all student employees. Provides direction to the Office Manager and Office Assistant related to student staff training support.    
• Coordinates processes that support student staff training including room reservations, meal coordination, summer housing assignment, and communication with staff and partners. Serves as liaison to Disability Services to coordinate workplace ADA accommodations for student employees.
• Participates in the development of curriculum and serves as an instructor for the pre-employment 1-credit course for undergraduate student employee. Develops and implements recognition initiatives and opportunities for student employee participation in regional and national conferences.
• Supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications and publication plan for New Student Orientation, Transitions, & Family Programs.
• Supports the maintenance of New Student Orientation, Transitions, & Family Programs records including, but not limited to, records of recruitment strategies, training schedules and materials, program schedules and materials, and assessment projects.
• Remains current in related best practices and participates in required training programs related to position. 
• Maintains collaborative and effective partnerships with campus partners.   
• Represents New Student Orientation, Transitions, & Family Programs, Dean of Students Collaborative on university committees. 
• Conducts programs and trainings and may assist in transporting materials and supplies.  

 

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements. 
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success. 
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university policy. 
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others. 

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s degree and two (2) years' experience OR a Bachelor's degree and four (4) years' experience with coordinating and/or working recruitment, orientation, and marketing related programs/events.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in developing and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with internal and external constituencies.
• Experience using a web-based software pla