Director of College Programming and Orientation and Assistant Dean of Students in the College

Department
 

College Programming and Orientation

About the Department
 

The Office of the Dean of Students in the College has broad responsibility for the success of all College students. The Dean of Students reports to the Dean of the College. The office consists of the Academic Advising Office (CAAO), Center for College Student Success (CCSS), Office of College Community Standards (OCCS), and College Programming and Orientation (CPO). College Programming and Orientation works to connect students and families to the College through transition-focused programs and events, while also seeking to build stronger community on campus. The CPO celebrates significant milestones that reinforce lifelong institutional affinity and engagement with the University.

Through events like Convocation, Orientation and Senior Week the staff of the College Programming and Orientation (CPO) create programming that promotes institutional ties and class affinity. The CPO also works closely with many campus and College offices to plan and execute timely career, academic, and student development interventions throughout the College student experience. Additionally, CPO develops communications and programs for parents and families of students in the College so that they can stay informed and connected to their students’ experience. We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to apply.

Job Summary
 

The Director of College Programming and Orientation/Assistant Dean of Students reports to the Dean of Students for the College and is responsible for leading a team focused on fostering a strong sense of community and affinity to the College and the University throughout the students’ undergraduate experience. Working closely with College leadership, campus partners, and student planning committees, the Director leads the development and implementation of a portfolio of programs and events such as Pre-Orientation, Orientation, and other programs specific and intentional to developmental and transitional student milestones for first through fourth years, like Family Weekend, College Diploma Ceremonies, and other College events. In addition, the Director serves on the Dean of Students’ executive leadership team and is responsible for serving on campus-wide committees and additional projects critical to the student experience.

Responsibilities

• Manages and oversees a team of 7 full time staff members responsible for the implementation/execution of the College Programming and Orientation portfolio of events, including Pre-Orientation, Orientation, Family Orientation, the UChicago Mentoring Program, first, second-third and fourth year student success programming, Family Weekend, Signature Events, Senior Week, College Diploma Ceremonies, any new events that may be proposed, and applicable College and campus committees.
• Develops and implements strategic plans for the CPO on behalf of the Dean of the College and the Dean of Students.
• Ensures the successful coordination of event logistics for all programs including event registration, travel arrangements, ordering buses, reserving space, catering, negotiating contracts, purchasing, and communications.
• Manages production and distribution of event marketing, general communications, and event publications materials.
• Manages annual operating budget for the CPO ensuring compliance with all university fiscal policies.
• Forecasts and tracks annual budgets for all programming, communications, and projects.
• Manages websites and works with relevant staff to coordinate information for the College’s two mobile applications.
• Completes assessments for each program and ensures improvements and process changes are documented.
• Responsible for continuous improvement of student service delivery and monitors assessment efforts for the CPO.
• Uses specialized depth knowledge and breadth of experience to recommend concepts for programming to leaders of various organizations and programs.
• Works closely with various campus offices including Campus and Student Life, Career Advancement, Center for Identity + Inclusion, Center for Leadership and Involvement, College Academic Advising Office, College Admissions, College Center for Research and Fellowships, College Dean’s Office, Housing & Residence Life, Office of Civic Engagement, UChicago CARES, and others to plan and execute programs.
• Provides guidance and direction to student staff members’ project work and evaluates staff members’ performance/provides constructive feedback.
• Leads students and staff to develop and implement activities, programs, and initiatives related to student life, and/or community involvement.
• Manages the development of programming that creates student community, including summer activities, student leadership training, an