Director of Advising and Orientation

POSITION SUMMARY:

Date application must be received for priority consideration by: November 14, 2025
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date: December 1, 2025
Closing Date or if blank, Open Until Filled:
Job Family Group: Administrative and Professional
Division/Department: Academic and Student Affairs/Advising and Orientation
Compensation Range (commensurate with experience): $4,827.05-$5,548.33 monthly or $57,924.60-$66,580 annually @ 1.0 FTE
FLSA Status: Exempt
Appointment Basis: 12-month
Time Type: Full-time
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Renewable/Non-renewable/Grants/Limited Duration/Temporary: Renewable
This position must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License: Yes
This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check: Yes
Lead Work/Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
Work Location Type: On-campus
Work Hours: M-F (8:00a – 5:00p) Hours are subject to change with notice, some weekend and after hours
Worker Status: Must be able to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

• Each applicant is required to provide (as attachments to the online application) the following supplemental documents: (1) a letter providing some detail of the applicant’s qualifications and interest in the position; and (2) current resume/CV. - PLEASE NOTE - during the application process, you will be prompted to attach these documents in the area titled "Resume." Please either combine ALL documents into ONE attachment, OR upload each item separately in this section. Failure to upload ALL of the required documents may disqualify application from consideration.
• For inquiries and additional information, please contact Human Resource Services via email at hrs@sou.edu or by phone at (541)552-8553.
• To view SOU’s very generous benefits and pension programs available to eligible positions, please visit https://inside.sou.edu/assets/hrs/Benefits/Benefit_Flyer/2024_Prospective_Candidate_Benefit_Overview_012024.pdf
• Our benefits package is an important complement to the offered salary and our Total Compensation Calculator, https://inside.sou.edu/hrs/comp-calc.html, demonstrates our value and commitment to our employees.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Advising and Orientation at Southern Oregon University (SOU) provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for programs and services that support the successful transition, retention, and academic success of new, transfer, and first-year students. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students (AVP/DOS), the Director serves as a key member of the AVP/DOS leadership team, contributing to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance student success and retention outcomes. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing comprehensive orientation programs and first-year advising services that foster student belonging, engagement, and academic achievement. The Director will collaborate across campus departments, including Academic Affairs, Enrollment Services, and Student Affairs to create a seamless, student-centered experience that aligns with the university's mission and commitment to every student thriving.

The Director will oversee the coordination of all onboarding events and initiatives, including pre-orientation communications, orientation sessions (summer and fall), academic advising and registration processes, Week of Welcome, and first-year engagement activities. A key priority is the integration of orientation with new student advising and academic success initiatives to ensure new students are informed, prepared, and connected to university resources. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, adaptable, and passionate about serving students and families in a constantly evolving higher education environment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on students' academic journeys while shaping the future of first-year success at SOU.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Public Administration, or related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in Academic a