Assistant Director, Orientation & Transition Experiences

Assistant Director, Orientation & Transition Experiences

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Orientation & Transition Experiences centers collaboration and team-based values in the work we do both internally and externally. This position supports the foundational and continuing programs for the successful Orientation & Transition experience of new students to the University of Minnesota. The Assistant Director of Orientation & Transition programs reports to the Director of OTE.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) Orientation Program Planning & Implementation (40%)

• Assist with the implementation of all Orientation Programs for new students and their families.
• Work closely with the Director to execute the planning and implementation of 25 Freshman Orientation programs, 25 Freshman Family Orientation programs, and 12 Transfer Orientation (in-person & remote) and Transfer Family Orientation programs . These areas of planning include:
  * Program Logistics: Room reservations, catering and housing contracts, transportation needs, University department resource fairs.
  * Communications: review and inform content in collaboration with the Communications & Marketing colleague for printed publications, orientation presentations, orientation schedules, transfer online orientation, website, and social media.
  * Welcome Week: Work with the Welcome Week team to assist with the coordination and implementation of the Transfer Track events. Duties include: managing Transfer Student Leader training, role assignments, and day-to-day supervision as well as on-site implementation of Transfer Track events.

2 ) Welcome Week Program Planning & Implementation (30%)

• Assist with the planning and implementation of the Welcome Week program that is required for 6500+ freshmen and available to 2000+ transfer students. Duties include event management and creation of program content, communications, and operations for the program.
• Assist the Director in facilitating relationships and identifying collaboration opportunities with collegiate units and service areas on campus while determining schedules, content, and logistics.
• Work with the OTE Team in the coordination and implementation of transfer-specific Welcome Week events, including a one-day Transfer Welcome Day in January for spring-admitted students.
• Assist with the planning and execution of Welcome Week programs for special populations.
• Assist with training of Student Leaders during fall Prep Week, which require weekend or evening commitments.
• Manage daily operations and perform problem-solving during Welcome Week program, which requires weekend and evening commitments.

3) Student Leadership Development & Supervision (20%)

• Serve as a member of the Welcome Week implementation team supporting the recruitment, hiring, supervision, and management of the various Welcome Week student team members.
• Serve as a member of the Orientation implementation group working with Student Interns (3), Orientation Leaders (30+) supporting the recruitment, hiring, supervision, and management of student leaders.
• Assist with the facilitation of various training and leadership courses. This work includes evening and weekend hours.

4) Orientation & Transition Experiences Support (10%)

• Provide support for any initiatives implemented by Orientation & Transition Experiences or the Office of Undergraduate Education.
• Participate in professional staff trainings, meetings, and projects.
• Represent the Director in various capacities as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

• BA/BS and at least four years of relevant full-time work experience, or a master's degree plus at least two (2) years of relevant full-time work experience.
• Experience in planning, managing, and executing programs impacting student success or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion while working with units that provide support, access, and equity and/or which enhance programmatic content to meet the needs of students.
• Willing and able to work evening and weekend hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or other related areas.
• Three years of experience in large-scale event planning and programming, including managing and implementing program content and logistics.
• Previous experience working with transfer students, first-generation students, off-campus students, or other student populations where experiences and skills could be transferred.
• Previous supervisory experience of staff (student or professional).
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and perspectives, while having tolerance for ambiguity in implementing a campus-wide program.
• Ability to make data-driven decisions regarding programmatic efforts.
• Ability to work and communicate across organizational programs and priorities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change.
• Collaborative and diplomatic relationship style which promotes respect
• Work history that demonstrates a practice of civility and inclusivity in the workplace.

As a department within the Office of Undergraduate Education at the University of Minnesota, the mission of Orientation & Transition Experiences (OTE) is to provide high-quality, dynamic experiences that cultivate community and empower students to champion their own development and leverage campus resources. OTE operates on a hybrid schedule during the academic calendar year (3 days on-campus, 2 days remote). During our peak season of May through September, staff are expected to work on campus 100%-time.

Pay Range: $54,000 - $59,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).