Job Description

The Assistant Director for Orientation Programs supports student success by coordinating and implementing key new-student transition experiences, including welcome weekend orientation programming and new student advising and registration days. The position contributes to a cohesive, student-centered onboarding experience by embedding key academic requirements into engaging program formats; creating a sense of belonging and pride in SCSU through orientation events; coordinating event logistics and communications; developing parent and family communications and resources; and supporting marketing efforts related to orientation programs. This role collaborates with campus partners to ensure programs are delivered effectively, information is communicated clearly, and programming aligns with campus enrollment and retention goals.

Orientation/Welcome Week

• Coordinate and implement fall and spring welcome weekend programming that supports new-student transition and sense of belonging.

• Collaborate with campus partners to deliver engaging experiences across campus venues and select virtual environments.

• Support student staff onboarding, training, and event execution to ensure a high-quality participant experience.

New Student Advising and Registration Days Programming

• Create a full day program to prepare students for entry into the University that also prepared parents/families to support their students

• Partner closely with Admissions to ensure fit into student recruitment timelines and communications for incoming students

• Partner closely with Academic Affairs and the Student Success/Academic Advising offices to embed required academic components into the day's experience and adjustments necessary for student demographics

• Involve campus departments and programs in the event schedule to promote campus engagement and information for event attendees

• Coordinate logistics and communications for a quality student and family experience

Parent and Family Communication and Programming

• Manage parent and family communications and resources, including ongoing updates through the Huskies Family Hub.

• Coordinate Family Programming as part of the Department of Campus Involvement

• Develop timely, clear communications that support families as partners in student success and persistence.

• Coordinate family-facing programming and resource connections during orientation and registration events.

Marketing and Communication

• Support marketing and communications for orientation-related programs, including web, email, recruitment customer relationship management tool, and social media messaging as appropriate.

• Work with the office of Student Affairs for division-wide marketing efforts.

• Ensure communications reflect inclusive practices and student-centered messaging.

Other duties as assigned aligned with Student Affairs Division Goals

• Contribute to divisional priorities by supporting related onboarding, engagement, and student success initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional higher education experience, including event planning/program implementation in a higher education setting.

• Proficiency with commonly used Microsoft 365 applications and the ability to adapt to new technologies and platforms.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural competence; ability to interact effectively with diverse groups and communities.

• Demonstrated commitment to integrating equity and inclusion principles in processes, communications, and operations.

Preferred Qualification 

• Master's degree in higher education administration or a related field.

• Experience with online/student-facing platforms such as EAB Navigate, CampusESP, and/or similar systems used to communicate with and support students and families.

• Experience supervising student employees and/or staff.

• Marketing experience, including social media marketing.

Other Requirements

Please note that successful applicants must be eligible to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment. Eligibility includes being a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a foreign national authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. Employees must maintain work authorization without sponsorship for the duration of their appointment.

Documents Needed to Apply

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

• Unofficial Transcripts

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Typically M-F 8 am - 4:30 pm. Some evening and weekend work will be required during major programs and events.

About

The successful candidate will share St. Cloud State's commitment to our mission, and in particular, the value we place in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as outlined in SCSU's It's Time strategic framework. Notably, we uphold the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion and engage in intentional actions to address systemic inequities throughout the university and surrounding environment. DEI values, practices, and strategies are embedded into the fabric of our institution and campus community, and they align with the priorities expressed in the Minnesota State system's Equity 2030 initiative. SCSU expects all of its employees to help advance these practices and to contribute to the development of an anti-racist, inclusive community. 

Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Minnesota State University Association of Administrative and Service Faculty (MSUAASF) which can be found at: https://www.msuaasf.org/

 St. Cloud State University is committed to excellence and actively supports cultural diversity. To promote this endeavor, we invite individuals who contribute to such diversity to apply, including minorities, women, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities and veterans. St. Cloud State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regards to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or status as a U.S. veteran. The Interim Title IX Coordinator at St. Cloud State University is Judith Siminoe. For additional information, contact the Office of Institutional Equity & Access, (320) 308-5123, Admin. Services Bldg. Rm 121 

About St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State prepares students for life, work and citizenship in the 21st century. In our rigorous academic programs, students apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Our 200 academic programs, 60 graduate degrees and education abroad choices on six continents emphasize hands-on learning through community engagement and close interaction with professors. Couple that with support from the Career Services Center and you have a clear path to a career. Our 100-acre campus is between downtown St. Cloud and the Beaver Islands, a group of more than 30 islands that form a natural maze for a two-mile stretch of the Mississippi River.

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