Assistant Director for Transition and Welcome Programs

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Penn State University Park is seeking a student-centered, detail-oriented, and collaborative Assistant Director for Transition and Welcome Programs to lead major undergraduate transition initiatives and support signature university-wide events. This position plays a critical role in welcoming new students and families, supporting undergraduate success, and delivering impactful transition experiences at scale. The Assistant Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing key university-wide programs that support undergraduate transitions and institutional ceremonies. This role leads change-of-campus and transfer student initiatives, oversees welcome programs, manages the planning cycle for President’s New Student Convocation, and provides substantial leadership and logistical support for New Student Orientation (NSO), which welcomes more than 9,000 new students to University Park each summer. This role offers the opportunity to shape the first experiences of Penn State students, contribute to meaningful traditions, and collaborate with partners across the University to support student transitions and success. This position is housed within Student Orientation and Transition Programs, a partnership between Student Affairs and Undergraduate Education, and supervises a full-time program coordinator and student volunteers.

Requirements

• Master's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Strong project and event management skills, with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage high-volume, high-impact programs in fast-paced environments
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a student-centered approach
• Demonstrated strength in collaboration and cross-unit partnership
• Comfort supervising staff and managing student employees or volunteers
• Ability to think strategically while executing detailed logistics
• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, planning, and execution of university-wide transition and welcome programs, including change-of-campus and transfer student initiatives, welcome programs for new undergraduate students, President’s New Student Convocation, in partnership with internal and external stakeholders
• Provide leadership and logistical support for New Student Orientation (NSO), including assisting with program development, implementation, and daily operations and serving as a member of the NSO Director Team, rotating responsibilities to deliver presentations to large audiences, facilitate sessions and program logistics, respond to and resolve student and family concerns
• Manage complex event planning cycles, timelines, and deliverables for large‑scale programs
• Supervise a full-time program coordinator and oversee student volunteers, fostering professional growth and effective teamwork
• Collaborate across academic and administrative units to ensure cohesive, student-focused programming
• Develop clear, engaging digital content and presentation materials to support program delivery and communication
• Uphold a commitment to inclusion, student success, and continuous program improvement

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level