Assistant Director, Orientation (Student Service Professional IV)

California State University, Fullerton•Fullerton, CA

2d•$6,320 - $9,014•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Student Transitions Services within the Division of Student Affairs helps ease the challenge of navigating a university or College campus, giving all Titans a chance to succeed in their higher education career the moment that they set foot on the Cal State Fullerton campus. An essential component of securing new Titans, the professionals within Student Transitions lead the efforts of Outreach, Recruitment and Orientation, Admissions and Records, financial aid services, and community educational outreach at local high schools. We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our New Student Orientation team as the Assistant Director, Orientation (Student Service Professional IV). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field plus upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution.
Four years of professional student services work experience including experience advising students individually and in groups, as well as the analysis and resolution of complex student services problems.
A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.
A Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university and the appropriate internship or clinical training in a relevant field may be substituted for two years of professional experience.
Thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, and practices of the program area to which assigned or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge.
General knowledge of the policies, practices, and activities of Student Services programs outside the program to which immediately assigned; general knowledge of the principles, problems, and methods of public administration, including organizational, personnel and fiscal management; general knowledge of advanced statistical and research methods.
Ability to carry out very complex assignments without detailed instructions; advise students individually or in groups on varied and complex matters; determine the appropriate course of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals and groups in personal interactions of a sensitive nature; reason logically and analyze and solve organizational and operating problems of one or several program areas; plan, coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement administrative or group decisions or recommendations; analyze and define complex organizational, policy or procedural problems, collect and evaluate data, draw valid conclusions and project consequences of various alternative courses of action; understand the roles and responsibilities of others and to gauge relationships accordingly by taking into account the variety of the interrelationships, motivations and goals of the members of the organization served; and establish and maintain effective, cooperative and harmonious working relationships in circumstances which involve the denial of requests or the necessity to persuade others to accept a different point of view.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Educational Leadership, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
Expert knowledge of orientation and transition issues (including current practices) to introduce educationally and philosophically sound programs.
Knowledge of and engagement with professional standards and best practices promoted by the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA).
Experience developing and implementing leadership curriculum for undergraduate students.
Experience leading university orientation, new student transition, welcome, onboarding, first-year experience, or related student success programs.
Experience with leading professional staff, including performance management, coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
Experience managing complex operations, large-scale event logistics, project timelines, and cross-functional initiatives.
Knowledge of best practices in student transition, engagement, belonging, family engagement, and retention within higher education.
Experience developing and implementing assessment strategies, learning outcomes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience collaborating with academic colleges, faculty, advising units, and academic affairs partners to support student success and transition efforts.
Experience overseeing parent, family, or supporter engagement programs in a higher education setting.
Proficiency with student information systems (SIS), customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, registration systems, event management software, and related technologies.
Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, improve business processes, and implement innovative solutions that enhance program effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Knowledge of accessibility standards, risk management practices, and applicable higher education policies, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Experience working within a large, complex, and public higher education institution.
Familiarity with California State University policies, procedures, and student success initiatives.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of in-person and virtual orientation and transition programs, including pre-orientation initiatives, new student orientation, and Welcome Week, to ensure a seamless student transition to the university.
Advances a comprehensive, student-centered orientation experience that supports transition, engagement, and matriculation.
Directly leads an Orientation Coordinator and leads all orientation student staff programs, including Orientation Leaders, Senior Orientation Leaders (SOLs), customer service student assistants, and National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) interns.
Responsible for student staff recruitment, hiring, training, development, and evaluation, as well as program strategy, assessment, and cross-campus collaboration.
Provides consultation and guidance to campus partners and administrators on orientation and transition programming and serves as the functional lead for orientation program direction and student experience.
May directly support and implement programs and services as needed to ensure successful program delivery.
Other duties as assigned.