Assistant Director, Student Transitions and Family Programs

University of Dayton, Ohio•Dayton, OH

About The Position

The University of Dayton seeks an Assistant Director, Student Transitions and Family Programs to develop, coordinate, implement, and assess student onboarding programming, family communication, and community-building initiatives for commuter and transfer students. The position reports to the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Wellbeing and collaborates with the Senior Assistant Director, Student Transitions and Family Programs and colleagues across campus and with off-campus partners. The role supports a welcoming onboarding experience that promotes student success, health and wellbeing, academic preparation, social connection, retention, and belonging. The assistant director's areas of focus include family engagement and communication, Family Weekend, Welcome Weekend, co-supervision of student leaders, and planning portions of New Student Orientation. Programming includes New Student Orientation in January and June, Welcome Weekend and Camp Blue in August, and Family Weekend in September. The position also contributes to assessment, communications, technology, student leadership development, and community-building initiatives. The assistant director directly and indirectly supervises undergraduate student leaders, including Orientation and Welcome Weekend Leaders, Camp Blue Counselors, and student coordinators. The University is informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission and is committed to human dignity, diversity, fair outcomes, and inclusion. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the University does not provide work visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts degree.
At least one year of experience as a student orientation leader or related undergraduate, graduate, or professional experience in student transitional needs, event management, admissions, student onboarding, student success, student engagement, new student programming, student affairs, family engagement, or retention efforts.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and a track record of working effectively with others.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education, Counseling, or a related field.
Two or more years of professional experience in student transitional needs, event management, admissions, student onboarding, student success, student engagement, new student programming, student affairs, family engagement, or retention efforts.
Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Experience recruiting, training, supervising, and evaluating student staff or student leaders.
Thorough understanding of student development theory.
Ability to thrive in a team-based educational environment that values high expectations, integrity, and leadership, with a positive attitude and enthusiasm.
Ability to handle confidential information, work independently, and work as part of a team.
Experience building strong collaborations with colleagues across campus.
Ability to handle multiple projects, set priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including experience supporting students, building meaningful colleague relationships, and public speaking.
Proficiency with a variety of IT systems, such as TouchNet, BlackThorn, LMS systems, and Guidebook.
Demonstrated ability to inspire others to share a vision.
Demonstrated ability to work successfully within a diverse community and provide educational programming from a non-judgmental perspective.
Knowledge of and appreciation for the Catholic Marianist work environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

Coordinate New Student Orientation logistics with the Student Transitions and Family Programs team, including schedule distribution, nametags, room reservations, planning, and technology-supported communication.
Collaborate with the Senior Assistant Director to hire, train, and supervise Orientation and Welcome Leaders, and co-coordinate their summer training.
Plan and coordinate Orientation and Welcome Leader training in August to prepare student leaders for Welcome Weekend.
Develop the Welcome Weekend schedule with onboarding and Student Transitions and Family Programs teams and coordinate with campus partners to deliver the experience.
Plan and design Family Weekend for students, families, and siblings, partnering with campus colleagues and local Dayton establishments.
Build relationships with families as partners in students' education and collaborate with the first-generation committee, Parent Leadership Council, and Alumni Relations.
Oversee the [email protected] and [email protected] email addresses and ensure family communications align with institutional priorities and goals.
Coordinate with marketing and communications to develop a family communication digest with information about student experiences, upcoming events, and campus resources.
Support departmental assessment, communication, technology, student leadership development, and community-building initiatives for commuter and transfer students.
Build campus relationships and collaborations, including advancing the integration of academic advising and course registration into New Student Orientation.
Serve on relevant committees and contribute to shared Student Transitions and Family Programs team initiatives.
Manage program budgets responsibly and assess programming to support continuous improvement and long-term financial sustainability.
Perform other duties as assigned by the direct supervisor.