Assistant Director, Student Transitions and Family Programs

University of Dayton•Dayton, OH

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Student Transitions and Family Programs collaborates with the senior assistant director and executive director of Student Engagement and Wellbeing to develop, coordinate, implement, and assess student onboarding programs, family communications, and community-building initiatives for commuter and transfer students. The position focuses on family engagement, Family Weekend, family communications, Welcome Weekend, co-supervision of student leaders, and planning portions of New Student Orientation. Programs include New Student Orientation in January and June, Welcome Weekend and Camp Blue in August, and Family Weekend in September. The assistant director builds collaborative relationships with colleagues across campus and off-campus partners to advance student success, wellbeing, academic preparation, social connection, retention, belonging, and a strong onboarding experience. The role indirectly and directly supervises undergraduate student leaders, including Orientation and Welcome Weekend Leaders, Camp Blue Counselors, and student coordinators. The position also supports departmental assessment, communications, technology, student leadership development, and community-building efforts. Responsibilities include coordinating New Student Orientation logistics and communication; collaborating on recruitment, training, and supervision of student leaders; planning Welcome Weekend and Family Weekend; maintaining strategic communications with families; serving on committees; managing program budgets; and assessing programs for continuous improvement. The position reports to the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Wellbeing.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts degree.
At least one year of experience as a student orientation leader or related undergraduate, graduate, or professional experience addressing 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; the University does not provide work visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education, Counseling, or a related field.
Two or more years of professional experience addressing student transitional needs, event management, admissions, student onboarding, student success, student engagement, new student programming, student affairs, family engagement, or retention efforts.
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 manage multiple projects, set priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, experience supporting students and building relationships with colleagues, and public-speaking experience.
Proficiency with a variety of IT systems, such as TouchNet, BlackThorn, LMS systems, and Guidebook.
Ability to inspire others to share a vision.
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 logistics for New Student Orientation, including schedule distribution, nametags, room reservations, planning, and technology-enabled communication with campus partners, families, and incoming students.
Collaborate with the senior assistant director to hire, train, and supervise Orientation and Welcome Leaders.
Co-coordinate Orientation and Welcome Leader training to prepare student staff for summer programming.
Plan and coordinate Orientation and Welcome Leader training in August for Welcome Weekend.
Develop the Welcome Weekend schedule with onboarding and Student Transitions and Family Programs teams and coordinate with campus partners.
Plan and design Family Weekend programming for students, families, and siblings, including partnerships 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 accounts and ensure family communications align with institutional priorities and goals.
Coordinate with marketing and communications to develop a family digest email covering student experiences, upcoming events, and campus resources.
Support onboarding and community-building initiatives for commuter and transfer students.
Support departmental assessment, communication, technology, and student leadership development strategies.
Directly and indirectly supervise undergraduate student leaders, including Orientation and Welcome Weekend Leaders, Camp Blue Counselors, and student coordinators.
Serve on relevant committees and contribute as a full member of the Student Transitions and Family Programs team.
Manage program budgets responsibly to support long-term financial sustainability.
Assess programming and pursue continuous improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned by the direct supervisor.