Director of First Year Experience
About The Position
The Director of First Year Experience promotes and supports the learning experience of Marian University students by coordinating a comprehensive academic, student-centered, social-learning environment for entering traditional undergraduate students. Working with University offices and academic programs, the Director develops curriculum, programs, and policies to maximize the first-year experience. This is a 12-month contract position in the Student Success department, reporting to the Dean of Student Success. The role directs and implements the First Year Experience Program, coordinates programs and events with Academic Affairs, Admissions, Student Life, and other university offices, and develops program assessments and retention efforts. It recruits, trains, and supervises student mentors; supports new-student registration and academic orientation; and creates program communications and leadership-development opportunities. The Director leads the design, teaching, assessment, and evaluation of the Sabre Core Foundations course; recruits and evaluates course faculty; teaches three courses per academic year; supports faculty orientation and development; coordinates curriculum committee work and course scheduling; and collaborates with academic and student-support services to promote student success. The position also serves on assigned committees and performs other work-related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- At least two years of successful experience with first-year experience programming and curriculum design for first-year students.
- Three years of teaching experience in a higher education setting; a combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Knowledge of college student development theory, mentoring, retention, student-centered best practices, and supervision of student leaders.
- Experience developing and implementing academic program assessments.
- Demonstrated awareness of and experience addressing first-year students’ needs and concerns.
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Appropriate technology skills.
- High regard for confidentiality within and outside the Marian University community.
- Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
- Proven success working collaboratively.
- Ability to maintain effective relationships at all organizational levels and with students.
- Willingness to support the University’s Mission and Core Values.
Responsibilities
- Direct and implement the First Year Experience Program.
- Develop and coordinate First Year Experience programs in collaboration with Academic Affairs, Admissions, and Student Life, ensuring programs and events support first-year students’ academic programs of study.
- Develop and implement assessments related to First Year Experience programs.
- Assist with and collaborate on development of the new-student Registration Program.
- Create, maintain, and distribute First Year Experience webpages, brochures, and marketing materials.
- Collaborate with the University community to enhance student engagement and first-year student retention.
- Coordinate programs and policies with Student Life staff.
- Focus on first-year retention in collaboration with Student Success, Student Life, Admissions, Financial Aid, and the Business Office.
- Recruit, train, and supervise First Year Experience student mentors who assist with the program and Sabre Core Foundations course.
- Design and develop leadership-development opportunities for first-year students and student mentors, including retreats and service projects.
- Assist with the academic portion of fall Orientation, including opening ceremonies, academic programs, academic success, advising, and the Library Overview; serve on the Orientation Committee.
- Lead the design, teaching, assessment, and evaluation of learning for the Sabre Core Foundations course.
- Recruit and evaluate faculty for the Sabre Core Foundations course and teach three courses per academic year: two in fall and one in spring.
- Provide initial orientation and annual in-service training for faculty teaching in the First-Year program.
- Schedule, plan, and facilitate first-year curriculum committee meetings.
- Facilitate ongoing course and program evaluation.
- Recommend academic actions and needs to the First Year Experience Curriculum Committee, Registrar, and Dean of Student Success.
- Communicate with academic advisors and divisional representatives as needed.
- Serve on the Retention Strategy and Intervention Committee, Marian Cares, and other committees as assigned.
- Work with academic and student support services to encourage student academic excellence.
- Coordinate the Sabre Core Foundations course schedule with academic divisions and the Registrar.
- Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
