Director of Orientation and Student Engagement

Schreiner University•Kerrville, TX

44d

About The Position

The Director of Orientation and Student Engagement plays a vital role in cultivating a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant campus environment. This position leads efforts to support students through their transition into college life and their progression from the first to the second year, fostering a strong sense of belonging, connection to campus, and personal growth. Key Responsibilities: First-Year and Second-Year Experience: Serve as the primary architect of the first-year and second-year student experience, designing and implementing initiatives that promote student development, responsibility, and connection to the Schreiner community. Orientation & Transition Programs: Lead and manage Orientation (Mountaineer Days) and Mountaineer Camp, ensuring these programs effectively prepare students for academic and social success. Peer Mentoring & Student Engagement: Oversee the Mountaineer Mentor Peer-to-Peer mentoring program, cultivating student leaders who help build community and support their peers in navigating college life. Campus Culture & Traditions: Plan, strategize, and implement student engagement plans that connect students to campus-wide activities, recreation programs and events, and traditions that foster school spirit, leadership, and a sense of belonging. Collaborative Leadership: Work closely with departments across campus to align engagement efforts with institutional goals, ensuring a holistic and integrated student experience. This position is instrumental in shaping the student journey at Schreiner University, particularly during the formative first two years. Through strategic programming and collaborative leadership, the Director helps create a campus culture where students are engaged.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or related field preferred.
3-5 years of professional experience in student activities, student life, or student affairs in higher education preferred.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and engage diverse student populations.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Experience with budget management, student organization support, and data informed assessment.
Ability to work with minimum structure and guidance expected.
Must have solid problem-solving skills.
Willing and able to take initiative.
Ability to facilitate multiple tasks with frequent interruptions.
Supervisory experience.
Knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel. Able to quickly learn other university specific software programs.
Requires evening and weekend availability to support student programs and leadership development initiatives.
Occasional travel may be necessary for professional development or training.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of student and/or human development strongly desired.
Knowledge of first year and second year experience best practices strongly desired.

Responsibilities

Assist in the planning and execution of campus-wide events, programs, and traditions that promote student involvement and community.
Assume shared leadership and responsibility for the event planning, oversight and management of traditional student events.
Prepare reports on student engagement, participation data, and program outcomes.
Lead engagement communication to students, to include but not limited to email announcements, social media, and other promotional materials.
Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate co-curricular initiatives with academic and community engagement goals.
Promote an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment for all students.
Lead the planning and execution of orientation programs, ensuring alignment with Schreiner's values and strategic goals.
Recruit, train, and supervise Mountaineer Mentors.
Develop pre-arrival communications and online orientation modules to support early engagement.
Manage all aspects of New Student Orientation (Mountaineer Days).
Collect and analyze data to assess engagement effectiveness and student satisfaction.
Contribute to institutional retention and student success strategies.
Manage departmental budgets and resources responsibly.
Serve on university committees related to student life, retention, and engagement.
Chair or participate in university and departmental committees, as assigned.
Develop, administer, and maintain departmental budget.
Maintain high level of confidentiality regarding student, departmental, divisional, and University information as appropriate.
Develop and maintain productive working relationships with all areas of campus.
Participate in professional organizations as appropriate.
Serve as a means for first year students to learn about how to engage on campus and second year students to continue to engage on campus.
Be a resource for all first-year and second year students
Respond to concerns, questions, and other issues from students, parents, University officials, and others in a positive, professional manner that supports the University, its vision, and mission.
Perform other special tasks, projects, and duties as assigned by the VP for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Perform other duties as assigned.
Submit reports as required.