Director of Student Transitions

Rhodes College•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Director of Student Transitions is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive programs to support students and their supporters across key transition points throughout the college experience, from entry and onboarding through progression, persistence, and graduation. The Director advances student success, connection, belonging, retention, and timely degree completion by fostering meaningful relationships and cultivating shared partnerships with parents, families, and supporters at each stage of a student’s journey. The position reports to the Dean of Student Leadership & Engagement. It serves as an active, engaged member of the Student Leadership & Engagement alignment, providing direct support and collaboration, and advancing leadership development and engagement efforts across the division. Job duties include, but are not limited to the following: Lead administrative tasks, including recruiting and supervising professional and student staff, designing assessment tools, evaluating learning outcomes, and managing the departmental budget. Develop and implement programs and initiatives for students, families, and supporters that encourage a holistic approach to student success and retention, specifically for new, transfer, and commuter students, as well as large-scale class year transitions. Plans and implements large-scale programs geared toward a successful transition, including Orientation and Welcome Week, including: Logistics (scheduling, room reservations, and faculty/staff participants) Communication (onboarding plan, print and online materials, etc.) Staffing (Summer Intern, Peer Assistants, volunteers, etc.) Assessment Oversee the Achieving College & Career Excellence through Support & Solidarity (ACCESS) Program, as well as the management of Rhodes Map, a new student onboarding platform. Collaborate with campus partners to facilitate successful transitions, including: Creating a seamless transition from status as an admitted student to a fully recognized Rhodes College student alongside the Office of Admission. Supporting First-Year Seminar, Lynx to Success, and other programs focused on the First Year Experience alongside Academic Affairs, Student Success, Career Services, and other campus partners. Provide leadership to the Onboarding Committee, serving as chair of subgroups as needed. Serve on a variety of college committees, including First Year Seminar, Enrollment Management, and Academic Advising. Design, coordinate, and facilitate peer education and leadership development trainings, workshops, and ongoing learning experiences to support the growth and effectiveness of student leaders and peer educators.

Requirements

Master’s Degree, required
Three to five years of professional work experience in higher education required.
Requires flexible, evening, and weekend hours.
This position requires a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and must be insurable by the College’s insurance carrier.
Knowledge of Compliance & Risk Management Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Proven leadership in risk management. Ability and experience in investigating and responding to risk management and wellness concerns. Knowledge and experience with policies and legal issues in higher education. Knowledge of FERPA, Clery, Title IX, and other applicable federal laws.
Ability to Provide Leadership, Supervise Staff and Manage Environments Able to work independently in a highly productive and fast-paced environment. Ability to coach managers, supervisors, staff, faculty, and administrators. Ability to mediate and use problem-solving skills to conduct alternative dispute resolution. A thorough understanding of the organizational management of student affairs, including partnership building with students, faculty, staff, parents, and community. Ability to provide perspective and utilize a proactive style of leadership that encourages teamwork and interaction. Ability to work with a culturally diverse population and promote a campus climate of inclusion and participation by all students. Ability to analyze complex situations and to make sound judgments and decisions.
Strong Communications Skills Demonstrated understanding of student services and deep commitment to the connection between the curricular and co-curricular spheres of a college community. Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills and the ability to deal with complex and sometimes sensitive issues. Ability to handle confidential information. Ability to effectively present information to large groups of people.
Collaborative and Relational Approach Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships across campus with particular attention to the Dean of Students, Dean of Student Success, Center for Career & Professional Development, Residence Life, Campus Safety, Student Engagement, Chaplain, and Student Counseling Center. Ability to interact effectively and respectfully with students, faculty, staff, and families to establish and maintain good working relationships. Ability to lead and serve on campus-wide committees.

Nice To Haves

Experience with orientation, advising, student engagement, leadership development, or related functional areas and supporting student success is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead administrative tasks, including recruiting and supervising professional and student staff, designing assessment tools, evaluating learning outcomes, and managing the departmental budget.
Develop and implement programs and initiatives for students, families, and supporters that encourage a holistic approach to student success and retention, specifically for new, transfer, and commuter students, as well as large-scale class year transitions.
Plans and implements large-scale programs geared toward a successful transition, including Orientation and Welcome Week, including: Logistics (scheduling, room reservations, and faculty/staff participants) Communication (onboarding plan, print and online materials, etc.) Staffing (Summer Intern, Peer Assistants, volunteers, etc.) Assessment
Oversee the Achieving College & Career Excellence through Support & Solidarity (ACCESS) Program, as well as the management of Rhodes Map, a new student onboarding platform.
Collaborate with campus partners to facilitate successful transitions, including: Creating a seamless transition from status as an admitted student to a fully recognized Rhodes College student alongside the Office of Admission. Supporting First-Year Seminar, Lynx to Success, and other programs focused on the First Year Experience alongside Academic Affairs, Student Success, Career Services, and other campus partners.
Provide leadership to the Onboarding Committee, serving as chair of subgroups as needed.
Serve on a variety of college committees, including First Year Seminar, Enrollment Management, and Academic Advising.
Design, coordinate, and facilitate peer education and leadership development trainings, workshops, and ongoing learning experiences to support the growth and effectiveness of student leaders and peer educators.