NSFP Orientation Chair (Student)

American University•Washington, DC

10d

About The Position

Orientation Chairs (OCs) support the efficient and effective implementation of New Student and Family Programs projects and goals. They welcome and support incoming first-year students, transfer students, and their families and supporters through summer preparation, New Student Orientation (NSO) in August, and All-American Welcome programming during the first weeks of the semester. The role requires a significant commitment to supporting students and families as they transition to American University. Six positions are available, with each Chair also focusing on an area of specialization. OC work includes orientation planning and logistics, Orientation Leader recruitment and team management, pre-arrival programming and communications, and facilitation of Orientation Leader training. Chairs guide Orientation Leaders throughout NSO, help coordinate events and spaces, and foster belonging through in-person programming. Specialization areas include merchandise and marketing; scheduling, logistics, and accessibility; team camaraderie; training content; and the AU Outdoors and Civics in Action pre-orientation programs. This part-time position is for enrolled American University undergraduate students who have completed at least 30 credits. The schedule is 15 hours per week, with availability required for designated spring, summer, and fall dates. From the beginning of Orientation Leader training through the end of NSO, Chairs may not have other jobs or commitments that conflict with the role. The pay rate is $18.90 per hour.

Requirements

Successfully served on an orientation team under the new orientation model (Fall 2024 or later).
Be an enrolled American University undergraduate student with at least 30 completed credits.
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and good judicial and academic standing with the university.
Demonstrate a sincere interest in helping new students and families feel welcomed and supported during their transition to American University.
Be willing to support activities and programs related to diversity, inclusion, sexual consent, and community standards; training and guidance are provided if necessary.
Work well with others and communicate effectively; demonstrate excellent written, verbal, organizational, time-management, interpersonal, and public-relations skills.
Demonstrate patience, flexibility, strong organizational skills, and willingness to learn.
Manage multiple tasks with little supervision and work both independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrate maturity of judgment as an AU ambassador, cultural competency, and knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Be willing to accept challenges and step outside your comfort zone.
Troubleshoot and solve problems effectively and efficiently; learn and use new and challenging computer programs.
Relate well to students, families, AU staff, and the public; work effectively with diverse populations.
Demonstrate leadership, initiative, motivation, professionalism, ingenuity, attention to detail, understanding, compassion, desire to succeed, and a strong work ethic.
Be available for all required spring, summer, and fall dates; contact the Associate Director of Orientation for the current list.
Have no other positions or commitments from the beginning of OL Training through the end of NSO.

Nice To Haves

For the AU Outdoors specialization, a background facilitating outdoor excursions or adventures for incoming first-year students.
For the Civics in Action specialization, interest or involvement in public service, law, or leadership development, and interest in welcoming incoming first-year students.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning and executing summer pre-arrival activities and in-person orientation activities and functions in August, including preparing materials, coordinating with campus partners, compiling interest and assessment data, and supporting day-of logistics.
Track attendance, participate in staff debriefs, and lead debriefs among Orientation Leaders.
Assist with recruiting and interviewing Orientation Leaders.
Lead and motivate a group of Orientation Leaders during pre-arrival and in-person activities; facilitate their daily team meetings and debriefs during NSO.
Manage O-Team communications through email, social media, and other platforms; maintain team bios, photos, SharePoint, and digital and print materials.
Support the Eagles Overnight Experience pilot program, manage New Student and Family Programs social media accounts, and contribute to digital content for new students and families.
Review the weekly New Eagle Newsletter to stay current on incoming students’ expectations.
Facilitate informational sessions during Orientation Leader training, manage and confirm OL assignments, and coordinate daily orientation activities for the assigned OLs.
Guide and serve as a point of contact for Orientation Leaders throughout NSO; support event logistics, including presenter arrival, venue readiness, line control, and crowd management.
Engage in in-person programming to foster belonging.
For the merchandise and marketing specialization, coordinate marketing, communications, and merchandise development for Pre-Orientation and NSO, including creating social media graphics, promotional videos, and swag materials.
For the scheduling, logistics, and accessibility specialization, manage physical logistics for the NSO schedule, assign breakout rooms, document accessible routes, and identify wayfinding locations for signage and staff.
For the team camaraderie specialization, develop and lead efforts such as social media campaigns, spirit weeks, and meetups to build O-Team camaraderie.
For the training content specialization, develop and update content for OL-led NSO sessions, including scripts and talking points, and identify ways to engage new students during downtime; coordinate with the Graduate Assistant for Orientation on OL Training scheduling and logistics.
For the AU Outdoors specialization, assist with coordination and curriculum development for the pre-orientation program, working with the Assistant Director of Pre-Orientation and Operations.
For the Civics in Action specialization, assist with coordination and curriculum development for the pre-orientation program, working with the Assistant Director of Pre-Orientation and Operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.