Orientation and First-Year Experience Coordinator (Newark)

The Ohio State University • Newark, NJ

10d • $51,500 - $58,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Orientation and First-Year Experience Coordinator would provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for programs that support new students in their transition to college life. This position would be responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing comprehensive orientation programs and year-round first-year experience initiatives that foster student engagement, belonging, social life, retention, and academic success. The Coordinator would serve as a key partner in advancing the institution’s commitment to holistic student development and will collaborate closely with colleagues across the university.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or related field
• 4+ years of professional experience in higher education/student affairs preferred.
• Understanding of how the first-year experience is situated within a diverse, mostly commuter-based college environment.
• Knowledge of high-impact practices related to supporting students’ transition to college life.
• Awareness of the concerns of parents of traditional-aged college students.
• Demonstrated ability to work in collaboration with students, faculty, administrators, parents, & external partners.
• Ability to develop strategies, set priorities and handle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Strong project management skills; experience leading meetings; excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Experience developing and supervising professional or student staff.
• Ability to be an innovative thinker and problem solver; and effective at developing and implementing solutions.
• Able to work independently and carry out assignments and projects without detailed instructions.
• Evening and weekend work may be required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and computer skills required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or related field
• 5+ years of professional experience in higher education/student affairs.
• Understanding of how the first-year experience is situated within a diverse, mostly commuter-based college environment.
• Prior experience in the preparation and presentation of workshops preferred.
• Knowledge of OSU policies and procedures; understanding of how a regional campus is situated within a larger institution.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate an inclusive campus experience that facilitates student engagement, social inclusion, intellectual curiosity, and personal exploration in collaboration with students and colleagues.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute comprehensive new student orientation programs for first-year students and support orientation programs for other student populations. This includes overseeing general planning, budgets, and assessment of all orientation programs.
• Implement and lead a year-long First-Year Experience (FYE) program designed to promote academic success, social integration, and personal development, including events such as National FirstGen Celebration Week.
• Collaborate regularly with a broad range of campus stakeholders in support of inclusive FYE and orientation content that integrates academic and co-curricular components, including engagement with the broader Licking County community (e.g., the Licking County Learning Lab).
• Serve as a member on various committees related to essential duties.
• Collaborate and work in coordination with the OSU FYE office in Columbus.
• Design and implement assessment tools to evaluate program effectiveness and student outcomes; use data to inform decisions, improve programming, and support retention and student success efforts.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees