Student Programs Manager

University of South Florida•Sarasota, FL

About The Position

The Student Programs Manager reports to the Senior Director of New Student & Family Engagement and serves as a key member of the Sarasota-Manatee campus Student Affairs team. This position oversees programs and initiatives that support new student and family transition, engagement, and success. The Program Manager is responsible for planning and implementing comprehensive Orientation programs for first-year and transfer students and their families, developing and coordinating New Student Connections initiatives including the Peer Advisor Leader (PAL) program and Week of Welcome, and supporting Parent & Family Engagement through communication and programming. This position collaborates closely with campus partners and OneUSF colleagues to deliver high-quality programs and services that enhance student belonging, persistence, and engagement. The Program Manager supervises student leaders and temporary staff and plays an integral role in supporting departmental operations, communications, and assessment efforts.

Requirements

Knowledge and understanding of best practices in first year/family experiences and transition programs
Proven ability to translate student development, leadership theory, and research into practice
Prior success with planning and implementing programs linked to student learning outcomes
Strong presentation and facilitation skills
Talent to interpret individual needs and develop effective intervention strategies and referral protocols
Knowledge of academic programs, university policies/procedures, and student support services
Experience successfully navigating complex environments and working collaboratively with units across campus
Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, families, faculty, and staff
Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks
Experience managing others, adhering to strict timelines, and proposing and implementing effective solutions to roadblocks and problems
Proven ability to make confident decisions in a change-oriented, fast-paced environment
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with at least five years of experience in a student affairs or student personnel position; or a Master’s degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or related field.
Work experience may not be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree requirement for this position.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or related field.
Experience planning and implementing orientation, transition, or family engagement programs.
Experience supervising and training student leaders.
Strong presentation, facilitation, and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse campus partners.

Responsibilities

New Student Orientation Plan, coordinate, and implement in-person and virtual Orientation programs for first-year and transfer students, ensuring a seamless and engaging onboarding experience.
Develop and deliver Orientation content that fosters connection to campus resources, academic engagement, and community.
Coordinate family and guest Orientation experiences, ensuring clear communication of expectations and support services.
Collaborate with Tampa and St. Petersburg campus colleagues to ensure alignment of OneUSF Orientation processes, including assessment tools, systems (Visual Zen), and communication materials.
Recruit, train, and supervise Orientation Leaders in collaboration with the OneUSF team.
Develop and implement programs and initiatives that support student belonging, connection, and engagement throughout the first year.
Oversee the Peer Advisor Leader (PAL) mentor program, including recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of student leaders.
Coordinate large-scale campus engagement events such as Week of Welcome, the First 56, and signature transition initiatives like the How-to College series.
Create experiences and interventions that promote retention, persistence, and overall student success.
Collaborate with the Parent & Family Engagement Coordinator to support communication and engagement with parents and families through digital newsletters, events, and programming.
Assist with the planning and implementation of Family Weekend and other family engagement initiatives.
Ensure families receive timely information and resources to support their student’s transition and success.
Represent the Department of New Student & Family Engagement on campus and OneUSF committees, at events, and on projects.
Manage departmental communication and outreach tools including email, CRM + CMS systems, and social media.
Maintain partnerships with departments supporting unit initiatives, including but not limited to: Academic Advising, Student Affairs units, Success Center, Housing & Residential Education, Student Engagement, Campus Recreation, Chartwells, and sponsors.
Serve as a consultant for the campus community on matters involving the transitional experience of new students and their families.
Assist with departmental assessment, reporting, and budget tracking.
Support additional departmental and divisional initiatives that promote student engagement, belonging, and success.