Assistant Director, Orientation and Leadership Programs

This position reports to the Associate Director of Orientation and Leadership within the Department of Student Engagement & Belonging. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with departmental staff to aid the Director in developing and managing a comprehensive Orientation program at the University at Albany.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Orientation Programming
  • Oversee orientation programs including New Student Connection Days and Orientation Programs for First Year, Transfer Students, and Family Members throughout the year.
  • Coordinate program logistics, including scheduling, space reservations, dining services, and purchasing.
  • Oversee the formation, vetting, and coordination of presentation materials for all programs.
  • Participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of program activities; identify problems and implement improvements.
  • Serve as a primary resource to students, staff, and others on programmatic policies and procedures.
  • Collaborate with internal and external departments to develop partnerships and joint projects.
  • Make budget recommendations and monitor approved expenditures.
  • Lead a team of university and community stakeholders to plan and coordinate the 17 Rooms of Service initiative during Welcome Week.
• Orientation Student Staff Management
  • Design and oversee the recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation of student staff, including graduate level staff, interns, and orientation leaders.
  • Manage the hiring and onboarding processes and supervise student staff, including graduate level staff, interns, and orientation leaders.
  • Create and deliver training curricula for student staff on leadership, community development, conflict resolution, group facilitation, and crisis management.
• Orientation Technology
  • Manage communications and orientation registration processes through Slate platform.
  • Assess Orientation Program efficiency using Qualtrics, develop reports, and provide insight to consider adjusting the program accordingly.
  • Develop virtual orientation content when necessary, using videoconferencing and learning management software.
  • Assist the Associate Director to update Orientation website content.
• Leadership Development
  • Assist the Associate Director with the development and implementation of group and individual leadership programs and sessions.
• Student Engagement & Belonging Events
  • Support Welcome Week, Student Leadership Awards, and other large-scale events managed by Student Engagement and Belonging.
• Departmental Support
  • Assists in establishing and implementing goals and objectives.
  • Assists in creating the department's strategic plan.
  • Interacts with Director and staff members regarding topics to help identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Work with all Student Engagement & Belonging professional staff members to actively communicate and market all programs through print media, electronic media, social media, special events and any other efforts deemed appropriate to effectively reach the University Community.
  • Maintains a positive relationship with other personnel and departments that assist in the development of Student Engagement & Belonging programs, services, and facilities.
  • Represents the department and The University at Albany on various committees, boards, and associations.
  • Interact with students, faculty, and staff for the benefit of carrying out the mission of the department.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to the Associate Director of Orientation & Leadership, Student Engagement & Belonging
• Supervises Graduate level staff assigned to Orientation
• Supervises Student staff assigned to Orientation
• Supervises Interns assigned to Orientation

Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong technical skills with platforms regularly used in higher education orientation such as Slate, Canva, and Campus Labs, etc.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Two or more years of professional experience working in a higher education setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, and/or related field.
• Direct experience working with a college or university Orientation program.

Working Environment:

• A majority of this job includes a typical office environment; however, candidate must be willing to sometimes be outdoors.
• May require evening and weekend hours on occasion.