Associate Director, Orientation And Family Engagement

Position Details

The Associate Director of Orientation and Family Engagement provides operational leadership for commencement ceremonies and supports the implementation of orientation and family engagement initiatives. This role manages student-facing commencement processes, coordinates logistics and communications, and partners across the university to deliver large-scale, high-impact events. The Associate Director supervises professional and student staff and contributes to assessment and continuous improvement across departmental programs.

The associate director is a 12-month, full-time, exempt position that reports to the Director of Orientation and Family Engagement. As a member of Student Affairs, this position will uphold the values of data-informed practice, sense of belonging, overall well-being, professional staff development, retention and persistence, and Spartan Ready® culture.

Staff Supervision & Student Leadership

• Supervise the Assistant Director of Orientation and Family Engagement.
• Advise the UTampa Diplomats program, providing strategic direction, leadership development, and oversight of student ambassador initiatives.

Commencement

• Oversee student-facing planning, coordination, implementation, and assessment of May and December commencement ceremonies for the university, including registration, ticketing, and guest experience.
• Coordinate commencement planning efforts across university partners through leadership of the Commencement Committee.
• Coordinate vendor logistics and relationships for commencement ceremony needs and assist in fiscal management of the commencement budget.
• Provide oversight for commencement communications, support training and coordination of staff, faculty marshals, and student volunteers.
• Assess student, guest, and stakeholder experience following commencement ceremonies.
• Contribute to development and review of the ceremonial script and commencement program.

Orientation and Family Engagement

• Lead the implementation and oversight of the online orientation program.
• Provide operational oversight and support for Week of Welcome and UTampa Fall Weekend initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Orientation and Family Engagement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in higher education, student affairs, event planning or related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Experience coordinating complex events and developing detailed project timelines.
• Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, or related field.
• Experience supervising professional, graduate, or student staff.
• Experience collaborating across departments and managing campus partnerships.
• Awareness and understanding of the transitional needs of students and their families.