JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of New Student Programs, the Assistant Director for Orientation Programs develops and delivers comprehensive undergraduate student and family orientation programs for the Storrs campus and provides guidance for regional campuses (Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury). This position serves as a specialized resource for orientation program content, student staff development, and logistical coordination. The role requires extensive collaboration with campus partners, regional campuses, and external vendors to ensure successful program delivery and continuous improvement through assessment.

The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills, a strong ability to analyze, problem-solve, and manage multiple priorities independently, and a willingness to work irregular hours during orientation periods to meet program needs. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, coordinate, and implement orientation programs, including Student and Family Summer Orientation, Winter Orientation, Storrs Preview, and International Student Orientation.
• Design and oversee recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation of student staff, including graduate assistants, practicum students, orientation coordinators, and 30–60 orientation leaders.
• Manage hiring and onboarding processes for student staff in collaboration with Student Employment.
• Supervise student staff, including graduate assistants, practicum students, orientation coordinators, and 30–60 orientation leaders.
• Create and deliver training curricula for student staff on leadership, community development, conflict resolution, group facilitation, and crisis management.
• Coordinate program logistics, including scheduling, dining services, AV, housing, parking, and vendor contracts.
• Advise regional campuses on program development, staff selection/training/supervision/evaluation, program logistics, and /or assessment.
• Serve as day-of-event manager for student and family programs; manage evening/overnight components and address behavioral or programmatic issues.
• Develop and administer assessment projects to evaluate program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.
• Maintain records of recruitment strategies, training materials, program schedules, and assessment data.
• Oversee the formation, vetting, and coordination of presentation materials for all programs.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and procedures for events and trainings.
• Participate in 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.
• Communicate effectively, foster inclusive environments, and maintain confidentiality in all student interactions.
• Represent Orientation Services at Admissions and other university events.
• Serve on divisional/university committees.
• Perform related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, or related field and five years of experience in orientation, transition programs, student activities, residential education, or related areas, including one year serving as an advanced team member. OR Master's degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, or related field and 3 years of experience in orientation, transition programs, student activities, residential education, or related areas, including one year serving as an advanced team member.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement orientation and transitional programs.
• Experience working with faculty, staff, students, and families in a college environment.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree.
• Experience with VisualZen (VZ) Onboarding or similar platforms.
• Experience with Qualtrics or other assessment tools.
• Crisis management and on-call experience.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position located on the Storrs campus. The salary range for this position is $64,405 to $72,000, commensurate with education and experience. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.  For additional information regarding benefits, please visit https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #499436 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on February 19, 2026. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.