Director of Orientation and New Student Programs

Metadata: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or equivalent experience required; advanced degree preferred. 8–13 years of related experience, including supervisory/managerial roles and week-long Orientation programming. Current work authorization in the U.S. is required; sponsorship is not available.

About the role

The Director of Orientation and New Student Programs leads a comprehensive new-student engagement portfolio—New Highlander Orientation, New Student Programming, and retention initiatives—serving first-years, transfers, student parents, and commuters. As the primary liaison between Admissions and Undergraduate Education, the Director collaborates on communication, programming, and content throughout the Orientation development cycle. This role is pivotal in campus-wide student retention efforts, continuously revitalizing orientation to meet each cohort’s needs and fostering a strong sense of belonging through holistic, co-curricular programs that integrate academic success and social development. Additional responsibilities include New Student Welcome, the Peer Mentor program, and the creation of new initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee orientation and new-student programming that integrates co-curricular components in academic success and social development.
• Lead campus-wide retention initiatives, including second-year retention and pre-college programs, with an emphasis on cross-departmental collaboration.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Admissions and Undergraduate Education, coordinating communication, programming, and content for Orientation.
• Revitalize orientation programming to address the evolving needs of each incoming student cohort.
• Build and strengthen relationships across campus units to enhance program effectiveness and student engagement.
• Manage New Student Welcome, the Peer Mentor program, and develop new programs of similar scope.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Strong skills in monitoring, assessing, and improving people, processes, or services.
• Proven project management and social perceptiveness to understand and respond to others’ reactions.
• Ability to identify problems, develop original solutions, and demonstrate leadership, persuasion, and intercultural competence.
• Thorough knowledge of Student Affairs/Student Life specialization.
• 8–13 years of related experience, including supervisory/managerial experience and experience with week-long Orientation programming.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across campus units and build relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.
• Thorough understanding of University and departmental risk-assessment principles and procedures.
• Familiarity with student development theories, including belonging and retention.

About the institution

Located in Inland Southern California, UC Riverside spans nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain, offering a park-like campus with access to a vibrant, growing region. The university serves as a living laboratory for exploring critical issues in air, water, energy, transportation, politics, arts, history, and culture. UCR is recognized for its commitment to diversity, social mobility, and student success, ranking No. 12 among U.S. universities (Money Magazine, 2020) and among the top 1% of universities worldwide (Center for World University Rankings, 2019–20). The campus is a leader in financial aid, research, and faculty distinction, with 2 Nobel Laureates and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine.

Pay

Salary range: $106,200 – $202,200 annually. Expected pay scale up to $140,000 annually, based on education, licensure, certifications, experience, and organizational needs.