Director, New Student Programs and First-Year Experience

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

All About You

JOB SUMMARY :

The Office of First Year Experience and Students in Transition at Saint Louis University is seeking a Director of New Student Programs and First-Year Experience. This position will report to the Assistant Vice President of First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. The Director will collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to design and implement a comprehensive and inclusive onboarding experience for incoming Billikens and their parent(s)/families. The Director will assess current onboarding practices and use this data to make data-informed decisions about future onboarding initiatives for incoming Billikens. This role will establish cross-divisional relationships to adequately identify, assess the needs of, serve, and support our first-year population beyond their onboarding experience. This position will serve as a member of the Student Development Leadership Team and may serve on other campus-wide committees.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Program design and implementation: Utilize the Jesuit values as a framework to design programming that not only promotes a sense of belonging for incoming Billikens but also provides opportunities for them to explore their unique and shared identities.

• Campus and community partnership development: Collaborate with campus and community partners to create and implement programming that supports incoming Billikens at the onset of their college journey.

• Program assessment; needs identification and strategy implementation: Play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing the diverse needs of incoming Billikens through strategic planning and execution.

• Student support and relationship development: Undertake a key role in supporting incoming Billikens by helping their familiarity with the campus and available resources. Aid students in developing the necessary skills to adjust to campus life and integrate into the SLU community. Boost students’ confidence in their abilities to succeed and instill a positive outlook on their future as successful Billikens.

• Creating inclusive environments: Develop and implement strategies that foster an accessible and inclusive environment for incoming Billikens, aligning with the University Jesuit values of “cura personalis” and the “pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity.”

• Collaborating with Parent and Family Engagement: Work closely with the Director of Parent and Family Engagement to cultivate an inclusive and accessible orientation experience that caters to the diverse needs of incoming parents and families. Ensure that the sense of belonging extends not only to incoming Billikens but also encompasses the parents and families supporting them.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

• Experience recruiting, training, supporting and programming to diverse student and parent/family populations.

• Extensive experience with program assessment and ability to use the assessment data to make recommendations for future programming.

• Energetic, student-centered, team-oriented professional who has a demonstrated record of leadership and student programming.

• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with students.

• Possess communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to work effectively with diverse populations of students, faculty, staff, and families.

• Knowledge of student success programs and strategies, specifically programs designed to meet the needs of diverse populations.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully balance, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in an active, fast-paced environment while providing positive customer service experience

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Must be able to work some evening and weekend hours.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work or similar field with a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in counseling, mentoring, or a student related area.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in director-level leadership.

• Knowledge of principle and methods for promoting programs and services.

• Knowledge of student development and student learning theories, strong organizational and administrative skills, strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to build positive and effective relationships across the campus and the community.

• Possess the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, ability to manage multiple tasks, and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

• Event planning and project management experience for diverse populations.

• Program assessment experience.

• Experience in program development and process management/improvement.

• Budget management experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applicants must include 1) a cover letter and 2) a resume/curriculum vitae with at least 3 references. You can upload these items on the third page of the “My Experience” section of the application.

Function

Student Support

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.