Executive Director for New Student, Transitions and Family Programs

Position Summary: The Executive Director serves on the Student Affairs Leadership Team and reports to the Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Transition. The role is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing a high‑profile, dynamic, student‑centered orientation program for new first‑year, transfer, and international undergraduate students and their families, as well as related programs that serve special populations.

Annual salary ranges from $80,000 to $100,000, commensurate with experience. The position is full‑time, Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm, located in Arlington.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Develop, plan, and implement a high‑profile, dynamic, and student‑centered orientation program (including 1‑day, 2‑day, and virtual options) for all new first‑year, transfer, and international undergraduate students and their families, serving more than 14,000 incoming students and 2,000 family members annually; also further develop graduate orientation programs.
Oversee daily management of the New Student, Transition, and Family Programs, directly supervising multiple professional staff and paraprofessionals, including Directors of Transition Programs and Services, Parent and Family Engagement, and Program Assistants.
Lead implementation and facilitation of new student programming, including New Maverick Orientation, Blaze Camp, Early Arrival Move‑In Orientation, Maverick Kickoff, Convocation, and other Student Affairs initiatives.
Create and advance a strategic vision and priorities for New Student, Transition, and Family Programs that support the successful transition and retention of new students, with particular attention to populations served.
Lead development and implementation of short‑ and long‑term goals, initiatives, and assessment plans to evaluate program effectiveness, learning outcomes, and overall impact of orientation and transition services.
Manage orientation and transition technology platforms, including Visual Zen, Advantage Design Group Online Orientation, and Canvas orientation modules, ensuring functionality, compliance, and a positive user experience.
Support development of family programming and communication, including Friends and Family Weekend, guest orientation, and First Generation, Transfer, and Off‑campus initiatives.
Direct development and management of orientation registration processes in Visual Zen in coordination with Admissions.
Serve on and coordinate with the university‑wide Yield, Onboarding, and Retention (YORC) Committee and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition for new, transfer, international, and graduate students.
Serve as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team to develop an orientation schedule and capacities, addressing registration issues.
Oversee recruitment, selection, and training of a large and diverse undergraduate student orientation leader team.
Oversee communication planning, departmental website, publications, and electronic messaging in collaboration with Student Affairs.
Marketing and communications and enrollment management as appropriate.
Oversee and manage an annual revenue budget of approximately $1.3 million, including fiscal strategy, budgeting, and regular analysis.
Serve on various university committees as requested.
Perform miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in higher education administration, counseling, college student personnel, or a related field.
Five (5) years of student affairs or related professional work experience.
Prior experience in new student orientation and first‑year experience programs is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Seven (7) or more years of professional experience, with significant experience in orientation/first‑year programs and familiarity with services for family members, first‑generation students, transfer students, and other supported student communities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent program planning and implementation skills.
Strong understanding of academia to achieve results in a cross‑functional environment.
Effective supervision skills, including management practices and principles.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Commitment to creating an inclusive work and educational environment for all students and staff.
Ability to assist students and parents with their concerns.
Strategic planning, budget preparation and management skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs of individuals with varying backgrounds.
Committed to fostering an equitable workplace culture.
Ability to achieve goals, establish unit priorities, develop policies, organize resources, and examine and improve operations and procedures.

EEO Statement

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is committed to providing an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited.

Benefits

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package to all employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The total value of the compensation package can be explored through the University’s benefits website.

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Executive Director for New Student, Transitions and Family Programs

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