The Assistant Director of New Student & Transition Programs (NSTP) assists new students in navigating transition into and throughout their first year at Ithaca College by fostering inclusive holistic growth, community membership, school pride, and a sense of belonging. This position leads the planning and implementation of programs for first-year and transfer students, focusing primarily on New Student Orientation and First Year Experience programs. Assessment of the transitional needs and experiences of first-year and transfer students from various backgrounds is crucial to this role. The Assistant Director also helps lead NSTP through supervision of student employees and serving as a liaison to other college departments to enhance the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the diversity of interests and needs of new students.

　　The Assistant Director will have professional development opportunities and contribute to the growth of NSTP to meet our students’ needs. NSTP supports individual growth and is committed to creating equitable and representative work environments.

　　Research shows that women and individuals with marginalized identities and/or life circumstances tend to apply only to jobs for which they believe they meet all of the qualifications. It is important to note that no candidate meets every criterion. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with varied identities and backgrounds, such as people from marginalized races and ethnicities, LGBTQIA+ people, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, and people who come from low-income backgrounds.

　　In collaboration with the Director of NSTP, develop and coordinate Ithaca College's Fall and Spring Orientation programs for new first-year and transfer students to include: (a) setting & measuring program impact goals, (b) developing the daily schedule including facility booking and logistics, (c) coordinating IC’s New Student Checklist using Slate, (d) leading NSTP and interdepartmental project teams, (e) collaborating with faculty and staff to provide high quality, intersectional programming, (f) creating intentional programming for historically marginalized populations, and (g) providing guidance and direction to the Administrative Assistant on processes related to orientation including online registration and budget.

　　Manage the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of a diverse orientation team including approximately 70 student Orientation Leaders and two temporary Orientation Assistants. In collaboration with the Director, coordinate the recruitment, selection, training, co-supervision, and performance evaluation of departmental student staff (approximately three to five students, year round).

　　Demonstrate and continually develop a multicultural awareness and contribute to cultivating an inclusive, equitable, diverse, and respectful College community. Engage in educational opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of concepts surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

　　Maintain updated industry standard knowledge for new student orientation programs, including the transition needs of and best practices for supporting first-year and transfer student populations. Assess the impact of departmental programs, initiatives, and student staff trainings; adjust as needed based on findings. Maintain records and statistics and prepare reports for campus partners and College leadership.

　　Provide transitional support services through individual and group meetings, to help new students deal with common issues such as homesickness and difficulty making friends, connecting them with appropriate resources and services as needed.

　　In collaboration with fellow NSTP staff and campus partners, develop developmentally appropriate programs and resources for new students, mindful of the needs of our various populations.

　　Assist with the development of the NSTP and orientation websites, digital and print promotional materials, forms and surveys, summer outreach, and other publications, working in partnership with the College’s marketing and communications teams where appropriate. Oversee NSTP’s student social media team, providing guidance and proofing on strategy and content.

　　Represent NSTP in specialized groups such as Move-In Committee, Convocation Committee, and others.

　　Administer and monitor budgets for orientation and other first-year and transfer programs. Assist the Director with budget planning for the office.

　　Required Qualifications:

　　Bachelor’s degree

　　Prior higher ed experience and/or working directly with college or high school students

　　Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate various types of events (ex. educational, social, large scale)

　　Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking

　　Ability to effectively work within and actively support a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment

　　Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

　　Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

　　Preferred Qualifications:

　　Master's degree and two years of experience in higher education working with first-year and/or transfer students

　　Experience working for a new student orientation office

　　Experience customizing events for specific populations

　　Supervisory experience

　　Ability to motivate and energize others

　　Knowledge of Student Development Theory

　　Budget management skills

　　Application Instructions:

　　Interested applicants must apply online and attach a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references. Questions about online applications should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (607) 274-8000 or [email protected]

　　Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

　　Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

　　Hiring Range $58,500 to $60,500, commensurate with qualifications and experience. We pride ourselves on providing our benefit-eligible employees with comprehensive benefits, including work/life balance, generous paid time off policies, career-enhancing trainings, educational benefits, and opportunities to give back to the community. Beyond benefits, you’ll enjoy the kind of uniquely rewarding work environment that can only be found in a vibrant college community. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit https://www.ithaca.edu/human-resources/employee-benefits-wellness

　　At Ithaca College, a comprehensive residential campus community of approximately 5,000 students, we strive to be at the forefront of the higher education landscape. We offer a distinct integrative learning experience that makes students ready for the personal, professional, and global challenges of our age.

　　We seek candidates who embrace integrative learning and want to be a part of this exciting time in Ithaca College history. We encourage creative collaboration and innovation in our faculty and staff, providing support and resources for them to grow in their fields and lead students to their own innovative ideas and achievements.

　　We welcome different ways of thinking and look for candidates with unique points of view and life experiences. We are inclusive of individuals with a wide range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds, talents, and skills. Our campus is a vibrant and rewarding community where diverse minds can learn, succeed, and excel.

　　When reviewing candidates, we are looking for indicators of a number of core competencies. Prospective candidates must be adaptable, collaborative, inclusive, respectful, responsive, results driven, and sustainable. They must communicate effectively, demonstrate leadership, exhibit professional integrity and ethics, take initiative, value personal and professional development, and show that they will engage in the college.

　　Nestled in the heart of New York State’s scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca College sits atop South Hill overlooking picturesque Cayuga Lake and is just minutes away from the city center. Combining small town warmth and charm with the vibrancy of a college community, the thriving and culturally diverse city of Ithaca has been rated by Kiplinger’s as one of the top 10 places to live in the United States.

　　To learn more about Ithaca College, visit us at http://ithaca.edu