Director of College Programming and Orientation and Assistant Dean of Students in the College

Department

College Programming and Orientation

About the Department

The Office of the Dean of Students in the College has broad responsibility for the success of all College students. The Dean of Students reports to the Dean of the College.

The office consists of the Academic Advising Office (CAAO), Center for College Student Success (CCSS), Office of College Community Standards (OCCS), and College Programming and Orientation (CPO).

College Programming and Orientation works to connect students and families to the College through transition-focused programs and events, while also seeking to build stronger community on campus.

The CPO celebrates significant milestones that reinforce lifelong institutional affinity and engagement with the University.

Through events like Convocation, Orientation and Senior Week the staff of the College Programming and Orientation (CPO) create programming that promotes institutional ties and class affinity.

The CPO also works closely with many campus and College offices to plan and execute timely career, academic, and student development interventions throughout the College student experience.

Additionally, CPO develops communications and programs for parents and families of students in the College so that they can stay informed and connected to their students’ experience.

We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to apply.

Job Summary

The Director of College Programming and Orientation / Assistant Dean of Students reports to the Dean of Students for the College and is responsible for leading a team focused on fostering a strong sense of community and affinity to the College and the University throughout the students’ undergraduate experience.

Working closely with College leadership, campus partners, and student planning committees, the Director leads the development and implementation of a portfolio of programs and events such as Pre-Orientation, Orientation, and other programs specific and intentional to developmental and transitional student milestones for first through fourth years, like Family Weekend, College Diploma Ceremonies, and other College events.

In addition, the Director serves on the Dean of Students’ executive leadership team and is responsible for serving on campus-wide committees and additional projects critical to the student experience.

Responsibilities

• Manages and oversees a team of 7 full time staff members responsible for the implementation / execution of the College Programming and Orientation portfolio of events, including Pre-Orientation, Orientation, Family Orientation, the UChicago Mentoring Program, first, second-third and fourth year student success programming, Family Weekend, Signature Events, Senior Week, College Diploma Ceremonies, any new events that may be proposed, and applicable College and campus committees.
• Develops and implements strategic plans for the CPO on behalf of the Dean of the College and the Dean of Students.
• Ensures the successful coordination of event logistics for all programs including event registration, travel arrangements, ordering buses, reserving space, catering, negotiating contracts, purchasing, and communications.
• Manages production and distribution of event marketing, general communications, and event publications materials.
• Manages annual operating budget for the CPO ensuring compliance with all university fiscal policies.
• Forecasts and tracks annual budgets for all programming, communications, and projects.
• Manages websites and works with relevant staff to coordinate information for the College’s two mobile applications.
• Completes assessments for each program and ensures improvements and process changes are documented.
• Responsible for continuous improvement of student service delivery and monitors assessment efforts for the CPO.
• Uses specialized depth knowledge and breadth of experience to recommend concepts for programming to leaders of various organizations and programs.
• Works closely with various campus offices including Campus and Student Life, Career Advancement, Center for Identity + Inclusion, Center for Leadership and Involvement, College Academic Advising Office, College Admissions, College Center for Research and Fellowships, College Dean’s Office, Housing & Residence Life, Office of Civic Engagement, UChicago CARES, and others to plan and execute programs.
• Provides guidance and direction to student staff members’ project work and evaluates staff members’ performance / provides constructive feedback.
• Leads students and staff to develop and implement activities, programs, and initiatives related to student life, and / or community involvement.
• Manages the development of programming that creates student community, including summer activities, student leadership training, and other staff organized events.
• Provides staff management, resources, and training to organizations that create meaningful co-curricular and / or community service experiences for students.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education :

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience :

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications :

Preferred Qualifications

Education :

• Bachelor’s degree, liberal arts.
• Master’s degree.

Experience :

• 7+ years professional work experience in higher education or related field.
• Specialized knowledge of college student development, orientation, and event planning.
• Background supervising staff.

Technical Skills or Knowledge :

• Proficiency in Mac and PC environments.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and online organizational tools.
• Familiarity with Adobe graphic design / web development environments.

Preferred Competencies

• Oversee and direct highly detailed concurrent projects with competing priorities, in a time sensitive, efficient manner.
• Work independently exercising sound judgement, reasoning, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including excellent editing / proofreading ability in English.
• Takes initiative, thinks creatively, and produces outcomes on own drive without detailed oversight.
• Maintains confidentiality / discretion at all times related to students, faculty, and staff and responds effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Manages stressful situations with diplomacy, tact, and good humor; possesses conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Commands strong interpersonal, analytical, management, and organization skills.
• Demonstrated creation and implementation of results-oriented programs and initiatives for student success and retention.
• Proven ability to create and implement program / initiative assessment.
• Demonstrated experience in collaboration among colleagues and / or departments.
• Sound decision-making and reasoning skills.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.
• Some evening and weekend work.
• Fast-paced environment.
• Lift up to 40 lbs.
• Push carts with up to 50 lbs. of material.
• Sit at a computer for 4-6 hours.
• Periodic walking to other campus locations.
• Climbing up to 5 flights of stairs.

Application Documents

• Resume / CV (required)
• Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required)
• References Contact Information (3) (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

People Manager

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.

Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information.

The Report can be accessed online at : . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E.

61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.