Director of Student Transition & Engagement Programs

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: 

Provides leadership, direction, coordination and oversight for student transition and engagement functions including New Student, Orientation and Transition Programs, Veterans Affairs, Commuter Services, Student Organizations and Involvement as well as programs and services which support the learning and development of a diverse student body. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES: 

Establishes clear and measurable learning objectives and outcomes for student engagement functions including, New Student, Orientation and Transition Programs, Veterans Affairs, Commuter Services and Student Organizations and Involvement. Responsible for the development and implementation of program budgets, strategic planning and assessment for student transition and engagement programs. Collaborates with campus entities to develop and implement programs and facilitates the integration of student engagement programs across the University. Facilitates student learning through advising, mentorship, leadership development, management, problem-solving, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution. Ensures the implementation of comprehensive activities to systematically advise, counsel, motivate and assist in the retention of program participants. Forecasts student needs related to transition, orientation, and engagement, of Veteran, Commuter, and new students to ensure appropriate and dedicated personnel, resources and space. Responsible for supervising the development and implementation of student transition and engagement programs and services including identifying best practices, ensuring the highest level of service orientation delivery, creation of innovative resources to meet the needs of a technologically advanced student body and sustainability of business practices supported by intentional policies and procedures. Supervises personnel including hiring, training and evaluating staff as well as resolving personnel issues. Develops and regularly reviews/revises policies and procedures to ensure that they promote the advancement of student transition and engagement. Provides leadership and coordination for completing the Comprehensive Program Review for each program, various reports for the Chancellor’s office detailing the accomplishments and success of these programs and annual reports for the Division of Student Affairs. Performs a critical role in interpreting, implementing, enforcing and preparing reports and requested correspondence related to departmental, campus, Executive Orders, Title IX, Title V, Student Code of Conduct, University, local, state and federal guidelines which govern New Student, Orientation and Transition programs, Veterans Affairs, Commuter Services and Student Organizations and ensuring that timely communication is provided to the Vice President for Student Affairs and AVPSA/Dean of Students related to these governing agencies and documents. Ensures a business continuity plan exists and is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the continuous delivery of programs and services during staff transitions or leaves of absence and natural or campus-wide disasters. Oversees the marketing and communication model for all program services. Creates campus and external partnerships in the creation of transition events, new traditions and service projects that meet the needs of new and returning students and improve the quality of life for the campus community. Works collaboratively with Enrollment Management, Student Business Services, Academic Advising, faculty, and administrators in the planning of timelines and programs as they relate to orientation and student needs. Builds and maintains key relationships with external constituents and educators to increase awareness of CI programs and community involvement. Directs necessary measures to solicit and influence internal and external support for student transition, orientation, commuter, student organization, and Veteran related programs (e.g., grants, proposals, reports). Serves as an Administrator on Call in the absence of the AVPSA/Dean of Students. Serves as a Student Conduct Administrator as necessary. May assist with Title IX & Inclusion office as a campus investigator for complaints of Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (DHR) as well as the Campus Assessment, Response and Evaluation Team (CARE) as assigned. Performs additional related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISOR/OTHER WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students. Supervises staff within Student Transition & Engagement Programs. Works closely with all personnel in Campus Life and the Division of Student Affairs as part of the Campus Life Leadership team. Works collaboratively with staff, faculty, and administrators within the University. Hires, trains and supervises professional and paraprofessional staff, graduate interns (as necessary), volunteers, and student assistants.

REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION: 

Master’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Communication or a related field required; doctorate degree preferred. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience including experience advising students individually and in groups, and in analysis of complex student services problems. Demonstrated experience in program development.  Must be able to work collaboratively with multiple constituencies in a complex and dynamic environment. Must be able to resolve complex issues; work creatively and independently;  plan, direct, and assess programming in a timely fashion;  effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse, multi-cultural environment of students, staff, faculty, and academic programs across the University; and design co-curricular programs that are outcome driven. Plan, organize, manage, direct, and train others in the formation, maintenance, and support of students and services. Utilize supervisory principles, practices, and techniques to accomplish results through delegation and motivation. Knowledge and ability to work in educational programs counseling students whose backgrounds may include: first-generation, low-income, bilingual, bi-cultural, academic disadvantaged and /or different value systems based on socio-economic, culture, physical or language. Knowledge and ability to use high level analytical, problem solving, ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Knowledge of federal, state, CSU Executive Orders, Title V, Title IX, campus financial aid laws, regulations, and policies. Familiarity with and commitment to the CI and the Division of Student Affairs Mission and Purpose. Must maintain the confidentiality of student information at all times and abide by FERPA guidelines. Proficiency in the use of computers, including appropriate software. Prior experience with PeopleSoft and reporting tools preferred.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.