Director of First Year Experience & Student Transitions

Director of First Year Experience & Student Transitions

Texas Lutheran University is currently seeking to hire a full-time Director of First Year Experience & Student Transitions. This position will direct and administer the First Year Experience & Student Transitions Department which is responsible for the development and provision of student support programs focusing on the First Year and specialized student populations. 

Responsibilities include:

I. Administrative

Provide administrative oversight, development, and implementation of the following:

• First Year and students in transition programs, including but not limited to:
  • Peer Mentor Program: selection, training, supervision, curriculum development
  • Parent and Family Program: orientation & family weekend, establish and maintain regular contact throughout the year 
  • Direct New Student Orientation
  • Track academic progress of First Year students through academic alert system
  • Coordinate with the Dean of Students office on development and implementation of a comprehensive assessment plan to track the First Year experience program.
• Support programs for specialized student populations such as first generation, multicultural groups, etc.
• Work collaboratively with faculty and staff on campus-wide programming addressing first year and specialized populations
• Interprets, analyzes, and utilizes data and current research to make recommendations to improve New Student Orientation, student success, and any additional first year experience initiatives
• Foster an environment for learning and social interaction that supports the mission of the university through strategic planning efforts and in collaboration with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs divisions. 
• Develop and maintain First Year Experience & Student Transitions website, portal, and social media content
• Negotiate and oversee vendor contracts as needed in relation to the position
• Serve on Student Affairs and university wide committees and/or task forces assigned.

II.     Management

• Provide supervision, development, and evaluation of department secretarial and student staff
• Participate in formulation of budgets and ensure that the department and its programs operate within approved budgetary parameters
• Ensure compliance with Federal/State laws, regulations, and codes as well as institutional policies and procedures as related to position and functions.

III.    Professionalism 

• Maintain a professional image
• Keep the work environment neat and orderly
• Maintain a safe environment through adherence to all safety procedures.
• Teamwork
• Work as a team player, supporting and assisting other employees
• Identify and participate in resolution of departmental/institutional problems with continuous quality improvement as a goal
• Enhance team effectiveness through dependability.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree is required.  Master’s degree (in Student Personnel, Student Affairs, Adult Education, Higher Education, Counseling, or related degree) from an accredited college or university is preferred.   
• Two to four years related experience is required
• Demonstrated experience planning, implementing and evaluating small to large scale university programs and events
• Knowledge of evaluation techniques and methods
• Knowledge of emerging student issues and trends
• Excellent organizational and time management skills – able to plan and schedule own work 
• Ability to work independently and make decisions based on precedent and university policy – considerable judgment is required
• Ability to work well within a team
• Ability to work with ethnic, cultural, and socially diverse student populations
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Excellent interpersonal skills to represent the Division of Student Affairs and the University with enthusiasm and effectiveness
• Proficiency in software experience:  MS Word, Teams, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint & Publisher
• Understand and support the mission and strategic plan of Texas Lutheran University.

Benefits are competitive.  Texas Lutheran University, an accredited university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is located 35 miles from downtown San Antonio.  For more information about TLU, consult our web site at www.tlu.edu.  Please submit an application, resume, cover letter, and the contact information for at least three professional references to:

Human Resources

Texas Lutheran University

1000 W. Court Street

Seguin, Texas 78155

FAX: (830) 372-6409

E-mail: humanresources@tlu.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made.  

Are you contemplating the job but unsure whether to apply? We still want to hear from you. The TLU Division of Student Affairs is committed to being a supportive and rewarding career destination for higher education professionals. In beginning that journey, we recognize that not everyone enters the world of work with the same advantage, opportunity, and privilege. This is why your passion, skills, and experiences are valued and could make a difference in how we support our students, but we won’t know if you don’t apply! So don’t be shy; take the time to apply and let our process and your passion determine the next steps!