POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director, New Student Orientation, Family Programs and Student Affairs Special Events
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1963
GRADE 45
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director, New Student Orientation, Family Programs and Student Affairs Special Events supports the academic mission and student development goals of Missouri State University by creating an environment that promotes positive relations with and appropriate involvement opportunities for parents and family members of Missouri State University students, primarily through the Family Association. The Director, New Student Orientation, Family Programs and Student Affairs Special Events works collaboratively with staff, faculty, students, and family members to develop and implement programmatic initiatives designed to support the successful orientation and transition of new students with the inclusion of parents and family members into the Missouri State University community, including (but not limited to) new student and family orientation programs, SOAR and Family Orientation, Family Weekend, Spring Family Day, the Ursa Experience, and Welcome Weekend. The Director, New Student Orientation, Family Programs and Student Affairs Special Events develops and maintains a variety of resources for new students, parents and family members including (but not limited to) the website, content on social media platforms, the Bear Family Handbook, the SOAR calendar, and the Bear Notes e-newsletter. The Director, New Student Orientation, Family Programs and Student Affairs Special Events co-chairs the First-Generation conference, plans, organizes, and implements the Impact Summit, manages the Student Affairs’ website, blog, social media, social committee, and crowd-funding campaigns.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience: At least five years of experience working with students and/or parents in academic advising, event planning, educational administration, leadership training or related student affairs experience is required.
Skills: Organizational and leadership skills are required. Strong verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, computer literacy, and the ability to work in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. A working knowledge of desktop publishing is preferred.
Other: The scope of the position requires occasional evening and weekend work, particularly during orientation programs and events.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Develops and implements a plan for enhancing relationships and involvement opportunities for parents and family members of Missouri State University students.
2. Develops and implements programmatic initiatives including (but not limited to) SOAR, Family Weekend, Spring Family Day, the Ursa Experience, and Welcome Weekend and collaborates with other University offices, departments, and personnel to ensure their success.
3. Ensures the success of the Family Association by administering all aspects of the program, including (but not limited to) recruitment, enrollment, and recordkeeping.
4. Develops and administers policies and procedures regarding the Family Association.
5. Develops and distributes informational resources for parents and family members, including (but not limited to) the Family Association website, content on social media platforms, the Bear Family Handbook, the SOAR Family calendar, the Family Connection blog, and the Bear Notes e-newsletter.
6. Disseminates timely and appropriate information to new students, parents, and family members through a variety of media, including (but not limited to) the website, social media outlets, print publications, email, and other electronic media.
7. Collaborates and supervises the Coordinator, New Student Orientation to develop and implement programmatic aspects of the SOAR program and arranges all necessary logistical components.
8. Conducts assessment of new student programs and parent and family programs and activities to monitor effectiveness and relevance, as well as identify future areas of interest or need.
9. Serves as a primary contact for parents and family members to answer questions or direct them to appropriate areas for additional assistance.
10. Serves as a resource to faculty and staff regarding new student, parent, and family issues and concerns.
11. Develops and implements special projects for the Division of Student Affairs under the direction of the Vice President of Student Affairs, including, but not limited to, crowdfunding for the division, the Impact Summit, and the First Generation Conference.
12. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
13. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.
14. Contributes to the overall success of Student Affairs by performing all other duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.
SUPERVISION
The Director, New Student Orientation, Family Programs and Student Affairs Special Events is supervised by the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, supervises the Coordinator, New Student Orientation, Graduate Assistants, NODA interns, student leaders, student employees, and Ursa facilitators.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED MAY 2021
