26-121 Senior Associate Director of New Student Programs (SUA3) - Academic Affairs

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University’s Division of Academic Affairs invites applications for the position of Senior Associate Director of New Student Programs (SUA3).

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

Reporting to the Director of New Student Programs, the Senior Associate Director provides leadership for orientation and extended transition initiatives; oversees staffing operations; collaborates with campus partners to deliver cohesive, student-centered programs; and plays a critical role in supporting student transition, engagement, and retention efforts.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate experience in orientation and transition programming for new student populations including first-year, transfer, first-generation, and adult students; supervising and developing student staff; managing complex operations and communications; and building collaborative relationships across a diverse campus community.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership for the planning, implementation, and assessment of orientation and transition programs for first-year, transfer, and targeted student populations
• Coordinate major transition initiatives including summer orientation, winter orientation, convocation, class photo, and extended orientation programming
• Ensure programs are inclusive, intentional, and aligned with institutional priorities related to student success, retention, and graduation
• Support the development and delivery of online and pre-orientation content in collaboration with campus partners
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and mentor undergraduate and graduate student staff
• Design and lead comprehensive training and development initiatives focused on leadership, professionalism, and customer service
• Oversee staff scheduling, performance management, evaluations, and recognition efforts
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment within the student staff and office
• Support orientation registration, communications, and data tracking in coordination with Admissions, Enrollment Communications, and Marketing
• Maintain and update program materials, websites, and communication platforms to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Monitor participation and attendance and coordinate outreach to students who miss required programs
• Utilize university systems and platforms to support program operations and assessment
• Serve as a representative of the Office of New Student Programs on university committees, task forces, and working groups
• Collaborate with campus partners to enhance the new student experience
• Represent the office at admissions events, enrollment initiatives, and campus programs
• Act on behalf of the Director of New Student Programs as needed
• Assess orientation, transition programs, and staffing initiatives to inform continuous improvement and strategic planning
• Stay informed of best practices and emerging trends in orientation, transition, and student success through professional development
• Support evening and weekend events during peak season
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree
• Two years of professional experience implementing new studentorientation and transitionprogramming in a higher education setting
• Experience supervising student staff
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, and Excel

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related field
• Experience planning, implementing and supervising programs and large-scale campus events
• Experience tracking and analyzing data
• Experience marketing programs and events through various social platforms
• Experience using student information systems such as Slate

Salary and benefits are dictated by the State College and University Professional Association (SCUPA) Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Ask about the opportunity to work from home and alternate work schedules.

Candidates should apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa. Cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references are required for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. In accordance with applicable collective agreement, this posting may be closed without notice upon receipt of a sufficient pool of qualified candidates.

Applicants must successfully complete the interview process to be considered as a finalist.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks.

Due to the nature of the position, employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer.