Director, New Student and Family Programs - Washington, United States - American University

American University

Verified Company

Washington, United States

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

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Description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

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American University

Department:
Student Engagement & Success

Time Type:
Full time

Work Modality:
Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Job Description:

Summary:

The Director of New Student and Family Programs is a key leadership role reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Success.

The Director provides strategic direction and administrative oversight for the Center for New Student and Family Programs, driving institutional leadership and vision for the development and implementation of essential orientation, pre-orientation, family and on-boarding programs and services.

Grounded in student development theory and best practices, these programs are designed to address the diverse needs and lived experiences of incoming students.

Recognizing the invaluable role of family engagement in student success, the Director ensures inclusive efforts that support both undergraduates and their families.

Collaborating closely with campus partners and university leadership, the Director orchestrates a cohesive, student-centered onboarding experience that embodies the spirit and promise of American University.

Managing a dedicated team of professionals, para-professionals, and student staff, the Director oversees the support of over 2,000 students and 15,000+ families annually, with an annual budget exceeding $500,000.

Through strategic leadership and unwavering commitment, the Director plays a pivotal role in shaping the successful transition and integration of new students and families into the AU community.

Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Strategic Planning & Program Leadership:

Collaborate with campus partners and staff to design and execute programs and resources that thoughtfully and cohesively prepare new students and their families to participate in the academic, cocurricular and campus life of the institution and commits to inclusive and innovative program design that allows for participation and content delivery in various formats to meet the needs of our diverse AU students and the persons that they consider their family members and supporters, this includes New Student Orientation, Pre-Orientation, Welcome Week, Family Weekend, and other general programs

2 Communication:

Develop a strategic communication plan to inform, educate and engage new students and families. Lead efforts (in and outside of the department) to bring alignment to communication with new students and families in terms of university branding, consistent messaging, tone, inclusive language, and appropriate sequencing. Utilize various forms of media to convey content effectively (print, web, digital, social, webinars, recordings, etc.).
With the Associate Director, Family Engagement, develop a communication plan that demonstrates transparency in university decisionmaking, fosters trust, demonstrates the impact of their investments, and helps families to feel part of the AU Community. Serve as primary point of contact for AU's familyfacing communication.
Lead management of unexpected announcements, critical updates or crises communication with all families and with new students via various platforms as appropriate.

Campus Partnerships:

Represent the various needs of newly admitted first year and transfer students in working with campus partners and university leadership. Actively contribute to university committee work. Identify and address challenges and barriers to students and families as they transition to AU and lead or participate in problemsolving efforts.

Develop strategic partnerships with academic units to enhance AU students' academic and co-curricular experience.

Serve as resource for members of Student Affairs Leadership Team in areas of expertise including Orientation, event management and execution, family engagement, and policy.

Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with offices on campus to promote student engagement, success, and retention.

Serve on selected Student Affairs and university-wide committees, such as Student Thriving and Retention Action Team, and other campus committees and workgroups at the direction of the Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Success.- Continuously represent the concerns and affirmations of parents and families.

Work with campus partners to foster a campus culture that welcomes and engages families in appropriate ways. Maintain an active relationship with the Parent Leadership Council and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

Supervision and Administration: