Director, Office of New Student Programs

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) at the University of Michigan seeks a new Director for the Office of New Student Programs (ONSP) who will strategically promote the success of new undergraduate students at the Ann Arbor campus through the delivery of transition programs, resources, and services. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management (VPEM), the director is responsible for strategic planning, successfully leading new initiatives, collaborating across administrative and academic units, and inspiring a team of dedicated student-centered professionals.

With a focus on student development, high-impact practices, and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the director provides leadership and vision to create an excellent transition experience for students. As a member of the senior leadership team, the director serves as an adviser to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management on matters related to student engagement, transition and ONSP programming, and will collaborate with unit leadership to drive forward OEM strategic initiatives. The Director leads nine full-time staff including three direct reports, 85 student staff, and stewards an operating budget of $1.7M.

The University of Michigan is a premier public research university with over 51,000 students including 32,000 undergraduates, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and affordability. U-M is in high demand having received 93,000 first-year and transfer applications for those interested in joining in the fall of 2023 and traditionally enroll 8,800 new students for fall, winter and spring terms.

Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of Enrollment (OEM) division provides campus-wide leadership in executing the strategic recruitment, undergraduate admission, enrollment, new student programs, records management and student financial support functions for the university.

Responsibilities*

• Provide visionary leadership, direction and oversight for the Office of New Student Programs (ONSP) including undergraduate orientation, programming for parents & families, �??Welcome to Michigan�?� (welcome week), first-year and transfer mentoring programs, veteran and military services.

• Lead strategic planning and development of operational objectives and goals for ONSP that ensures successful communication, and execution of key projects and priorities to achieve organizational excellence in support of diverse students from Michigan, the nation, and throughout the world.

• Develop virtual and in-person programming to support new and continuing students. Collaborate with marketing and communications colleagues to create engaging collateral that supports effective student transition and success.

• Lead and partner with undergraduate admissions, academic advising and student life units, and other campus partners focused on student transition to create purposeful programs in service to students, parents and their families.

• Collaborate with academic and co-curricular departments to create a welcome, and inclusive campus transition experience for all undergraduate students, parents and family members.

• Supervise, develop, and foster unit cohesion for a diverse cross-functional team of permanent and seasonal staff.

• Using tools informed by industry best practices, seek opportunities to evaluate, modernize and streamline processes and practices.

• Serve on the senior leadership team of the VPEM that supports visioning and developing strategic direction for OEM.

• Represent OEM on campus-wide policy and planning committees and community coalitions as appropriate.

• Keep apprised of industry best practice with a focus on continuous improvement through engagement with national organizations and peer institutions.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree and seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student services, preferably in a complex, decentralized higher education environment.

• Direct experience leading a new student orientation or transition program in a university or comparable setting.

• Strong written and oral communication skills. Experience using marketing and communication strategies to engage new students.

• Understanding of the current and emerging issues for students in the post-secondary environment.

• Ability to lead a culture of accountability and support team member development.

• Working knowledge of systems such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Student Information Systems (SIS).

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships, and collaborate with university partners including senior leadership in a complex organization.

• Advanced skills in creative problem solving, innovation, change management and shaping organizational effectiveness.

• Budget management experience and oversight of full-time and student staff.

• Demonstrated experience developing or using assessments and reports to evaluate success of programs. Ability to utilize information and data to inform strategic decision making.

• Experience with current best practices in student transition and success, and supporting a diverse student culture.

Additional Information

The annual salary will be commensurate with experience and education.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off

• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting

• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

• Life insurance

• Long-term disability coverage

• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.