As a department within the Office of Undergraduate Education at the University of Minnesota, the mission of Orientation & Transition Experiences (OTE) is to provide high-quality, dynamic experiences that cultivate community and empower students to champion their own development and leverage campus resources.
This position has the Academic Professional and Administrative (P&A) classification in the Student Services Job Family Professional 3, is 100% time, 12-month annually renewable appointment. This position is considered a strategic, mid-level position. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes a substantial benefits package. The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Essential Qualifications:
* A BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant work experience.
* In-depth understanding of student development and student transition issues.
* Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively both orally and written.
* Demonstrates the ability to manage details related to leader schedules, programs logistics and
training implementation.
* Commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence.
* Position requires work on evenings and weekends.
* Employment is contingent upon completion of background verification with satisfactory results
as required by law and University policy.
Preferred Qualifications:
* A Master's degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or other related areas.
* Two years previous experience in a higher education environment, orientation programming,
leadership development and training, or experience in other related areas.
* Previous experience developing training and facilitating leadership development workshops.
* Collaborative and diplomatic relationship style; promotes respect and practice of civility and
inclusivity in the workplace.
* Ability to work and communicate across organizational programs and priorities.
* Previous supervisory experience of staff (student or professional).
* Previous experience in orientation, transition and/or retention programming.
* Previous experience coaching or mentoring individuals and teams.
* Flexibility and adaptability to change.
* Ability to make data-driven decisions regarding programmatic efforts.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) Welcome Week (45%)
* Serve as a key member of the Welcome Week planning and implementation team with
responsibility over major event logistics and deliverables
* Provide support to the Associate Director with event logistics including but not limited to
Welcome Week Check-In, Welcome to Welcome Week opening keynote, Pride & Spirit, Convocation,
Campus Exploration Fair, Transfer Track and more
* Serve as a positive liaison to partnering organizations and departments across campus, including
but not limited to Disability Resource Center, Housing & Residence Life, Parking & Transportation
Services, etc.
* Work with Associate Director of STE to plan, implement, and strategize Welcome Week Leader &
Welcome Week Assistants involvement including small group meeting content that takes place during
Welcome Week
* Plan and host large scale student leader recognition events including during and leading to Welcome
Week
* Plan and implement academic year welcome and transition programs including Spring Welcome
events for new students in support of STE programs.
* Leverage Salesforce CRM to support event planning, preparation, and reporting needs
* Be available to staff events during key programming periods, including some specific nights and
weekends
2) OTE Student Leader Training & Supervision (45%)
* Plan and contribute to a comprehensive student leadership curriculum for student leaders within OTE
(Orientation Leaders, Welcome Week Leaders, Welcome Week Assistants, Student Interns, etc.)
* Plan and coordinate a centralized student leader annual recruitment, hiring, and selection and
assessment process.
* Develop, plan, implement, and assess all training tools, presenters, and training-related logistical
processes for OTE programs in collaboration with the Associate Director.
* Serve as the co-lead facilitator/instructor for the spring leadership course
* Maintain relationships with and coordinate opportunities for University departments to meet with and
present to student leaders during training (over 40 departments total).
* Oversee the logistics of training implementation including room reservations, guest presenters,
technical needs, supplies, Canvas modules, food, etc.
* Work with OTE team members to staff all events and manage student leader Schedules
* Provide on-site support and supervision for staff during programs, troubleshooting student staff issues
and conflicts.
* Manage student leader and volunteer contracts in consultation with Human Resources
* Be available during key evenings and weekend time frames to support student leader training and
related events, which could include student leader retreats in addition to peak busy periods leading to
and during Orientation & Welcome Week.
3) Assist the comprehensive mission of OTE (10%)
* Assist with the planning and implementation of programs within OTE including but not limited to
Orientation, Welcome Week and Student Transition Experiences
* Participate in professional staff training, meetings and projects.
* Maintain a high level of knowledge on trends and issues in the orientation, transition, and retention
field.
* Attend trainings and national conferences to learn best practices from others.
* Publish and present findings and best practices identified in OTE.
4) Other Duties as assigned.
Orientation & Transition Experiences centers collaboration and team-based values in the work we do both internally and externally. A primary function of OTE is the coordination and development of a comprehensive Welcome Week program, including all related student leadership and training programs. The Assistant Director for Welcome Week & Student Leadership is responsible for supporting the development, planning, and implementation of major Welcome Week programs. Additionally, this person will lead and support student leadership recruitment, training, assessment and supervision of several student leadership roles. These student leadership roles could include supporting a group of ~35-40 Orientation Leaders, ~40 Welcome Week Leaders, and 200+ student volunteer Welcome Week Assistants. This position will also contribute to the ongoing training of year-round student employees. This position reports to the Associate Director of Student Transition Experiences.
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).