Associate Director, Orientation Services
The University of Iowa Orientation Services is hiring a dedicated Associate Director (100% appointment).
The Associate Director of Orientation Services plays a critical leadership role in shaping the transition experience for new undergraduate students and their families. This position oversees the design, implementation, and assessment of in-person orientation and welcome programming that supports student success, belonging, and retention. The Associate Director provides strategic direction for major in-person, university-wide initiatives, supervises professional staff, and collaborates with campus partners to ensure a seamless and engaging transition for all new undergraduate students. They will also have the opportunity to:
· Design and implement in-person Becoming a Hawkeye Orientation Programs that support the educational experience and retention of new students.
· Promote program initiatives across campus and at various campus events.
· Supervise the Assistant Director responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training the students leaders for Becoming a Hawkeye and On Iowa! programs
· And more!
For a full job description, including all duties and competencies assigned or e-mail the contact listed below.
Visit: Job Opportunities (Org 02 & 35) to see all job opening with the Office of the Provost at the University of Iowa.
About the Department: University College serves an important role at the University of Iowa and is an academic home for numerous courses or programs that span across multiple units. The College offers two bachelor's degrees, the BAS and BLS. These programs allow students who have already received an associate's degree, or who have prior college credit, to earn a four-year degree. We also offer undergraduate certificate programs in: clinical and translational science, leadership studies, nonprofit management, and sustainability. In addition, several K-12 programs are also administered through academics units that are associated with University College. University College is committed to the success of all University of Iowa students. This commitment is demonstrated in the programs and services that we offer through Orientation Services, On Iowa!, New Student Services, Academic Support and Retention, and the Academic Resource Center.
Required Qualifications:
· Master’s degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs, Counseling, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
· 3–5 years of full-time experience in higher education, student affairs, or related functional areas (e.g., orientation, new student programs, first-year experience, student involvement, residence education).
Competencies Required:
· Demonstrates an extensive proficiency level in the following competencies:
o Experience in planning, implementing, and assessing large-scale programs, such as orientation, welcome weeks, or campus-wide initiatives.
o Demonstrated experience with supervision, including training, supporting, and evaluating professional staff.
o Strong ability to collaborate with campus partners, build relationships, and work effectively across departments.
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to large audiences.
o Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
o Experience using data to assess programs and produce reports aligned with departmental and institutional goals.
o Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support programs and events.
Desirable Qualifications:
· 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in orientation, transition programs, or first-year experience initiatives.
· Previous experience working with orientation leader training, including academic courses or structured leadership development programs.
· Experience planning or overseeing multi-day welcome week programs with multiple committees and stakeholders.
· Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, large-scale events with logistical demands.
· Familiarity with student transition theory, student development theory, and best practices in orientation and retention.
· Experience working with parent and family programs or supporting family orientation initiatives.
To Apply:
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must upload BOTH of the following and mark them each as a “Relevant File” to the job submission:
· a current resume
· a cover letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the process.
Work Modality: This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location. Work arrangement options will be discussed during the hiring process and are subject to change for training, programming, peak periods, and performance.
The University will not sponsor any work authorization for this role.
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $70,000 - Commensurate, with the top of the range reserved for exceptionally qualified applicants. This position includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.
Reach out to Monica Frank to learn more about benefits, compensation practices, and career development opportunities.
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Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
