Senior Associate Director, Orientation and Transition

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Department College Programming and Orientation About the Department College Programming and Orientation Job Summary The Senior Associate Director for Orientation and Transition reports to the Senior Assistant Dean of Students in the College/Director of College Programming and Orientation and is a critical part of the CPO mission to create a stronger sense of community and affinity to the College and the University throughout the students’ college experience. Working closely with College leadership, University offices/departments/units, and CPO staff, the Senior Associate Director provides leadership, advocacy, coordination, and oversight of all orientation, pre-orientation, and transition events and programs targeting incoming new students in the College. Responsibilities Develops, implements, and assesses all undergraduate student orientation and pre-orientation programs working collaboratively with Campus and Student Life, Housing and Residence Life, and subunits in the College Dean of Students Office. This includes in-person programming for on campus students as well as synchronous and asynchronous online programming. Manages an orientation communication plan including the development of publications, online materials, and emails, and maintains the Orientation website. Coordinates all HR processes and payroll procedures for undergraduate student employees within the Orientation and Pre-Orientation programs. Serves as the point of contact for all room reservations, space and scheduling needs, contracts/agreements, catering/meal plans, housing needs, and other logistic planning for all Orientation and Pre-Orientation programming. Works collaboratively with the Director of College Programming and Orientation to plan and manage the Orientation and Pre-Orientation budgets and applicable student fee; plans and prepares budget and expenditures, executing expenses within approved budget; recommends and approves purchases and expenses in accordance with University purchasing and procurement procedures. Directs and oversees transition programming for special populations including International Students At Large (ISAL’s), transfer students, and students returning from leave of absence. Develops appropriate needs-based programming that supports student success and introduces students to College resources and engagement opportunities Supports other College initiatives including but not limited to: Family Weekend, College Events, University and College Convocation activities, Class Day, etc. Strong working understanding of all aspects of all programmatic offerings within the CPO. Manages the hiring, training, performance review, and management of time of three full-time staff members for Orientation and Pre-Orientation programs who are direct reports. Non-direct supervision of student Oversees and manages the hiring, training, supervision and evaluation of orientation student directors, orientation leaders, peer mentors, and transfer student directors. Fosters a positive team dynamic among staff and student leaders. Represents the CPO by meeting with various campus offices to plan and execute programs. Partners may include University Advancement, Campus and Student Life, Career Advancement, Center for Identity Inclusion, Center for Leadership and Involvement, College Academic Advising Office, College Admissions, College Center for Research and Fellowships, College Dean’s Office, Housing and Residence Life, Office of Civic Engagement, Office of the University Registrar, University Events and Ceremonies, and others. Forecasts budget and spending for all Orientation and Pre-Orientation programming. Ensures that policies are followed and that funds are adequately allocated. Develops and assesses learning and program outcomes for all Orientation and Pre-Orientation programs, services, and activities. Oversees the collection and evaluation of all qualitative and quantitative data related to program goals and objectives. Leads students and staff to develop and implement activities, programs, and initiatives related to student life, and/or community involvement. Markets student activities programming throughout the year. Develops and implements protocols for evaluating the effectiveness of programs. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Education: Master’s degree in a related field, especially higher education, college student personnel or similar. Experience : Minimum 7 years professional work experience in higher education. Specialized knowledge of college student development and event planning. Previous orientation programming, program assessment, and supervision of professional staff. Technical Skills or Knowledge: Proficiency in Mac and PC environments. Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and online organizational tools. Familiarity with Adobe graphic design/web development environments. Commands strong interpersonal, analytical, management, and organization skills. Demonstrated experience in collaboration among colleagues and/or departments. Work independently, exercising sound judgement, reasoning, and strong problem-solving skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Preferred Competencies Takes initiative, thinks creatively, and produces outcomes on own drive without detailed oversight. Maintains confidentiality/discretion at all times related to students, faculty, and staff and responds effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. Manages stressful situations with diplomacy, tact, and good humor; possesses conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Demonstrated creation and implementation of results-oriented programs and initiatives for student success and retention. Proven ability to create and implement program/initiative assessment. Working Conditions Some evening and weekend work. Fast-paced environment. Lift up to 30 lbs. Push carts with up to 40 lbs. of material. Sit at a computer for 4-6 hours. Periodic walking to other campus locations. Climbing up to 5 flights of stairs. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required) References Contact Information (3)(required) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Student Affairs & Services Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ? FLSA Status Exempt ? Pay Range $68,000.00 - $85,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Keywords: University of Chicago, Elmhurst , Senior Associate Director, Orientation and Transition, Administration, Clerical , Chicago, Illinois