Come join a successful and student-centered team that creates purposeful and powerful transition experiences to Boise State University. The department of Admissions and New Student Programs is seeking a Director of New Student Programs that will be a leader and cross-campus collaborator in designing smooth and dynamic programming that connects new students and their families to essential campus resources, cultivates a strong sense of belonging and ensures every new Bronco family feels supported and prepared to thrive at Boise State University. Reporting to the Executive Director of Admissions and New Student Programs, the Director works in close collaboration with campus partners, including Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, and executive leadership. The Director is responsible for ensuring that the full-cycle onboarding experience reflects best practices in first-year and transfer transitions, is effective for a variety of student populations, and aligns with the University's strategic goals to enhance student success and retention.
Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Director of New Student Programs plays a foundational role in both enrollment and success of our newest Broncos. The Director is responsible for the overall strategic direction, management, and execution of programs designed to support the successful transition of new and transfer undergraduate students into the university community. This includes leading orientation programs, supporting welcome week activities, and providing direction and support to our Bronco families. The Director will play a key role in fostering a sense of belonging and academic success among incoming students. This position oversees four primary areas:
- Orientation programs for first-year and transfer students, both in person and virtual
- Parent and family programming, communication and support
- Hiring, training and retention of student orientation staff
- Support and collaboration in university-wide onboarding events, such as New Student Convocation and Welcome Week
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Department Overview:
Admissions and New Student Programs guides students and families through the college search and admission process, with the New Student Programs team focusing on successful preparation and onboarding into the first year at Boise State. Our mission and activities are in service to the University's strategic plan and enrollment goals.
Level Scope:
Manages a program, regardless of size, that has critical impact upon the campus. Significant responsibility for formulating and administering policies and programs, manages significant human, financial, and physical resources, and functions with a very high degree of autonomy. Frequently influences business decisions made by senior leadership. Oversees through subordinate Managers the accountability and stewardship of campus resources and the development of systems and procedures to protect organizational assets. Negotiates and influences others to understand and accept new concepts, practices and approaches.
Essential Functions:
70% of Time the Director of New Student Programs must:
Collaboration and Partnerships
- Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with academic colleges and schools, student affairs and enrollment management units, and student support services to ensure academic advising and registration takes place in concert with orientation and transition programs
- Represent New Student Programs in workgroups and committees relevant to enrollment and retention, as well as serve as a thought leader around best practices in first-year and transfer transition.
Program Leadership and Staff Management
- Create a streamlined, engaging and barrier-free experience to onboard new first-year and transfer students to Boise State University, in alignment with the strategic plan of the University.
- Integrate current best practices in first-year and transfer transitions and experience to continually enhance orientation programming content.
- Guide the work and assess performance of three direct and two indirect reporting professional staff.
- Train, motivate and communicate feedback in a student-centered way to a staff of 16-30 student employees, depending on season.
Communication
- Leverage technology to create and implement digital-forward learning and communication strategies for new students and their families in a multi-channel format.
25% of Time the Director of New Student Programs must:
Assessment and Evaluation
- Use data-driven insights to improve the student onboarding and family programming experiences over time, addressing feedback from students, families, and campus partners.
Fiscal Stewardship
- With the oversight of the Executive Director of Admissions and New Student Programs, propose and monitor an annual departmental budget that is aligned with goals and provides effective allocation of resources, including identifying opportunities for cost savings.
Supervision
- Supervises, trains, evaluates and provides development for professional and student staff.
- # of Employees supervised (FTEs):
Direct: 3.0
Indirect: 2.0
- # of Students supervised:
- Indirect: 16-30 (depending on season)
5% of Time the Director of New Student Programs must:
- Perform other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Ability to provide leadership and work collaboratively with stakeholders across campus for effective outcomes
- Strong supervision and leadership experience of both direct- and indirect reports
- The flexibility to work evenings and weekends to meet student and college needs, particularly during peak times.
- Ability to professionally represent Boise State University in front of a broad range of constituencies
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills - including presentation skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines
- Ability to demonstrate financial stewardship
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree and 8 years experience or equivalent including 5 years managerial experience
Preferred Qualifications:
The strongest candidates will have demonstrated success in carrying out orientation and transition programming in a higher education setting, including personnel supervision and budget stewardship. Experience with CRM systems Slate and CampusESP is also preferred.
Salary and Benefits: Salary range is $84,000 - $91,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class
benefits package, including (but not limited to):
Required Application Materials:
Please submit the following:
- Cover letter indicating your interest and qualifications for this position
- Resume detailing your employment history, and
- Three (3) professional references, including at least one current or former direct supervisor
