Director of First-Year Experience

General Description:

William Woods University is accepting applications for a director of first-year experience.  The successful candidate will formulate and implement a strategic plan to help first-year students transition to life on campus.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing curriculum for a first-year seminar course, coordinating a summer bridge program, and developing programming to meet the unique needs of first-year students.

Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Coordinate the first-year seminar course, including developing curriculum and recruiting, hiring, training, and mentoring program coordinators.

·       Teach a section of the first-year seminar course each term. 

·       Coordinate a summer bridge program, including developing a course schedule, coordinating programing, and recruiting, hiring, training, and mentoring program coordinators.

·       Work with Student Life to plan orientation activities.

·       Assist with new student registration events.

·       Produce resources for new students to best prepare them for their arrival on campus.

·       Assist in recruitment efforts by participating in university recruitment events and communicating with interested students.

·       Aid in retention efforts, including data analysis and program development.

·       Participate in the development of assessment and evaluation processes for the first-year experience.

·       Collaborate with campus partners, including but not limited to: Academic Advising, Academic Success Center, Career Services, Student Life & Engagement, Housing & Residence Life and other support departments.

·       Complete required program assessments (annual, three-year, five-year, etc.).

·       Maintain associations with professional organizations related to the field for the purpose of professional development.

·       Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

·       Master's degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or related field is required.

·       Ability to perform teaching, administrative, and clerical duties independently to fulfill goals and objectives of the programs within the overall mission of the University.

·       Demonstrated engagement with best practices for first year students.

·       Demonstrated commitment to professional development, strong work ethic and a commitment to working well with others.

·       Proficiency with various technologies including word processing, PowerPoint, social media, data base programs, web-site maintenance and demonstrated experience with integrating instructional technology into classroom experiences is required.

·       Teaching experience at the post-secondary level is preferred.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time, 12-month position beginning as soon as May 2024. This position requires some evening and weekend work, including one evening a week until 8:00pm.