Director of First Year Experience & Retention

Position Description Point University is seeking a full-time Director of First Year Experience & Retention to provide visionary leadership for the experience of first-year students and enhance institutional retention efforts.
The Director of First Year Experience & Retention is responsible for providing leadership and strategic vision with overarching goals to deliver high-quality programs and services in partnership with university programs that support undergraduate student transitions from the admission enrollment process, orientation, and other events while fostering a sense of belonging and impacting student success and retention.
Duties Work closely with the Dean & Associate Dean of Students to advance university priorities for improved student persistence and a transformed first-year experience.
In cooperation with Student Life staff, develop and implement programs designed to increase personal, social, and academic connections among resident first and second-year students.
Work with Academic Support Services, the Career Center, and academic departments on transforming academic advising to support a transformed first-year experience.
Work with service offices to utilize a full range of campus resources to support first-year success.
Design, organize, and implement an annual Orientation that connects first-year students to each other and the University.
Serve under the Associate Dean of Students as a support counselor to first-year students, including oversight of the teams that lead Monday Matters (for males) and Tuesday Talks (for females).
Work with and advise the Dean of Students on translating the gains from a transformed first-year experience into improved student experiences during the sophomore year and in major programs.
Work with the Dean & Associate Dean of Students to oversee student leadership development.
Requirements: 3-5 years of experience working in a higher education environment.
A Master’s Degree in higher education/student affairs, or related field from an accredited college or university.
Commitment to customer service.
Ability to relate well with students, parents, and school administrators.
Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
Above-average written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
Energetic, student-centered, and team-oriented professional who has a demonstrated record of leadership and student organization advising Demonstrated ability to successfully balance, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in an active, fast-paced environment, while providing superior constituent service Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Ability and flexibility to handle multiple simultaneous projects, accommodate shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.
Preferred: A minimum of five years of professional work in or related to the experience in higher education.
Experience serving first-generation students, students of color and athletic populations.
Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to use MS Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
Knowledge of University processes, procedures, and policies.
Ability and experience supervising employees.
Education, Certification, Licenses • Required: Master’s degree from an accredited institution