The Associate Director of Operations for Orientation and New Student Programs plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale events, including New Student Orientation and special programs that serve over 10,000 students and guests annually. This position is responsible for ensuring that all events and programs are executed efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with the university's mission to provide an exceptional student experience. The Associate Director will work closely with the Director, other university departments, and external partners to deliver high-impact, seamless events for first-year students and their families.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Program Development:
Contribute to the strategic planning and development of new programs and initiatives that enhance the orientation experience for students and their families.
Identify opportunities for innovation in event planning and delivery, staying current with industry trends and best practices.
Assist in the creation and management of communication strategies to promote orientation events and programs to students, parents, and the broader campus community.
Operations and Logistics Management:
Develop and oversee event timelines, budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.
Implement best practices for large-scale event logistics, including registration processes, attendee flow, and crowd management.
Ensure compliance with university policies, safety standards, and accessibility requirements across all events and programs.
Utilize data and feedback to assess the effectiveness of events and programs, making continuous improvements to enhance the student and guest experience.
Team Leadership and Collaboration:
Supervise and mentor a team of event coordinators, student workers, and volunteers, providing guidance and support to ensure successful event delivery.
Collaborate with university departments, including Academic Affairs, Student Life, Housing, and Facilities, to ensure cohesive program execution.
Serve as a key liaison between the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs and external partners, fostering strong relationships to support event goals.
Event Planning and Execution:
Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of New Student Orientation, ensuring that all logistical aspects are managed effectively to accommodate over 10,000 students and guests.
Oversee the development and implementation of large-scale events designed to support first-year students' transition to university life.
Manage special programs and tasks within the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs, ensuring all initiatives are aligned with strategic goals.
Coordinate with campus partners, vendors, and service providers to ensure all event needs (e.g., venues, catering, transportation, technology) are met. |