What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of New Student Programs, Office of Student Involvement position at Colgate University?
Posting Details
Position Information
Job Category Professional/Administrative
Position Title Assistant Director of New Student Programs, Office of Student Involvement
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Division Dean of the College
Department Office of Student Involvement
Hiring Wage/Salary Range $60,410 to $62,500
Professional Experience/ Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as higher education administration, education, social work, or counseling is required.
Certifications
Offer Determination
When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work nights and weekends as needed for programs and events.
Benefits
Other Information
Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page .
Department Statement
Colgate University, a selective, residential liberal arts university, seeks an energetic, motivated, and highly visible Assistant Director of New Student Programs within the Office of Student Involvement. Reporting to the Director of the Office of Student Involvement and working collaboratively with other deans and directors in the Dean of the College Division, the assistant director takes an active leadership role in developing students by providing intentional opportunities for engagement and aiding in the transitional needs of new students.
This is a distinctive opportunity for a professional who is interested in developing programs for new students, including new student orientation and first-year engagement. The Assistant Director of New Student Programs will implement a shared vision for new student orientation and first-year engagement in collaboration with the Director of Student Involvement and the Dean of Students. The Assistant Director will also partner with faculty and staff colleagues to plan and operationalize the University’s four-day orientation and first-year programming.
The Assistant Director will understand, and have an appreciation for, a residential liberal arts education; a passion for providing support and opportunities for Colgate’s students’ transition into college; an authentic appreciation for Colgate’s history and traditions, as well as a vision of its potential; and a deep commitment to the educational value of a diverse, inclusive, and equitable academic community.
COLGATE UNIVERSITY
Colgate was first founded in 1817 as The Baptist Education Society of the State of New York by 13 men with $13 and 13 prayers. The number 13 is still Colgate’s lucky number; Friday the 13th is always designated Colgate Day. New York State granted the school a formal charter in 1819, and the Baptists in New York City consolidated their seminary with the Hamilton school to form the Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution in 1823. In 1890, the school became Colgate University in honor of the enduring support from William Colgate and his family. The first African American students were admitted in the 1920s, and women were admitted in 1970.
Today, Colgate is a thriving, highly selective liberal arts institution located on a beautiful campus in Hamilton, New York. Located in the geographic center of New York State, Colgate’s campus boasts carefully preserved architecture, immaculate grounds, and a hillside setting, and is consistently named one of the most beautiful in the nation. It is this sense of place where students develop lifelong bonds and receive an education of national acclaim.
Faculty and staff, too, make intentional choices to live and work in Hamilton, New York and, as such, it is a scholarly community that is collectively focused on an undergraduate education and preparation that is uniquely Colgate.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Office of Student Involvement ( OSI ) uses a comprehensive advising and programming approach to support, educate, and develop inclusive, well-rounded student leaders. The Assistant Director plays an integral role in helping students explore and engage with their co-curricular involvement as an important component of their Colgate education. The mission of OSI is to provide engaging, dynamic, and equitable co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities that empower students to build community, discover their strengths, and pursue their interests.
Accountabilities
The Assistant Director of New Student Programs within the Office of Student Involvement is responsible for creating and/or coordinating a robust and comprehensive complement of programs to support new students in transitioning into and establishing a successful trajectory at Colgate, including new student orientation held during four days in August. The assistant director is responsible for developing a first-year and sophomore experience that is consistent and complementary to Colgate’s Residential Commons Program, a residential program that connects faculty with students outside of the classroom, introduces learning opportunities where students live, and seeks to build a community where all students feel a sense of belonging.
The Assistant Director will design programs for new students that are developmentally appropriate, holistic, and developed in close collaboration with various university stakeholders, including the staff within the Office of Student Involvement. This Assistant Director is also responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive four-day New Student Orientation program and working collaboratively with other colleagues within the Dean of the College division, who plan pre-orientation programs for first-generation students, transfer students, and international students, to make sure they are cohesive and complementary. The successful assistant director should have a passion for first and second-year student success.
New Student Programs Accountabilities:
Technical Competencies
Name Program Management
Description
Demonstrated expertise in program design, implementation, and assessment consistent with broader organizational guidelines and within the context of a small, private, residential, rural liberal arts college. Expertise with data and systems sufficient to identify key data tracking needs, identify quantitative trends and develop data-driven solutions. Connects intended program priorities, outcomes, and goals to divisional and institutional priorities, outcomes and goals.
Name Event Management
Description
Demonstrated expertise in event planning and implementation sufficient to ensure events meet University goals, and are held in compliance with University policies and procedures. Expertise in risk management sufficient to avoid material consequences to the University.
Name Student Development
Description
Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to consistently apply student development theory in the creation and development of programs as well as in advising responsibilities. Knowledge of best practices and ability to consistently apply these practices in advising responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to consistently identify and recognize legal and ethical principles of the profession.
Name Advising
Description
Demonstrated ability to consistently apply culturally appropriate advising, helping and coaching techniques while also recognizing the uniqueness of every individual. Demonstrated ability to accurately and consistently maintain confidentiality. Demonstrated ability to consistently follow crisis response protocol and consistently make appropriate decisions to initiate crisis intervention responses.
Name Operations Management
Description
Expertise in managing financial, technical, facilities, and human resources across assigned areas. Ability to develop budgets with strategic alignment to the goals of the division and act as a responsible steward of assigned University funds and facilities. Expertise in developing and delivering effective communications about the function with a broad range of campus partners. Knowledge of data and systems sufficient to identify and meet operational needs. Demonstrated ability to develop and apply policies, protocols, and workflows to support operational performance of department and functions within University guidelines.
Behavioral Competencies
Name Personal Accountability for Results
Description
Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.
Name Effective Communication
Description
Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.
Name Problem Solving and Decision Making
Description
Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.
Name Change Management
Description
Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.
Name Leadership and Teamwork
Description
Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.
Name Creativity and Innovation
Description
Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.
Name Diversity and Inclusion
Description
Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.
Name Sustainability
Description
Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university’s sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.
Posting Detail Information
Requisition Number 2025S030Posting
Temporary No
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week for 12 months
Job Open Date 03/27/2025
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions Summary
EEO Statement
The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
Clery Act
CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS
The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance . Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu .
Position Information
Job Category Professional/Administrative
Position Title Assistant Director of New Student Programs, Office of Student Involvement
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Division Dean of the College
Department Office of Student Involvement
Hiring Wage/Salary Range $60,410 to $62,500
Professional Experience/ Qualifications
- Two years of experience planning large and small events in a college/university setting;
- Demonstrated knowledge of facilities management;
- Experience advising student clubs and organizations;
- Ability to be detail-oriented;
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion;
- Ability to lead and manage a cross-functional, collaborative team;
- Strong oral and written communication skills;
- Knowledge of student development theory, student and student organization advising models;
- Masters degree in higher education, student affairs, or related field;
- Experience working closely with or leading orientation programs;
- Experience with student learning outcomes, assessment, and data-driven decision-making.
A Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as higher education administration, education, social work, or counseling is required.
Certifications
Offer Determination
When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work nights and weekends as needed for programs and events.
Benefits
Other Information
Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page .
Department Statement
Colgate University, a selective, residential liberal arts university, seeks an energetic, motivated, and highly visible Assistant Director of New Student Programs within the Office of Student Involvement. Reporting to the Director of the Office of Student Involvement and working collaboratively with other deans and directors in the Dean of the College Division, the assistant director takes an active leadership role in developing students by providing intentional opportunities for engagement and aiding in the transitional needs of new students.
This is a distinctive opportunity for a professional who is interested in developing programs for new students, including new student orientation and first-year engagement. The Assistant Director of New Student Programs will implement a shared vision for new student orientation and first-year engagement in collaboration with the Director of Student Involvement and the Dean of Students. The Assistant Director will also partner with faculty and staff colleagues to plan and operationalize the University’s four-day orientation and first-year programming.
The Assistant Director will understand, and have an appreciation for, a residential liberal arts education; a passion for providing support and opportunities for Colgate’s students’ transition into college; an authentic appreciation for Colgate’s history and traditions, as well as a vision of its potential; and a deep commitment to the educational value of a diverse, inclusive, and equitable academic community.
COLGATE UNIVERSITY
Colgate was first founded in 1817 as The Baptist Education Society of the State of New York by 13 men with $13 and 13 prayers. The number 13 is still Colgate’s lucky number; Friday the 13th is always designated Colgate Day. New York State granted the school a formal charter in 1819, and the Baptists in New York City consolidated their seminary with the Hamilton school to form the Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution in 1823. In 1890, the school became Colgate University in honor of the enduring support from William Colgate and his family. The first African American students were admitted in the 1920s, and women were admitted in 1970.
Today, Colgate is a thriving, highly selective liberal arts institution located on a beautiful campus in Hamilton, New York. Located in the geographic center of New York State, Colgate’s campus boasts carefully preserved architecture, immaculate grounds, and a hillside setting, and is consistently named one of the most beautiful in the nation. It is this sense of place where students develop lifelong bonds and receive an education of national acclaim.
Faculty and staff, too, make intentional choices to live and work in Hamilton, New York and, as such, it is a scholarly community that is collectively focused on an undergraduate education and preparation that is uniquely Colgate.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Office of Student Involvement ( OSI ) uses a comprehensive advising and programming approach to support, educate, and develop inclusive, well-rounded student leaders. The Assistant Director plays an integral role in helping students explore and engage with their co-curricular involvement as an important component of their Colgate education. The mission of OSI is to provide engaging, dynamic, and equitable co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities that empower students to build community, discover their strengths, and pursue their interests.
Accountabilities
The Assistant Director of New Student Programs within the Office of Student Involvement is responsible for creating and/or coordinating a robust and comprehensive complement of programs to support new students in transitioning into and establishing a successful trajectory at Colgate, including new student orientation held during four days in August. The assistant director is responsible for developing a first-year and sophomore experience that is consistent and complementary to Colgate’s Residential Commons Program, a residential program that connects faculty with students outside of the classroom, introduces learning opportunities where students live, and seeks to build a community where all students feel a sense of belonging.
The Assistant Director will design programs for new students that are developmentally appropriate, holistic, and developed in close collaboration with various university stakeholders, including the staff within the Office of Student Involvement. This Assistant Director is also responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive four-day New Student Orientation program and working collaboratively with other colleagues within the Dean of the College division, who plan pre-orientation programs for first-generation students, transfer students, and international students, to make sure they are cohesive and complementary. The successful assistant director should have a passion for first and second-year student success.
New Student Programs Accountabilities:
- Facilitate a collaborative approach to creating, developing, and implementing new student programs.
- Participate in a First-Year and Sophomore-Year Experience Advisory Board, composed of faculty and staff, which helps frame and guide first-year programs and opportunities.
- Promote opportunities for first-year students to become involved in student organization activities including positions of leadership, in collaboration with the Office of Student Involvement.
- Help plan and implement a New Student Orientation program, in close partnership with campus partners and the Dean of Students.
- Select, train, and supervise a group of upper-level ‘Link Staff,’ Colgate’s orientation leaders.
- Facilitate a collaborative approach to creating, developing and implementing programs for sophomore students.
- Throughout the sophomore year, create and promote opportunities for second-year students to become involved in student organization activities including positions of leadership.
- Serve as the primary adviser to a set of assigned student organizations.
- Co-lead the strategy and execution for evening and programming.
- Assist (as part of the OSI team) with developing, implementing, and assessing large, annual events for the campus community, involving students, staff, faculty, and alumni; including Welcome Week Events, Homecoming, Dancefest, Springfest, and other student and staff-initiated University-wide events.
- Select, train, and supervise OSI interns.
- Process financial payments and reports.
- Prepare reports, provide research, and complete projects as assigned.
- Participate in department-wide planning of programs and initiatives while collaborating with others to ensure high-quality events and services to students.
- Support the work of the department through committees, division or University task forces, and other special assignments;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Effective financial management of various budgets related to programming and new student orientation;
- Ensuring programs achieve positive, measurable outcomes that are aligned with divisional, departmental, and institutional priorities; and,
- Understanding and effectively communicating University policies.
Technical Competencies
Name Program Management
Description
Demonstrated expertise in program design, implementation, and assessment consistent with broader organizational guidelines and within the context of a small, private, residential, rural liberal arts college. Expertise with data and systems sufficient to identify key data tracking needs, identify quantitative trends and develop data-driven solutions. Connects intended program priorities, outcomes, and goals to divisional and institutional priorities, outcomes and goals.
Name Event Management
Description
Demonstrated expertise in event planning and implementation sufficient to ensure events meet University goals, and are held in compliance with University policies and procedures. Expertise in risk management sufficient to avoid material consequences to the University.
Name Student Development
Description
Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to consistently apply student development theory in the creation and development of programs as well as in advising responsibilities. Knowledge of best practices and ability to consistently apply these practices in advising responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to consistently identify and recognize legal and ethical principles of the profession.
Name Advising
Description
Demonstrated ability to consistently apply culturally appropriate advising, helping and coaching techniques while also recognizing the uniqueness of every individual. Demonstrated ability to accurately and consistently maintain confidentiality. Demonstrated ability to consistently follow crisis response protocol and consistently make appropriate decisions to initiate crisis intervention responses.
Name Operations Management
Description
Expertise in managing financial, technical, facilities, and human resources across assigned areas. Ability to develop budgets with strategic alignment to the goals of the division and act as a responsible steward of assigned University funds and facilities. Expertise in developing and delivering effective communications about the function with a broad range of campus partners. Knowledge of data and systems sufficient to identify and meet operational needs. Demonstrated ability to develop and apply policies, protocols, and workflows to support operational performance of department and functions within University guidelines.
Behavioral Competencies
Name Personal Accountability for Results
Description
Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.
Name Effective Communication
Description
Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.
Name Problem Solving and Decision Making
Description
Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.
Name Change Management
Description
Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.
Name Leadership and Teamwork
Description
Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.
Name Creativity and Innovation
Description
Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.
Name Diversity and Inclusion
Description
Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.
Name Sustainability
Description
Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university’s sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.
Posting Detail Information
Requisition Number 2025S030Posting
Temporary No
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week for 12 months
Job Open Date 03/27/2025
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions Summary
EEO Statement
The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
Clery Act
CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS
The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance . Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu .
Salary : $60,410 - $62,500
