What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Affairs Manager - New Students Transition Manager position at University of Wisconsin- River Falls?
Posting Details
Position Information
UW - System Position Title
Student Affairs Manager - New Students Transition Manager
Business Title
New Students Transition Manager
Major Department Code
Student Success (J890500)
Appointment Type
Academic Staff-Fixed Term Renewable
FLSA Status
Exempt
FTE (Percentage of Appointment)
100
Typical Working Schedule
M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Occasional evenings and weekends.
Hybrid or On Campus
On Campus
Position Summary
Oversees the daily management of programs, services, activities, facilities, policies, and/or processes in order to support student success in various areas of student affairs. Works under broad, administrative direction with significant responsibility for assigned area(s) of responsibility. Responds to inquiries from university departments, educational institutions, the community, and/or external agencies. Strives to create a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive work environment. The New Students Transition Manager supports new and transfer students, focusing on orientation, co-curricular programs, and transition support to promote academic success and community integration. Key duties include coordinating Weeks of Welcome, managing Peer Success Coaches, maintaining family communications, and collaborating with faculty and staff. The role also provides expertise in student learning, curriculum development, and fosters an inclusive, equitable learning environment.
Responsibilities
Student Programming
- Plans, organizes, administers, and manages processes and operations related to assigned area(s) of responsibility.
- Monitors, evaluates, and modifies processes, procedures, and/or standards, ensuring alignment with the Institution’s mission, values, goals, and objectives, as well as all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
- Advises and enforces Institution policies related to services in Student Affairs
- Serves as the program or unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups.
- Schedules planning and secures resources to support the operational plans of the program or unit.
- Monitor the program budget and approve expenditures.
- Exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees.
- Creates and maintains schedules, planning, and resources for programs, activities, and services, while organizing student-focused programming and resources to promote both new and ongoing educational initiatives.
- Generates and analyzes reports on curricular outcomes and creates content for communication projects, aligning with strategic initiatives and campaigns.
- Develops, implements, and coordinates comprehensive orientation and first-year experience programs, including academic advising, social events, workshops, and peer mentoring.
- Leads Weeks of Welcome (Fall & Winter) and works with campus partners to foster belonging and support retention.
Communication and Marketing
- Manages orientation and first-year experience communication with students, parents, and campus offices.
Oversees social media for these programs, including supervising interns.
- Manages First Year Experience (FYE) and Orientation email inquiries.
Supervision of Student Leaders
- Recruits, trains, and supervises student leaders.
- Supports and advises Peer Success Coaches (PSC) and Orientation Leaders (OL).
- Tracks student engagement and connects students to resources through EAB Navigate.
Family and Supports Communications
- Coordinates weekly communication with families via a parent engagement platform.
- Writes, edits, and publishes content for various projects.
- Aligns messaging across stakeholders.
- Collaborates with University Communications & Marketing to ensure consistent messaging across communication channels.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree
- At least 2-3 years of experience in student affairs, program management, or related roles, particularly in first-year experience or orientation programming.
- Strong understanding of student learning and development theories, especially in the context of transition and retention for new students.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
- A demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all students.
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends, especially during key events like orientation and welcome weeks.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in student affairs or related field.
- Experience managing and mentoring staff or student workers, focusing on program planning and assessment.
- Ability to design and execute large-scale events, such as orientations and welcome weeks.
- Strong student success philosophy, especially for first-year students, with academic and faculty involvement.
- Proficient with student success software (e.g., EAB Navigate), LMS, and virtual meeting platforms.
- Strong teamwork, collaboration, and ability to work independently across departments.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
AAF01041
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
04/21/2025
Closing Date
Applicant Review Date
05/06/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:
- Resume
- Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)
Inquiries should be addressed to:
Sarah Jakupciak
Sarah Jakupciak
Search Chair
sarah.jakupciak@uwrf.edu
Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before May 5, 2025.
The salary range is $55,000 to $58,000 depending on experience.
Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.95%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.
Legal Notices
EEO/AA Statement
UW-River Falls is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
Title IX Notice
As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at titleix@uwrf.edu; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see uwrf.edu/titleIX.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy.
Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. Final candidates will be required to provide three professional references with at least one being a prior supervisor. Misconduct checks will be completed and a personnel file review for any University of Wisconsin or State employee within the past seven years prior to hire per UW System Administrative Policy 1275.
Other Notices
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- References
Salary : $55,000 - $58,000
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