What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Affairs Program Specialist position at University of Wisconsin- River Falls?
Posting Details
Position Information
UW - System Position Title
Student Affairs Program Specialist
Business Title
FYE and Orientation Specialist
Major Department Code
Student Success (J890500)
Appointment Type
Academic Staff-Fixed Term Renewable
FLSA Status
Exempt
FTE (Percentage of Appointment)
100
Typical Working Schedule
Mon-Fri, 8:00 am- 4:30 pm, occasional nights and weekends.
Hybrid or On Campus
On Campus
Position Summary
Provides subject matter expertise in the development and execution of programs within the scope of student learning and development. Organizes the facilitation and development of curriculum design for on-going and new educational initiatives. Strives to create a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive work environment. This position oversees programs, events, and services for new and transfer students within the Division of Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment. Key duties include coordinating the Weeks of Welcome (Fall and Winter), managing Peer Success Coaches, maintaining communications with families, and collaborating with faculty and staff for smooth student transitions.
Responsibilities
Student Programming (45%)
- Creates and maintains schedules, logistics, and resources for one or multiple student affairs programs, activities, and/or services.
- Organizes student-focused programming and resources to promote new and ongoing educational initiatives.
- Serves as a subject matter expert regarding student affairs to internal and external stakeholders.
- Generates and analyzes reports of curricular and unit outcomes.
- Writes, edits, and publishes content for various communication projects and marketing platforms to align with strategic initiatives and established communication 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.
- Identify common needs and create support programming for new students.
- Manages budgets for programming goals.
Communication and Marketing (15%)
- Manages orientation and first-year experience communication with students, parents, and campus offices.
- Oversees social media for these programs, including supervising interns.
- Manages FYE and Orientation email inquiries.
Supervision of Student Leaders (25%)
- 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 Supporters Communication (15%)
- 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.
- Experience in student program planning and implementation, including leading large groups.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Proficiency in technology and databases.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and lead/evaluate student staff.
- Quick understanding of campus operations and services.
- Decision-making skills impacting multiple program areas.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Student Affairs or related field.
- Bilingual.
- Skills in program assessment, planning, and response implementation for staff efficiency with primary focus on participant experiences.
- Strong student success philosophy for first-year experience and orientation.
- Experience building programs with academic and faculty involvement.
- 2–3 years of experience in student affairs and transition programs.
- Knowledge of student development and transition theory.
- Self-driven and able to work independently.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
AAF01031
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
03/24/2025
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
03/03/2025
Closing Date
Applicant Review Date
03/18/2025
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
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)
Inquiries should be addressed to:
Shamani Shikawambi
Executive Director – Student Success & Search Chair
Shamani Shikawambi
Executive Director – Student Success & Search Chair
shamani.shikwambi@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 March 17, 2025.
Salary range: $44,000 – $46,000
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.
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, affirmative action employer subject to all state and federal regulations pertaining to non-discrimination based upon sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, age, arrest and/or conviction record, veteran or military status. All persons, especially women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of your identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
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
- Unofficial Transcripts
Salary : $44,000 - $46,000
