Coordinator of New Student Programs
Company:
University of South Dakota
Job Location:
Vermillion, South Dakota
Category:
Student Affairs and Services
Type:
Full-Time
The Coordinator of New Student Programs supports the development, implementation, and assessment of first-year initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Student Activities and Multicultural Affairs, this twelve-month, in-person role collaborates closely with the Student Engagement team and campus partners to enhance the first-year student experience. Evening and weekend work is required.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the First Year Experience to foster belonging and connection among new students.
- Plan and execute New Student Orientation (August and January), including Pack Leader recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation; move-in coordination; and welcome programming.
- Support first-year transition initiatives, including leadership programs and life skills workshops, in collaboration with Student Engagement and the Opportunity Center.
- Coordinate major campus events such as Orientation, Welcome Week, Family Weekend, and serendipitous MUC events; develop a Family of the Year program.
- Use early-warning and CARE systems to follow up on student referrals, identify trends, and coordinate outreach.
- Advise the First-Generation Student Organization.
- Coordinate Student Engagement involvement in Admissions events, including parent panels, special visit days, tabling, and expanded programming for first-generation and at-risk students.
- Research and pursue grants that enhance new-student support, including summer bridge opportunities.
- Advise Dakotathon and recruit first-year and non-Greek participants.
- Oversee Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), including registration, new club onboarding, officer training, event support, risk management, and financial processes.
- Serve on university and ad hoc committees.
- Act as a positive mentor and role model for students and staff.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- 1–2 years of experience in a college/university setting
- Experience mentoring, coaching, or leading college-age students
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree
- Experience working with diverse student populations
- Supervisory experience
- Event planning and implementation experience
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills
- Experience developing and delivering training
