Director of First Year Experience
Columbia State Community College is seeking a dynamic Director of First Year Experience.
The Director of First Year Experience provides strategic leadership, planning, and management for initiatives aimed at supporting the transition, retention, and success of first-year students at Columbia State Community College. This position oversees programs such as new student orientation, registration, advising, peer mentoring, and college success initiatives while collaborating with various departments to ensure a comprehensive and impactful first-year experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Leadership and Planning:
- Direct and plan the First Year Experience program, encompassing new student orientation, first-year advising, peer mentoring, and new student retention initiatives.
- Establish, evaluate, and refine content and learning outcomes for new student orientation and college success courses.
- Implement evidence-based strategies to enhance student engagement, retention, and success during their first year.
- Prepare reports and presentations for institutional leadership on the impact and effectiveness of the first-year program.
Supervision and Collaboration:
- In conjunction with the Coordinator of College Success Advisors and the Associate Vice President of Faculty and Programs, collaborate on the creation and execution of a college-wide success advising plan, including onboarding and training of all advisors.
- Coordinate logistics for in-person, online, and hybrid orientation sessions, including scheduling, staffing, and communication with students with ROAGE Coordinator
- Coordinate hiring, training, and placement of COLS 101 instructors.
- Collaborate with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to coordinate First Year Experience programs and events, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
- Assist in the establishment of community service opportunities for first-year students.
Program Management and Development:
- Manage new student registration programs and events in coordination with the ROAGE Coordinator.
- Develop and implement a peer leader/mentoring program designed to support and enhance the first-year student experience.
- Partner with faculty to develop and revise course materials to address the needs of the first-year student population.
- Collect and analyze data on student outcomes in the seminar course to inform improvements
- Monitor program effectiveness through assessment and continuous improvement initiatives.
Budget and Resource Management:
- Oversee and manage budgets for the following areas:
- New Student Orientation
- College Success Advising
- College Success Courses (COLS 101)
- First Year Experience
- Peer Mentoring Program
- Graduation Programs and Events
Key Competencies:
- Strategic planning and vision for enhancing the first-year student experience.
- Ability to assess and respond to the evolving needs of first-year students.
- Commitment to innovation and creativity in programming and services.
- Budget management expertise and resource allocation proficiency.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in program development and management, preferably in a higher education setting.
- Proven track record in developing and implementing student retention and success initiatives.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in supervising professional staff.
- Experience in managing onboarding, registration, and retention programming
- Familiarity with first-year experience best practices and student development theory.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across academic and student affairs divisions.
Supplemental Functions:
- Provide services to sites as directed
- Participate in college wide recruitment activities as directed
- Support new student orientation as directed
- Perform other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, abilities and Work Characteristics:
- Ability to solve complex problems and manage responsibilities with minimal supervision.
- Excellent interpersonal skills;
- Knowledge of personal counseling, career counseling, and testing; conflict-resolution and referral skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
- Excellent presentation skills.
- Ability to work with diverse faculty, staff, students, and community members.
- Ability to work well as an effective team member.
- Computer, office management, and organizational skills.
- Excellent recordkeeping/case management skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.;
- Experience with Banner Software is a plus;
- Experience with Banner Document Management System is a plus;
- Experience with Case Management platform such as Slate is a plus
Working Conditions:
- Work schedule is 37.5 hours Monday through Friday. Schedule flexibility including evening and weekend hours may be required.
- Ability to travel to sites and centers within 9-county service area; ability to travel to meetings as needed.
- Normal sitting and movement in an office environment.
- Visual and hand usage of personal computer.
Titles Supervised:
Coordinator of Registration, Orientation, Advising, and Graduation Events (ROAGE)
Coordinator College Success Advisors
Student Workers
Hiring Salary Range: $63,400-$79,250
This position is based at the Columbia, TN Campus.
About Columbia State Community College:
As Tennessee’s first community college (established in 1966), Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five of our campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents. Columbia State is known for excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
Columbia State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:
- Vacation and Sick Leave
- 14 paid holidays
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- Retirement plans
- Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
- Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents
Columbia State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other category protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:
Executive Director of Human Resources
humanresources@columbiastate.edu
1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
931-540-2501