Career Center

BASIC FUNCTION:  
The Director of First-Year Experience (FYE) leads the coordination of intentional and impactful transition support efforts for all new students to Salve Regina University. The Director will provide vision, strategic direction, and accountability for developing programs that support undergraduates' personal and academic transition to college life, including a 1-credit course founded in the Mercy mission that incorporates high-impact practices to enhance the cohesion of the First Year Experience. As a co-chair of orientation for new students, the Director of FYE will partner with the Director of Student Engagement to cultivate a sense of belonging for all new Salve students through programming that will position them to flourish. This position will play a vital role in the success of the first-year foundation programs within the Salve Signature Experience. In alignment with Salve's Mercy Mission, Division of Student Affairs pillars, and CAS Standards on First Year Experience, this position will coordinate and facilitate efforts to provide a holistic approach to addressing challenges students encounter in their first year and accompanying them in their adjustment to Salve Regina.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the lead in working with campus partners to provide operational coordination for year-long programming across campus for first-year students that help to deepen connections and establish belonging within the Salve community
• Recruit, train, and support instructors and peer mentors for all sections of the First Year Experience course
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of the Signature Experience to design assessment efforts that demonstrate growth and improvement
• Partner with Student Success Team members to support a collaborative approach in a holistic advising model for all students that aligns the work of Office of Advising, FYE program curriculum, FYE instructors and peer mentors.
• Create and assess high-impact practices embedded in programming, specifically in regards to student retention and satisfaction
• Provide leadership as a co-chair of New Seahawk Orientation with the Director of Student Engagement to create, plan, and implement comprehensive programs at the start of each semester
• Partner with faculty and staff to establish a robust and engaging fall and spring onboarding process for student leaders, including the preparation of resources and workshops
• Create a weekly newsletter for various partners across campus (students, success team members, FYT instructors, peer mentors) that shares FYT curriculum topics each week, in addition to opportunities for students (campus and community events, service opportunities, etc.)
• Utilize Seahawk Connection, the University's Engagement platform, to ensure students are aware of campus events
• Serve as a member of the University's CARE team to support students experiencing transitional challenges
• Manage office budgets in support of annual programming goals and outcomes

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:
Valid driver's license required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The incumbent is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or related field required; Minimum of 3-5 years experience working in a higher education setting with new student programs. Ability to plan, implement and evaluate student support programs. Strong record of productive and collaborative working relationships required. Ability to support and identify the needs of diverse populations. Strong oral and written communication skills. Sound organizational skills with attention to detail. Experience instructing first year students and designing program curriculum preferred.

Salve Regina University offers generous benefits to eligible employees including:

• health and dental coverage
• life insurance
• long-term disability
• 403B plan
• tuition benefits and more

Salve Regina University strives to provide equal opportunity in employment and education to all employees, students and applicants. No employee, student or applicant shall be discriminated against or harassed on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, age, marital or parental status, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal or state law, in the administration of Salve Regina's employment policies, education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University administered programs. In accordance with Title IX, it does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its educational programs or activities. Salve Regina is also committed to making its programs and campus accessible to its visitors and compliant with all applicable non-discrimination laws.