Coordinator, Orientation Programs

Department: Student Experience

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

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SuccessFactors: Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

The department of Student Experience is committed to supporting all students at the University of Guelph. Student Experience houses many specialized supports for students identifying as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Black, racialized, people of colour, and/or members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community, and members of cultural, international, religious, and spiritual communities. We welcome applicants sharing through their application the ways in which they believe they can contribute to the diversity of thought, approach, and practice in Student Experience.

The Student Engagement and Leadership unit requires an experienced professional to oversee the design, delivery, and assessment of orientation and transition programs for first year undergraduate students that are responsive to emerging needs associated with student retention, persistence, and academic success as they transition to university. This work involves designing, implementing, and assessing events, presentations, workshops, and population-specific programming, both in-person and online.

Duties and Responsibilities

Oversight includes event management of Orientation Week, a collaborative campus-wide project with over 300 events, activities, and educational programs designed to introduce new students to the social, cultural, and academic communities at the University of Guelph. The Coordinator is responsible for bringing together over 125 event planners from departments, student groups, program counsellors, faculty members, and senior administrators to successfully facilitate an inclusive and accessible orientation experience; as well as implementing a risk management process for all Orientation Week events. The Coordinator plays a central role in maintaining the University’s positive reputation in a context where problems can occur.

This role involves developing and maintaining relationships with multiple stakeholders, including students and student groups, managers, Student Experience team members, and University of Guelph departments. A high degree of professionalism and discretion is required, in a fast paced and, at times, high stress environment, to quickly assess needs, respond to problems, resolve conflict, foster collaboration, and build consensus.

The Coordinator represents the department at a range of institutional events, meetings, and programs, and contributes to the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of a variety of areas within the Student Engagement and Leadership team. The incumbent participates in the development and implementation of action plans and associated budgets for the unit, including annual budgeting and forecasting processes, and oversees the orientation programming budget.

In collaboration with other staff in the department, the Coordinator recruits, hires, and trains 4-5 full-time summer student staff who plan and support pre-arrival, orientation, and transition programs. The Coordinator also supervises and provides direction to 5-12 Peer Helpers, and approximately 300 to 700 volunteers. The Coordinator reports to the Manager, Student Engagement and Leadership. This role involves some evening and weekend work, and is also required to work over the Labour Day weekend each year.

Requirements

• A Undergraduate degree (Master's degree preferred), or equivalent, in leadership, community development, college student personnel or a related field, coupled with a minimum of 3 years of progressive experience working in a youth, student or adult learning engagement function.

• Experience in program design, learning outcome development, and assessment.

• Experience in supervision of staff, with supervision of student staff an asset.

• Experience with designing, implementing, and evaluating training programs.
• Substantial knowledge of and practical experience working with event management and risk management processes.
• Experience in negotiating, problem solving, mediating, and resolving conflict.
• Experience in strategic thinking and program design.

• Ability to collaborate and lead amongst diverse groups.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including a high level of judgment and diplomacy.

• Skills to present in front of large groups in-person and online (e.g. 400+ people).

• A strong aptitude in written, verbal, and non-verbal communication.

• Intermediate level Microsoft365, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database management.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10530007
Classification: P&M FT- Band 04
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 12/11/2024
Closing Date: 01/01/2025