Director New Student and Family Programs

California State University, Long Beach

$95K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years in managerial role; higher education experience preferred
  • 3+ years in first-year experience and orientation or related field
  • Proven skills in collaborative planning and program evaluation
  • Experience with budgeting and financial analysis
  • Demonstrated ability in strategic planning and organizational politics
  • Master's degree preferred

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage New Student and Family Programs for First and Second Year Students
  • Supervise staff and resources for orientation and first-year programming
  • Oversee parent and family engagement programs
  • Recruit, train, and support first-year advisors and mentors
  • Develop strategic plans and assess departmental services
  • Collaborate across campus to enhance student success initiatives

Benefits

  • Up to 24 vacation days and 14 paid holidays annually
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Participation in CalPERS retirement and voluntary savings options
  • Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees
  • Confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
  • Wellness programs and professional development opportunities
Full Job Description
Job Summary

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, the Director of New Student and Family Programs is responsible for the vision, leadership, strategic direction, administration, and supervision of the department in designing, implementing and administering services that are equitable, inclusive and provide culturally sensitive services that enhance the quality of campus life. This will be done through orientation, First-Year-Experience, intentional efforts geared towards second year students and programming for families along with other innovative programs to build a stronger sense of belonging to help increase our retention and graduation rates. Additionally, the position oversees strategic planning efforts, goal setting processes, assessment of department services and programs, and the creation and implementation of student learning outcomes in alignment with the goals of the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) and the University. The Director will work collaboratively throughout DSA and across campus, including the Advising, Enrollment Services, and Institutional Research to ensure that data is collected and utilized for programmatic effectiveness and focused on student success.

Key Responsibilities
  • Leadership & Management of New Student and Family Programs to include First and Second Year Students
    • Direct all staff and resources to plan, implement and evaluate programs to provide all incoming CSULB students with orientation along with an intentional first year and second year experience.
    • Direct staff and resources to plan, implement, and evaluate parent and family programs. Provide direct supervision of staff.
  • Advising/Mentoring/Coaching
    • Supervises first year advising/mentoring/coaching program, including recruitment, training, and support of first year advisors/mentors/coaches.


Department

New Student and Family Programs

Duration of Appointment

This is a regular, at-will position.

Classification

Administrator I

Compensation

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department's fiscal resources.
  • Hiring Range: The hiring range for this position is up to $7,916.00 per month commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.


Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being.

To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that can include:
  • Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
  • Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
  • Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
  • Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This position is a strategic and collaborative student affairs leader with experience overseeing new student transition, orientation, family engagement, and first- and second-year experience programs. They provide leadership for personnel, budgets, assessment, and program development while ensuring alignment with divisional and university priorities. This individual builds strong campus partnerships to create a seamless and engaging student experience, leads large-scale orientation and welcome initiatives, and uses data-informed practices to enhance student belonging, engagement, persistence, and success. They are committed to inclusive excellence, support culturally responsive programming, expand outreach to diverse student and family populations, and leverage technology to deliver accessible and effective services. They also serve as an effective representative of the department, leading committees and collaborating across the university to advance student success initiatives.

Additionally, the ideal candidate has experience leading advising, mentoring, and coaching programs that promote student success and retention. They are adept at recruiting, training, supervising, and supporting advisors, mentors, and coaches while ensuring targeted outreach and individualized support for first-year students. They demonstrate a student-centered approach to helping students navigate academic and personal challenges through proactive interventions, action planning, and appropriate referrals to campus resources.

The successful candidate is committed to student well-being, compliance, and accountability, including serving as a Campus Security Authority under the Clery Act and applicable university policies. They maintain a high level of professionalism, responsiveness, and sound judgment in addressing student needs, supporting students in crisis, and fulfilling all reporting responsibilities while contributing to the overall success of the institution and performing additional duties as assigned.

Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Education and Experience
• Five years of experience in managerial role required, in higher education preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in first year experience and orientation or a closely related field.
• Experience in collaborative planning, implementing and program evaluation.
• Experience with budgeting and cost analysis.
• Experience of progressively responsible student affairs work.
• Experience in developing strategic plans.
• Experience working effectively with the politics of a complex organization.
• Master's Degree preferred.

Licenses / Certificates
• Valid CA Driver's License required for operating university vehicles to travel on university business. Employees who are required to operate motorized vehicles and/or use their personal vehicle more than once a month on University business are required to take a mandatory Defensive Driving course and enroll in the DMV Employee Pull Notice (EPN) Program.

Application Procedures

Click "Apply Now" to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.

Please fill out the application completely. It is important that all sections of the online application are completed fully and accurately. Be sure to include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Physical Summary

Light work - Job involves some lifting of medium weight objects (10-20 pounds) and/or 10% - 20% of the job involves standing or walking.

Additional Information

CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

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