Director of Orientation and First Year Experience - ...

Another Source is proud to partner with Denison University on a high-impact leadership role shaping how students transition into—and thrive within—a top liberal arts institution.This position leads orientation and first-year experience strategy, working closely with faculty, Student Life, and campus leadership to drive student success, belonging, and retention. You’ll lead a team of two in a highly engaged campus community where students are deeply involved, social, and known by name, with strong faculty partnership across the institution.Why this role stands out:Opportunity to enhance and evolve established programsDeep collaboration with faculty and academic partnersLead and develop a dedicated teamChance to help build a new Sophomore Experience initiativeIf you’re passionate about student engagement and ready to make a meaningful impact, let’s connect. Relocation support available.Another Source’s client,Denison University, is recruiting aDirector of Orientation and First-Year Experienceto join their team in Granville, Ohio. This role plays a key part in shaping thestudentexperience, working closely with faculty and campus partners to support student transition, engagement, and success.Here’sa little aboutDenisonUniversityand the position they are recruiting for: Denison University is a private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics,strong senseof community, and commitment to developing the whole student. Located in Granville, Ohio—just outside Columbus—Denison serves approximately 2,400 students and is recognized for its residential campus experience, personalized education, and focus on preparing students for lives of purpose and leadership.With an emphasis on intellectual curiosity, global perspective, and student engagement, Denison fosters an environment where students are deeply connected to both academic and co-curricular experiences. The university continues to invest in student success initiatives that enhance belonging, retention, and overall student experience.Your ImpactThis is a high-impact leadership opportunity to shape how students experience their transition into college—and beyond. As Director of Orientation and First-Year Experience, you will lead the strategy, design, and execution of programs that set the foundation for student success at Denison.This role sits at the center of student life and academic collaboration, partnering across campus to create a cohesive and engaging experience for first-year and sophomore students.You’llhave the opportunity to influence retention, belonging, and student development through innovative programming, data-informed decision-making, and strong cross-campus partnerships.What you will be doing:Lead the vision, strategy, and execution of comprehensive orientation programs for first-year and transfer studentsDesign and implement a year-long First-Year Experience (FYE) program that supports academic success, social integration, and personal developmentPartner with faculty, the Provost’s Office, and campus stakeholders to integrate academic and co-curricular experiences into orientation and FYE programmingCreate inclusive, engaging programming that fosters belonging, curiosity, and community connectionOversee assessment strategies, using data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform continuous improvementManage program budgets, timelines, and overall operations for orientation and transition initiativesSupervise and develop staff and student leaders supporting orientation and FYE effortsSupport sophomore student engagement initiatives to sustain momentum beyond the first yearParticipate in an on-call rotation and support key campus events, including evenings and weekends as neededWhat you will bring:Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related field5+ years of professional experience in higher education or student affairsUnderstanding of the first-year experience within a residential liberal arts college environmentKnowledge of best practices supporting student transition, engagement, and retentionDemonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and familiesStrong project management, organizational, and communication skillsExperience supervising professional or student staffAbility to manage multiple priorities and execute complex programsProficiencywith Microsoft Office and Google Workspace toolsPreferred Qualifications:7+ years of experience in higher education or student affairsExperience developing andfacilitatingworkshops or student programmingWhat'sin it for you:Salary range: $88,000 - $93,000; relocation support availableOpportunity to shape the student experience at a highly regarded liberal arts institutionCollaborative campus culture with strong cross-functional partnershipsAccess to a vibrant residential campus community and professional development opportunitiesTo learn more about benefits, please visit:https://denison.edu/campus/human-resources/benefits-programsApplication Process:All applications must include a cover letter and contact information for at least three professional references at the time of submission. Applications received by May5th will receive full consideration.Equal Employment Opportunity:Denison University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by lawAnother Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis, to maximize the recruiting process. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As youread throughthe job posting and review the list of qualifications (requiredand/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.#AS1

Created: 2026-04-13