Director of Student Programs and Engagement

Location

Hickory, North Carolina

The Director of New Student Programs and Engagement serves as a key leader within the Student Experience Leadership Team. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Students, the director provides leadership for new student transition programs, campus engagement initiatives, and signature experiences that support student success, belonging, and retention.

The director oversees orientation programs, Welcome Weekend, first‑year and transfer student initiatives, Family Weekend, and other major campus events designed to connect students and families to the university community. The position also advises the Campus Activities Board and collaborates closely with campus partners and external vendors to develop and execute engaging, inclusive, and student‑centered programming that enhances the overall student experience.

• Undergraduate and graduate student employees

• Provide leadership for all new student transition initiatives including orientation, Welcome Weekend, transfer transition programming, and first‑year engagement efforts.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive orientation experience for new students and families that supports student success and connection to the university community.
• Supervise and advise the Campus Activities Board in the planning and execution of campus‑wide programs and traditions.
• Lead the planning and coordination of major university events including Family Weekend, Welcome Weekend and Week, and other signature campus traditions.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor orientation leaders and student programming boards.
• Collaborate with campus partners to support successful student transition and engagement efforts.
• Develop innovative engagement opportunities that increase participation and strengthen campus community.
• Assess program effectiveness through student feedback, participation data, and retention metrics to improve the student experience.
• Manage departmental budgets, contracts, vendors, and event logistics associated with major campus programming.
• Serve on university committees as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned by the direct supervisor or divisional vice president.

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in progress or completed is preferred.
• Experience supervising full‑time professional staff or graduate assistants.
• Experience with planning orientation and large‑scale campus events.
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in higher education student support services and engagement.
• Commitment to confidentiality and adherence to laws and policies governing student services.
• Dedication to student and family support and serving a variety of student and family populations.
• Proven ability to lead collaborative efforts among various constituencies.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Skilled in handling sensitive and confidential situations with professionalism and diplomacy.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to travel with students, faculty, and staff throughout campus.
• Standard office hours Monday‑Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend hours based on demand.

• Maintain high integrity, confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment.
• Maintain and contribute to a professional, respectful, courteous, diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
• Treat other individuals with dignity, respect and kindness.
• Adhere to all university policies, procedures, standards, and values, and comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

Lenoir‑Rhyne University is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. LR is committed to creating a safe campus environment for all members of the LR community, including, but not limited to, those who identify as transgender and gender non‑conforming. To that end, LR does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including sex stereotypes and sex characteristics), ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Lenoir‑Rhyne University reserves the right to modify, add, remove or waive the position's responsibilities, duties, and skills required.