Job Title: Orientation & Transition Coordinator
Location: Niagara Falls, ON (onsite)
Reports To: Student Experience Manager
Position Summary
Under the direction of Student Experience Manager, the Orientation & Transition Coordinator is responsible for the development and implementation of orientation programs and initiatives designed to aid students in their transition to the UNF community. Using student development theory, best practices, and assessment initiatives, the Orientation & Transition Coordinator plays a pivotal role in creating a vibrant campus environment. This role ensures the delivery of key learning objectives related to orientation and transition, fostering a sense of belonging, well-being, and academic preparedness among students.
The Orientation & Transition Coordinator collaborates closely within a team of Student Success Office staff, as well as other colleagues across various departments at UNF, to collectively provide robust support for students. This includes working on initiatives that address academic, social, and personal aspects of student life, ensuring their smooth transition, holistic development, and ultimate success at UNF. Additionally, the coordinator actively engages with student leaders, faculty, and external partners to enhance the orientation experience and promote a thriving campus community.
Responsibilities
- Develop a comprehensive orientation and transition curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students, in collaboration with Student Success colleagues, utilizing data, current research, student development theory, and best practices.
- Lead Orientation programming for students at UNF, including academic, social, and transition activities both in-person and virtually, such as New Student Orientation (NSO).
- Coordinate Pre-Arrival Orientation and other transition programs and initiatives.
- Liaise and manage complex relationships with campus partners (including the Orientation Working Group, Registrar’s Office, Recruitment, Admissions, Community Engagement, Centre for Teaching Excellence, Facilities, and Academic Leaders) for orientation programs and ongoing collaboration.
- Coordinate communication and ensure a unified message to students related to orientation and transition programs, including website updates, newsletters, and social media.
- Oversee operational and logistical details of highly complex and large-scale programs (e.g. New Student Orientation, welcome fairs).
- Manage relationships with campus and external partners, including speakers, workshop facilitators, facilities management, and external contractors for orientation/transition events.
- Ensure risk assessment of programs, budget management, and the ongoing evolution of programs.
- Chair the Orientation Working Group for new student orientation.
- Develop and/or support additional new student transition support programming as needed, in conjunction with other Student Success Office staff. Such programming can include peer support, calling campaigns, online university preparation, etc.
- Supervise volunteer Student Orientation Leaders
- Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of orientation and transition programs and suggest improvements
- Collaborate closely with Student Success Office colleagues to provide integrated student services, supports, and resources to UNF students.
- Participate in a weekly rotation on the information desk, providing front-line student support, addressing queries and concerns, and making referrals as necessary.
- Be available for some evening and weekend work, such as during student orientation.
Qualifications and Experience
- Demonstrates effective prioritization and decision-making in high-pressure environments. Capable of handling diverse situations, multiple projects, and rapidly changing priorities.
- Exhibits excellent collaboration and partnership development skills, building trust and cooperation with various stakeholders.
- Possesses strong presentation and interpersonal skills, influencing others with empathy and political acumen.
- Demonstrates exceptional customer service/student-centric skills in handling inquiries and resolving issues.
- Possesses creative problem-solving abilities and exercises sound professional judgment, especially in handling confidential/sensitive matters.
- Demonstrates intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office, with a quick learning ability for new programs.
- Exhibits proficiency in facilitating training sessions, showcasing strong presentation skills.
- Maintains flexibility and willingness to work outside regular business hours to meet organizational needs.
Education and Experience
- Successfully completed post-secondary degree/diploma in a related field.
- Additional education and training in student development theory and the field of education an asset.
- Minimum three (3) years’ experience in student services, preferably at the post-secondary level
- Experience working with people in an advisory or customer service role in a busy and multifaceted team, providing confidential, responsive, helpful, and friendly service.
- Experience supporting operations in a college/university environment, large-scale event planning and event coordination.
- Must be able to work several weekends, evenings, and required holidays during New Student Orientation
Diversity, inclusion and equity
The University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity within its community and especially invites applications from all qualified candidates. Racialized persons / persons of color, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas are encouraged to apply.
We recognize that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, UNF will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, please advise jobs@unfc.ca to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
We are situated on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Hatiwendaronk and Anishinaabe peoples. We also acknowledge the many other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who call this region home.
We commit to building relationships based on respect, reciprocity, and reconciliation as we work, learn, and gather on this land. Furthermore, we acknowledge that the Niagara Region is situated on treaty land, and we stand with all Indigenous peoples, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live.
Learn more about the University of Niagara Falls Canada at our website .