The Director of Student Activities and Orientation oversees the Office of Student Engagement and is responsible for assisting students in creating and encouraging campus-wide involvement, leadership development, providing a variety of activities and events, and enhancing the transition of students during their first year.
The University: McMurry University is a private, selective, liberal arts university founded in 1923 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. We are located on a beautiful 52-acre campus in the heart of Abilene, Texas. With over 1,100 undergraduate students, McMurry offers 45 majors, 40 clubs and organizations and 21 intercollegiate NCAA, Division III sports.
McMurry is deeply committed to building a community that embraces diversity and fosters equity and inclusion on our campus. We seek applicants who recognize diversity and cultural mindfulness as integral components of university excellence. We are looking for candidates who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and the advancement of distinctive perspectives at McMurry.
As an integral position within the Division of Student Affairs, the Director supports and administers many student development and campus life functions. The position directly supervises two Student Orientation Directors; recruits, selects, and trains approximately 20-30 Orientation Leaders and Peer Leaders, Campus Activities Board (CAB) officers, Social Club officers and members; oversees student organizations including the University’s social clubs; coordinates staff meetings; works with campus maintenance and environmental services and other campus departments; and oversees the Orientation and Student Activities budgets. This position partners with the Academic Affairs staff on the new student orientation program and works closely with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs – Student Success and the Director of Servant Leadership and the First Year Experience.
The Director serves on various University committees, addresses individual student problems; advises Campus Activities Board, Orientation Leaders, and other student groups and organizations; develops programs within living/learning environments; develops co-curricular programming; and manages the Student Activities and Orientation operations.
As a key member of the Student Affairs team, there are opportunities to assist in the operations of other Student Affairs areas and programs. This is a full time, 12-month, live-off position. The Director reports to the Dean of Students & Campus Life.
Major/Essential Duties of the Job:
A. Student Activities & Student Organizations
1. Advise the Campus Activities Board (CAB).
2. Work with CAB to support student-sponsored events and activities and provide activities for the campus community.
3. Attend campus programs and events.
4. Provide a variety of co-sponsored programs throughout the Division and University. Partner in programming with colleagues in areas such as Counseling, Heath Services, Servant Leadership, First Year Experience, Title IX, Wellness & Recreation, among other campus departments.
5. Develop and deliver a student leadership program that will serve the student organizations on campus.
6. Provides leadership training for student organizations during the academic year, including the annual student organization recognition process and risk management training with the assistance of other staff members in the Division.
7. Serve as a source of information for students, alumni, parents, administrators, faculty, and staff.
8. Provide direction and collaborate with other University partners on traditional University programs such as family weekend, homecoming, Athletic Department/scholar-athlete engagement, campus holiday programming, etc.
9. Assist with the planning, organizing, promotion, and presentation of co-curricular activities for students that focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and cultural sensitivity and awareness.
B. New Student Orientation/ Support for Students in the First Year
1. With a committee, coordinate and implement the Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) programs during the summer, including family programs.
2. Coordinate and implement War Hawk Welcome Week (extended orientation) program in August.
3. Partner with the faculty first year experience director to administer the first-year seminar program.
4. Partner with the faculty first year experience director to oversee the recruitment, selection, training, oversight, and leadership development of the student Co-Directors, Orientation Leaders and the Peer Leaders for the First-Year Seminar.
5. Partner with the servant leadership director to coordinate curricular and co-curricular student leadership programs.
6. Provide activities and programs designed to introduce students to college life and McMurry University with programming for first-year students throughout the fall and spring semester.
7. Develop, administer and provide oversight of family programming including Family Weekend.
C. Administrative
1. The Director is required to work evenings and weekends during CAB and social club events, and may be called upon to work on inter-departmental projects.
2. Participate in University and departmental committee work and projects, providing leadership when appropriate. Coordinate or assist with assigned student affairs responsibilities, such as: advising the women’s or men’s Interclub Council, student groups, or social clubs; designing and developing publications; and facilitating workshops and campus-wide activities.
3. Monitor department, Student Activities, Interclub (Social Clubs) and New Student Orientation budgets.
4. Assist with the coordination of Homecoming weekend and the annual student leadership award ceremony.
5. Complete other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Dean of Students & Campus Life.
Bachelor’s degree required. Prior supervision of paraprofessional staff at the university level and strong skills in written and oral communication, group facilitation, and program presentation preferred. Computer literacy in the Microsoft Office environment and an understanding of assessment and research methods helpful. Ability to work evenings and weekends is mandatory. Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and abilities to effectively lead and collaborate with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and administrators are essential. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Experience with Jenzabar and Microsoft products. Flexible work schedule (evenings and weekends) and an outstanding work ethic. Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary.
Master’s degree in student affairs administration, higher education, counseling, or closely related field and a minimum of one year of experience in student activities, Greek life or other student affairs/development area preferred.
McMurry University is a vibrant and comprehensive higher-education institution with outstanding academics. At McMurry, you’ll find a welcoming, friendly, and supportive campus community. You’ll experience personalized and interactive learning while growing personally and gaining independence. Friendships will be developed that will last a lifetime.
McMurry is celebrating its Centennial in 2023, founded in 1923 as a Methodist institution affiliated with what is now The United Methodist Church. McMurry enrolls more than 1,100+ students with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. No graduate assistants teach courses, and 77% of our professors have achieved the highest degree in their academic discipline. You’ll experience nationally recognized liberal arts and sciences education while preparing for a fulfilling career and a life of purpose.
