Director - First Year Experience Program

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of First Year Experience Program serves as a strategic leader responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive programming that supports undergraduate first-year students in their successful transition to university life. This position requires collaborative partnership with Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, Global Experience Office, and Student Life across the network to create an integrated approach to first-year student success and support for students academically at risk. The Director will foster student autonomy, self-advocacy skills, and community building while providing targeted support for academically at-risk students through evidence-based interventions addressing belonging, wellness, stress management, and academic achievement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, Education, or related field required.

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in higher education with direct responsibility for student success programming or academic advising

• Demonstrated experience working with first-year students

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills

• Experience with data analysis, program assessment, and outcome measurement

• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations

• Ability to build community and collaboration across college and university student support services teams.

Preferred:

• Experience at highly selective or research-intensive institutions

• Background in academic advising or student support services

• Knowledge of mental health and wellness programming for college students

• Experience with crisis intervention and at-risk student support

• Familiarity with learning management systems and student information systems

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Program Leadership and Development (20%)

Lead the comprehensive design and continuous improvement of the First Year Experience Program, establishing clear learning outcomes and assessment metrics aligned with institutional goals. Develop and implement strategic initiatives that support first-year student transition, retention, and academic success. Collaborate with leadership across Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, Global Experience Office and Student Life across the network to ensure seamless integration of first-year programming with broader institutional priorities. Oversee program evaluation and utilize data-driven approaches to enhance program effectiveness and student outcomes.

At-Risk Student Intervention and Support Services (30%)

Working with campus and campus network stakeholders, oversee early identification systems and intervention strategies for academically at-risk first-year students across the network. Develop comprehensive support frameworks that address multiple dimensions of student success including academic performance, sense of belonging, stress management, mental health and wellness, and social integration. Coordinate with campus and network campus partners to provide holistic case management and referral services. Monitor student progress and adjust intervention strategies based on ongoing assessment and emerging student needs.  Track first-year student success across all network campuses and work collaboratively with each network campus to ensure consistency of outreach efforts and reporting.

Academic Advising Program for Undecided Students (20%)

Working with the Explore program staff, oversee academic advising for undecided first-year students, ensuring high-quality, personalized guidance that helps students explore academic interests, identify strengths, and make informed decisions about their academic path. Develop programming that supports academic exploration, career awareness, and decision-making skills. Collaborate with academic departments to facilitate student connections with faculty and academic opportunities.  Work with campus network teams to ensure consistent academic advising, student tracking, and community building.

First Year Academic Resource Center Management (20%)

Working with the Associate Director of the First Year Student Resource Center, oversee the operations of the first-year academic resource center, ensuring comprehensive academic support services, study skills development, time management training, and academic coaching. Oversee staffing, programming, and resource allocation to maximize student utilization and success outcomes. Develop partnerships with academic departments and other campus student support teams to provide integrated and holistic academic support. Monitor center usage and effectiveness through regular assessment and student feedback.

Community Building and Student Development Programming (10%)

Create and oversee programming that builds meaningful connections among first-year students on campus and across the network to foster their integration into the university community. Design experiences that develop student autonomy, self-advocacy skills, leadership capabilities, and personal growth. Collaborate with residential life, student organizations, and campus activities to provide diverse engagement opportunities across the network. Facilitate peer mentoring programs and other initiatives that strengthen student networks and support systems.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.