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Kenyon College is conducting a search for a qualified candidate to fill the position of First-Year Experience Assistant Director. The qualified candidate will have an excellent opportunity to assist in visioning and building a comprehensive First-Year Experience Program, an integral part of Kenyon's Strategic Plan. The Assistant Director of the First-Year Experience will assist in the development, execution, and assessment of Orientation and First-Year Experience programming for new and transfer students. The Assistant Director works with partners across the College and draws upon national best practices and emerging trends in student transition, retention, and engagement. The Assistant Director will oversee Student and Family Summer Connection programming, assist in the coordination of Fall Orientation, and partner with the Director to build a comprehensive college-wide First-Year Experience Program. The Assistant Director will provide leadership for student staff selection and training, and developing a set of Orientation Engagement Community Opportunities.

Responsibilities

First-Year Experience Programming

• Partner with students, faculty, and staff in the development, execution, and assessment of the overall ongoing first-year program.
• Collaborate with the Offices of Student Engagement, Residential Life, and Career Development Office and other campus partners to help develop a comprehensive set of programs to assist new students in adjusting to the campus and engaging in campus life.
• Collaborate closely with the Dean for Academic Advising to develop programs that support student academic success programs.
• Serve as an advisor to the First-Year Class Committee (with the Director.)
• Collaborate with student organizations and campus partners to establish and implement a Friday Night Programming series for the first 6 weeks of classes.
• Represent the First-Year Experience Office on select campus and community committees and initiatives.

Spring and Summer Connection Activities for Early and Regular Decision Students and Parents  

• Develop and execute a series of connection points and opportunities starting in January for Early Decision students to begin to build the First-Year Class.
• Coordinate the virtual Summer Student Welcome Sessions.
• Collaborate with the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement and campus partners to assist in coordinating the virtual information and connection sessions for Parents.
• Assist in the visioning and creation of a formalized virtual Summer Orientation program.

Fall Orientation and Orientation Engagement Communities (Pre-Orientation) Coordination

• Assist in the development and implementation of the Fall Orientation Program.
• Assist in visioning, development, and coordination of a collection of Orientation Engagement Communities designed to engage and connect students to each other and Kenyon that can accommodate all members of the first-year class and transfer students.
• Coordinate with campus partners hosting the Orientation Engagement Communities in the development and implementation of regular connections throughout the first semester between the host department and student participants.

Communication and Social Media Connection          

• Develop and implement a robust First-Year Experience social media presence beginning in January for the early decision students, and then regular decision students, which will continue throughout the summer and first semester.
• Hire and supervise a student Social Media Intern.
• Create opportunities for incoming students to assist in creating content.

Student Staffing

• Coordinate the recruitment and selection process for the FYE Interns, Fall Orientation Interns, and Orientation Leaders, including developing programs to ensure that the Orientation team is representative of the Kenyon student population.
• Assist in the creation, structure, and implementation of an Ongoing Orientation Leader cohort to ensure there is a mechanism for regular contact and support for first-year students by an FYE student team member throughout the first semester. 
• Assist in developing and implementing Fall Orientation Leader Training, including a Spring Training session.
• Create a coaching, evaluation, and recognition process and program for the Orientation Team.
• Coordinate two skill-building sessions for Junior and Senior Orientation Leaders during the Academic year in collaboration with the Career Development Office.

Kenyon Transition Programming

• Assist in the development and coordination of a January Orientation Program and on-going connection programming for new January students.
• Partner with the Director to develop a Transfer Orientation track/program. 
• With relevant campus partners, participate in the exploration and development of collaborative programs to assist in the developmental transitions of Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 

Working Conditions 

Work is generally performed in an office environment but may also require being able to navigate between and within campus facilities including up and down stairs and being outside in various weather conditions. Valid driver's license and meet campus requirements to drive campus vehicles. Ability to lift and carry 20 lbs. regularly and move tables, chairs, and other furniture. Occasional evening and weekend work, mostly around scheduled FYE events and around orientation periods. 

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required, preference for a candidate with a Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field. Minimum two years of professional experience in orientation, student retention, first-year or related programs; 4+ years preferred. Committed to and familiar with the values and needs of a small, private, liberal arts college. Sensitivity and commitment to issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Strong sense of organizational and administrative skills. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Excellent judgment. Demonstrated interest in working with and mentoring college students. 

Application Review will begin Tuesday, April 7, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.  

Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 90% tuition waivers at nineteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.

We also offer health, dental and vision insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.

Kenyon is a unique place to live and work. To discover why it should be your next home, click here.

Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes all voices and perspectives.