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Orientation Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Participate in Fall Program Leader Orientation, in person (DATE: August 24th, 2026). * Complete 2-hour asynchronous training, August 22nd and 23rd, 2026. * Participate in one-hour weekly cohort or ...

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How much do orientation leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for orientation leader in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an orientation leader?

Orientation Leaders are students or staff members who guide new students through orientation programs at colleges or universities. They help incoming students acclimate to campus life by providing information, leading group activities, and answering questions about academic and social resources. Orientation Leaders serve as a friendly point of contact, helping to ease the transition to a new environment and fostering a welcoming community. Their role is crucial in ensuring that new students feel supported and informed as they begin their educational journey.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an orientation leader?

To thrive as an Orientation Leader, you need strong interpersonal communication, leadership abilities, and a solid understanding of your institution’s programs and policies, often supported by prior campus involvement or training. Familiarity with presentation tools, event management platforms, and scheduling systems is typically required. Outstanding Orientation Leaders demonstrate enthusiasm, approachability, problem-solving skills, and cultural sensitivity when engaging with new students. These skills ensure a positive transition experience for incoming students and foster a welcoming, supportive campus environment.

What is the difference between Orientation Leader vs Peer Mentor?

AspectOrientation LeaderPeer Mentor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer college student statusSame as Orientation Leader; often college students or recent graduates
Work EnvironmentCampus events, orientation sessions, large group settingsOne-on-one or small group meetings, ongoing support
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges during orientation periodsColleges, universities, student support programs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Orientation Leaders and Peer Mentors work in college settings to support students, Orientation Leaders primarily facilitate orientation sessions and large group activities, focusing on introducing new students to campus resources. Peer Mentors typically provide ongoing, personalized support to help students adjust academically and socially. Both roles require similar credentials and are common in higher education institutions, but their responsibilities and interaction styles differ.

What challenges do orientation leaders face when supporting new students, and how can they overcome them?

Orientation Leaders often encounter challenges such as helping students adjust to a new environment, addressing diverse needs, and managing group dynamics. To overcome these, it's important to cultivate strong communication skills, practice empathy, and remain adaptable in different situations. Working closely with other Orientation Leaders and campus staff can also provide valuable support and ensure a welcoming, inclusive experience for all new students.

Do orientation leaders get paid?

Yes, orientation leaders are typically paid for their work, which may include responsibilities such as guiding new students and facilitating orientation activities. Payment amounts and schedules vary by institution but often include stipends, hourly wages, or other compensation. Some positions may also require training or certification prior to employment.

Is being an orientation leader worth it?

Being an orientation leader provides valuable experience in leadership, communication, and event planning, which can enhance a resume and develop transferable skills. The role often involves working with new students, coordinating activities, and may include training sessions, making it a beneficial opportunity for personal and professional growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Orientation Leader jobs? The most popular types of Orientation Leader jobs are:
What states have the most Orientation Leader jobs? States with the most job openings for Orientation Leader jobs include:
Infographic showing various Orientation Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Assistant Director, Orientation (Student Service Professional IV)

California State University

Fullerton, CA • On-site

$6.3K - $6.9K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

257th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Assistant Director, Orientation (Student Service Professional IV)

Apply now Job no: 560515
Work type: Staff
Location: Fullerton
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time

Job Title

Assistant Director, Orientation

Classification

Student Service Professional IV

Auto Req. ID

560515

Salary Range

Classification Range $6,320 - $9,014 per month

(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $6,320 - $6,994 per month)

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend hours.                                            

Why CSUF

California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility.

Department

The Office of Student Transitions Services within the Division of Student Affairs helps ease the challenge of navigating a university or College campus, giving all Titans a chance to succeed in their higher education career the moment that they set foot on the Cal State Fullerton campus. An essential component of securing new Titans, the professionals within Student Transitions lead the efforts of Outreach, Recruitment and Orientation, Admissions and Records, financial aid services, and community educational outreach at local high schools. We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our New Student Orientation team as the Assistant Director, Orientation (Student Service Professional IV). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Director and the Associate Director of Outreach, Recruitment, and Orientation, the Assistant Director for Orientation provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of in-person and virtual orientation and transition programs, including pre-orientation initiatives, new student orientation, and Welcome Week, to ensure a seamless student transition to the university.

The Assistant Director advances a comprehensive, student-centered orientation experience that supports transition, engagement, and matriculation. The position directly leads an Orientation Coordinator and leads all orientation student staff programs, including Orientation Leaders, Senior Orientation Leaders (SOLs), customer service student assistants, and National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) interns. Responsible for student staff recruitment, hiring, training, development, and evaluation, as well as program strategy, assessment, and cross-campus collaboration.

Provides consultation and guidance to campus partners and administrators on orientation and transition programming and serves as the functional lead for orientation program direction and student experience. May directly support and implement programs and services as needed to ensure successful program delivery. Other duties as assigned.

Inclusive Leadership Statement

Inclusive Leadership Statement is required below, please be sure to address the following as a minimum. Please add additional information as you see necessary and applicable:

What does inclusive leadership mean to you.

A description of your experiences working with individuals with a different perspective.

A description of how issues of inclusivity have impacted you personally or professionally.

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field plus upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution. Four years of professional student services work experience including experience advising students individually and in groups, as well as the analysis and resolution of complex student services problems. A master's degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience. A Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university and the appropriate internship or clinical training in a relevant field may be substituted for two years of professional experience.

Thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, and practices of the program area to which assigned or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge. General knowledge of the policies, practices, and activities of Student Services programs outside the program to which immediately assigned; general knowledge of the principles, problems, and methods of public administration, including organizational, personnel and fiscal management; general knowledge of advanced statistical and research methods. Ability to carry out very complex assignments without detailed instructions; advise students individually or in groups on varied and complex matters; determine the appropriate course of action and proper techniques to utilize while engaged with individuals and groups in personal interactions of a sensitive nature; reason logically and analyze and solve organizational and operating problems of one or several program areas; plan, coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement administrative or group decisions or recommendations; analyze and define complex organizational, policy or procedural problems, collect and evaluate data, draw valid conclusions and project consequences of various alternative courses of action; understand the roles and responsibilities of others and to gauge relationships accordingly by taking into account the variety of the interrelationships, motivations and goals of the members of the organization served; and establish and maintain effective, cooperative and harmonious working relationships in circumstances which involve the denial of requests or the necessity to persuade others to accept a different point of view.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.  

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Educational Leadership, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Expert knowledge of orientation and transition issues (including current practices) to introduce educationally and philosophically sound programs. Knowledge of and engagement with professional standards and best practices promoted by the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA). Experience developing and implementing leadership curriculum for undergraduate students.

Experience leading university orientation, new student transition, welcome, onboarding, first-year experience, or related student success programs. Experience with leading professional staff, including performance management, coaching, mentoring, and professional development. Experience managing complex operations, large-scale event logistics, project timelines, and cross-functional initiatives.

Knowledge of best practices in student transition, engagement, belonging, family engagement, and retention within higher education. Experience developing and implementing assessment strategies, learning outcomes, and continuous improvement initiatives. Experience collaborating with academic colleges, faculty, advising units, and academic affairs partners to support student success and transition efforts. Experience overseeing parent, family, or supporter engagement programs in a higher education setting. Proficiency with student information systems (SIS), customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, registration systems, event management software, and related technologies. Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, improve business processes, and implement innovative solutions that enhance program effectiveness and operational efficiency.

Knowledge of accessibility standards, risk management practices, and applicable higher education policies, regulations, and compliance requirements. Experience working within a large, complex, and public higher education institution. Familiarity with California State University policies, procedures, and student success initiatives.

License/Certifications

A valid California driver's license.

Special Working Conditions

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

Complete work assignments while handling multiple expectations. Produce visible programs with political sensitivity. Must be able to work with frequent interruptions in a high energy/high stress environment.

Benefits at a Glance

  • An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
  • Dental and Vision coverage
  • Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
  • Retirement plan through CalPERS
  • Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
  • FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • 15 paid holidays

See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.

Additional Information

California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.

As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

The person holding this position is considered a general mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirement outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.

Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.  

Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration. 

California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.

Advertised: 30 Jul 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 13 Aug 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US