WARTBURG COLLEGE

Title of Position –Director of First Year Experience & Retention

Function of Position:

Reporting to the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, the Director of First Year Experience & Retention serves as a strategic leader responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive programming that supports students to and through their first year at Wartburg College. This position requires collaborative partnerships with Strategic Recruitment, Academic Affairs, Student Life, and the Finance and Administration to create an integrated approach to first year student success, retention, and persistence.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Orientation and New Student Onboarding

Support campus-wide, collaborative efforts for orientation and transition for traditional and transfer students by leading and executing Student Orientation, Advising, Registration Days (summer orientation), as well as planning Fall and Winter Orientation. Supervise student Orientation Leaders, including facilitating training and performance management. Organize and execute new student checklists, including items needed to be completed before matriculation, to ensure a seamless onboarding experience. Through joint efforts with Strategic Recruitment and Finance and Administration, lead institutional clearance efforts for student persistence term after term.  

Student Transition and New Student Programs

Implement and lead a comprehensive first-year experience by establishing FYE outcomes, aligning all institutional efforts, filling gaps, and spearheading initiatives to promote academic success, social integration, and personal development that leads to retention, persistence, and graduation. Develop and align FYE communication efforts for first-year students, including newsletters, social media, and informational websites. Support the ongoing transition of new students by organizing and executing the First Year Peer Mentor Program including the recruitment, selection, and supervision of 20 Peer Mentors. Collaborate with colleagues overseeing the first-year seminar to embed transitional support in the academic classroom and through the curriculum.  

Student Intervention

Work closely with the Academic Resource Center, Student Life, and other campus intervention specialists to oversee and coordinate outreach to students experiencing academic, personal, and social challenges. Serve as one of the campus’ lead administrative and logistical managers for the execution of high-impact student intervention and case management. Serve as key liaison for first year students navigating complex issues impacting their college experience.  

Retention Strategy

Align efforts with the Academic Resource Center to develop and lead data-informed retention initiatives aimed at improving student persistence and graduation rates. Monitor student success metrics and collaborate with Institutional Research to identify trends and areas for improvement. Assist the Vice President for Student Life in completing a comprehensive retention plan that aligns resources to achieve retention goals while simultaneously developing a data-driven assessment plan to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of retention activities. Facilitate cross-functional teams as needed in alignment with the retention plan to ensure a seamless and supportive student experience. Identify, embrace, and creatively resolve areas of growth and opportunity for Wartburg College.  

Supervision:

The employee will operate with a high degree of independence and is expected to take initiative in managing responsibilities and advancing strategic goals. While autonomy is essential to the role, the employee will receive consistent support, guidance, and collaboration from their supervisor and cross-functional teams. Regular check-ins and access to resources will ensure alignment with institutional priorities and professional development.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a master’s degree in education, student affairs, or a related field Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with orientation, new student programs, or first year experience. Demonstrated experience working with first-year students. Experience with data analysis, program assessment, and outcome measurement. Candidate must have excellent project management and communication skills, positive and helpful attitude, and a willingness to work in a flexible environment, as a member of a hard-working team.  

Application Procedure:

Please upload the following by visiting Job Openings - Wartburg College : 1) resume 2) a letter of interest including a statement regarding qualities within the context of the Wartburg College mission 3) contact information for three references.