Associate Director of Orientation and Student Engagement

This pivotal leadership role directs the design, coordination, and execution of University orientation programs and multifaceted student engagement activities. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of solving complex campus challenges through proactive, collaborative, and analytical thinking. Dedicated to the highest standards of student service, this leader will actively cultivate a welcoming environment that bridges campus life and community engagement.

From day-one traditions to year-round milestones, this leader orchestrates large-scale events to welcome and connect our student body. When unexpected logistical challenges or shifting student needs arise, they are creative and solution-oriented to ensure uninterrupted campus operations for New Student Orientation, Student Activities and Student Organizations. Above all, this role serves as a dedicated advocate for student success, building an inclusive campus community where every student finds community, feels valued and supported.

Successful candidates will be self-motivated, goal-oriented, and demonstrate a solid understanding of student development, learning, and engagement theories. They will be adept at conducting program and event assessments using various methods and tools, with the ability to apply findings to foster continuous improvement. Knowledge of risk management, effective marketing strategies, and advising student boards while fostering team cohesion are key aspects of the role. The ability to work effectively with diverse groups, provide conflict resolution, and build mission-focused programs that align with university initiatives is critical. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to develop collaborative relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and the broader campus community. Understanding university goals, including fostering a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion, is vital.

Flexibility is required, as the role will involve working nights and weekends for staff events when necessary. 3 years of experience in event planning within a university or college setting, preferably focused on student life and activities. They should have proven experience in budget management and be skilled in understanding, utilizing, and working with marketing efforts and branding. Experience in planning, directing, and coordinating programs and activities is essential, along with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a student-centered environment. Candidates should also have experience in student affairs, contract negotiations, and working with agents and talent to successfully manage events and programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Masters in Student Affairs, Education, Hospitality or equivalent work experience

Position Details:

This is a full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 81, based on education and experience.

Application review will begin on August 31, 2026.  Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration; however, the recruitment will remain open until filled.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kellsey Huizenga, Signers' Business Office HR Coordinator, at [email protected] or 907-474-5365.

To complete your application packet please attach:

• A fully completed University of Alaska employment application (applications will only be accepted online through the University of Alaska Job Site).
• A current CV.
• A cover letter outlining your qualifications.
• Three professional references, including previous supervisors.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at [email protected].

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or [email protected] / 907-786-1214 or [email protected]. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or [email protected].

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing [email protected].