Assistant Director Transition Programs & Inititatives

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Closing Date:

05/12/2026

Type of Position:

Student Activities and EngagementNo

Job Type:

RegularDay Shift (United States of America)No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas Fayetteville

Founded in 1871 the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nations top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills fostering a welcoming climate and nurturing creativity discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nations strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health dental life and disability insurance tuition waivers for employees and their families 12 official holidays immediate leave accrual and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

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Department:

New Students and Family Programs of Job Duties:The Assistant Director of Transition Programs & Initiatives (TPI) serves as a key member of the departments leadership team and plays a critical role in advancing the success engagement and persistence of undergraduate first-generation college students at the University of Arkansas.

This position leads the design coordination and assessment of programs that support first-generation students as they transition into and through the university with an emphasis on extended orientation connection to campus resources and sustained engagement beyond the first semester.

The Assistant Director collaborates with campus partners to develop and implement high-impact initiatives that address the unique experiences of first-generation students foster a sense of belonging and support academic personal and social development. This role also contributes to broader TPI initiatives ensuring that first-generation student success is meaningfully integrated across the undergraduate experience.

In addition the Assistant Director provides leadership in the recruitment selection training and supervision of undergraduate and graduate student staff. The position remains informed on emerging trends and best practices in student transition and first-generation student success using data and assessment to inform continuous program improvement.

Regular reliable and non-disruptive attendance is an essential function of this role as is the ability to build and maintain collaborative respectful working relationships across the university community.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Higher Education Student Affairs Counseling Social Work or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education

• At least one year of relevant experience (including graduate assistantships) in orientation transition or retention programming in higher education

• Experience planning and implementing programs that support undergraduate student success

Applicable equivalencies may be considered for the above minimum requirements

• Experience supervising undergraduate students in paid and/or volunteer roles

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least two or more years of progressively responsible experience in higher education/student affairs at the coordinator assistant director or similar level

• Direct experience developing implementing and assessing extended orientation and/or transition programs

• Experience supporting first-generation college students or similar student populations

• Experience collaborating with campus partners to implement educational initiatives

• Experience collecting interpreting and applying student success data to improve programs and services

Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of program design implementation and assessment practices

• Knowledge of student development theory and best practices in first-generation student success

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

• Ability to apply student development theory and research to support the success and engagement of first-generation students

• Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively across campus partner

• Ability to create supportive student-centered environments that promote connection belonging and success

• Demonstrated ability and comfort working directly with students in a highly visible student-facing role

• Ability to advocate for the unique experiences and needs of first-generation college students

• Comfort initiating connections and engaging in campus-wide networking to enhance student support and program reach

Additional Information:

$56123 (Commensurate with education or experience)Cover Letter/Letter of Application List of three Professional References (name email business title) ResumeProof of Veteran StatusJerrod O. Lockhart
Director Transition Programs & Initiatives

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions there may also be a financial (credit) background check a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract develop and retain high quality faculty staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law including age race color national origin disability religion protected veteran status military service genetic information sex sexual preference or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex may be sent to the Universitys Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Hearing Manipulate items with fingers including keyboarding Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Sitting Standing Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:

Grasping Lifting Pulling Pushing Reaching

Benefits Eligible:

Yes