Assistant Director of Enrollment Support - Orientation Programming
Closes: September 18, 2026
Position Summary: The Assistant Director of Enrollment Support – Orientation Programming serves as the operational lead for Orientation Programming at EIU, operating within the Enrollment Management Operations office. This position directs the day-to-day design, planning, and execution of undergraduate Orientation programming for first-year and transfer students, positioning Orientation as one of the final milestones in the new student enrollment process and the foundation for students’ long-term success at EIU. The position builds and maintains programming schedules, leads event planning and logistics for large-scale Orientation events, and provides oversight of graduate assistants and a large staff of student employees. The position coordinates Orientation logistics and services, working in close partnership with Admissions, Academic Advising and other campus service areas to support students’ transition to the University. The role is highly collaborative by design, serving as a connector among Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs and interfacing with key partners across all three divisions. The position is a leader in the Enrollment Management division’s efforts to strengthen yield, reduce melt, and improve retention by monitoring students’ progress from their initial commitment to EIU through the start of the semester, contributing to pre-arrival communication plans, and recommending programming and process improvements informed by yield, melt, and retention data. The role requires exceptional organization, close attention to detail, and steady composure under the pressure of firm deadlines and live events. In all aspects of this work, the position fosters a welcoming and inclusive experience for every new student, their guests, and all Orientation staff members. This position is classified as a Program Coordinator under the State University Civil Service System.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Oversee the implementation of all undergraduate Orientation programs for first-year and transfer students.
Work closely with various campus stakeholders to determine the Orientation schedule and related logistics.
Coordinate the procurement of all supplies related to Orientation, manage and direct development of the Orientation section in the University CRM, and manage day-of operations and problem solving during Orientation events, including session sequencing, space reservations, and catering coordination, executing each program with precision and on schedule.
Positively represent the University with prospective and admitted students during Admissions and Orientation events and ensure those events showcase EIU as a superior regional public institution in the Midwest.
Help strengthen the University’s enrollment outcomes by diligently monitoring students’ progress from their initial commitment to EIU through check-in and official enrollment.
Coordinate operational handoffs with Admissions and Academic Advising, including Orientation date changes and advising appointment communications, that keep students moving toward enrollment.
Contribute to pre-arrival communication plans that promote reservation completion and attendance.
Direct outreach that re-engages students who are at risk of not completing their enrollment.
Prepare summaries and reports on participation and enrollment outcomes and recommend improvements informed by results.
Provide oversight of graduate assistants and a large staff of student employees supporting Orientation programming.
Manage the recruitment and selection process for undergraduate Orientation staff, drawing candidates from a broad array of campus partners.
Coordinate graduate assistant and student staff training and scheduling, develop evaluation and feedback processes that strengthen staff performance, and foster an inclusive, welcoming team environment.
Ensure student employees represent the University positively and professionally and follow University policies.
Serve as a highly collaborative connector among Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs in support of Orientation’s shared outcomes.
Lead or participate in University and Enrollment Management committees and workgroups, including the Orientation Task Force, the Welcome Weekend Committee, the Committee on Retention Efforts, and EnrollmentWorx, and represent Enrollment Support on additional committees where representation is needed.
Develop and lead items from the Strategic Enrollment Plan that meet departmental objectives in consultation with the Director of Enrollment Support and Vice-President of Enrollment Management.
Engage Student Affairs partners on identifying relevant programming at Orientation that highlights co-curricular opportunities, supports holistic student development and fosters a strong sense of belonging beyond the classroom.
Support Welcome Weekend programming at the direction of the Office of Leadership & Engagement.
Maintain strong partnerships with Central Advising and other offices in the Student Success unit in support of students’ academic transition.
Evaluate and assess Orientation programs, including participant feedback, student staff evaluations, and participation and registration outcomes, and use results to recommend improvements to programming, scheduling, and delivery.
Provide high-level input on budgeting decisions for Orientation programming and monitor expenditures within approved budgets.
Maintain accurate program records, registration data, and documentation of recurring processes and procedures to improve consistency and continuity of operations, and contribute to annual reporting for the Office of Enrollment Support, meeting all established deadlines.
Perform other Enrollment Management support duties as assigned, including short-term project assistance, meeting preparation, and administrative follow-up that supports the continuity of enrollment operations.
Contributes to the success of EIU by performing other duties and assisting with projects, as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree required
A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position. (Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.
Additional education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization:
A minimum of two years of experience in higher education, or, in event planning in a business or non-profit setting.
Preferred Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in Education, Management, or Communications. For candidates without a Master’s degree, specific undergraduate course studies in Management, Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications / Public Relations, or Education are preferred.
Knowledge of customer relationship management (CRM) systems, student information systems, or event registration and management platforms
Experience leading, training, or coordinating the work of others, along with the judgment necessary to assign, prioritize, and review work performed by graduate assistants and student employees
Experience contributing to yield, retention, or melt-reduction efforts is beneficial
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
A highly collaborative leadership style that - across offices, departments, and divisions - builds and maintains enduring partnerships based on trust, shared accountability, and strong sense of integrity
Excellent event planning and logistics management skills
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet strict deadlines while thriving under pressure
The ability to interpret data to inform strategic decision-making
A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive office environment
Effective communicator with an engaging public speaking skillset
Work Hours
The core work hours of this position are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Starting Salary/Pay Rate Range
Current starting monthly salary for this position is $4583.00 - $5,416.00
Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
In accordance with Eastern Illinois University policy (IGP #14.1), EIU is generally unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa (e.g., H-1B, OPT, or other) for this Civil Service position.
Required Applicant Documents: The Civil Service Examination for this classification is a credentials assessment. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from qualified applicants.
Application
Resume
References
Transcripts (where required as a MAQ)
Benefits Overview:
Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being and career goals.
This position is eligible for the following benefits:
Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.
Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.
The University and Community: Celebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois—ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented. The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation—alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. With its strong alumni network, sustainability efforts, and deep commitment to student success, Eastern Illinois University offers an exceptional environment to live, learn, and work.
Important Information for Applicants:
Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete the application and/or interview process. If would like to request assistance with the application/interview process, please contact Human Resources at (217)-581-3463 or employment@eiu.edu for assistance.
