Assistant Director for New Student Success

The Assistant Director for New Student Success plays a critical role within Enrollment Management by supporting institutional goals related to new student yield, enrollment conversion, and first-year retention. Grounded in the Jesuit commitment to cura personalis—care for the whole person—this role integrates enrollment operations, student-centered programming, and data-informed outreach to support a seamless transition from admission through matriculation.This position reports to the Assistant Vice Provost for Orientation, Transition, and New Student Success. Serving as a bridge between Admissions, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs, the Assistant Director ensures that enrollment processes and new student programs are operationally sound, mission-aligned, and designed to promote belonging, academic engagement, and persistence.Position Specific Responsibilities/AccountabilitiesSupervision & Staffing LeadershipRecruit, interview, train, supervise, and evaluate student staff and orientation leaders who provide critical support for new student programming, peer-support, and first-year success efforts.Develop and deploy a comprehensive, engaging student staff training program that prepares them for a multi-faceted, detail-oriented, and relational job.Oversee student staff scheduling to strategically manage student talent and maximize campus impact.Manage student staff hiring processes and approve timesheets in Workday.Manage the student staff communication plan, ensuring student staff receive a warm, guided onboarding process and remain motivated to contribute to the success of the program and new students on campus.Ensure staff are well-trained in institutional messaging, customer service, and FERPA-compliant practices.New Student Programming & ExperienceAssist in the planning and execution of orientation and new student transition programs that support students in building key relationships and making a successful start at the university.Support operations and planning for large-scale welcome programming for 2000+ new students, including managing space reservations, supervising external vendor set-ups, monitoring catering arrangements, and submitting requests for required campus services.Manage student and guest accessibility requests.Design supplemental programs that deliver added value for students and families and offer an enhanced onboarding experience for all students.Track student attendance and participation for strategic assessment and outcome purposes.Develop and deliver innovative, thoughtful make-up orientation programming for students who miss the required new student events.Enrollment Strategy, Registration & Yield SupportManage new student enrollment communication and processes, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and timely completion.Collaborate closely with Admissions and Enrollment Management to support recruitment-to-matriculation strategies.Support targeted outreach to deposited students to encourage engagement and reduce melt.Serve as a subject-matter expert on new student registration systems and enrollment timelines.Student OutreachSupport onboarding communication planning efforts in collaboration with Admissions and Marketing and Communications.Ensure messaging aligns with recruitment, yield, and onboarding timelines.Develop content that drives student action and engagement with university enrollment and matriculation tasks.Support segmented and targeted communication strategies based on student status, demographics, and engagement levels.Maintain accurate and accessible web and digital content related to onboarding and new student programs.Retention & Student Success CollaborationPartner with Academic Advisors, the Office of the Registrar, and Student Affairs to support early institutional connections and academic preparedness.Identify early indicators of risk (e.g., non-registration) and coordinate interventions, such as call campaigns and personalized outreach.Support retention-focused initiatives that connect enrollment processes to long-term student success.Assessment, Data & Continuous ImprovementCollect and analyze data related to yield, registration completion, program participation, and retention.Coordinate and conduct focus groups on a regular basis.Prepare dashboards and reports for Enrollment Management leadership.Use assessment results to recommend operational and strategic improvements.Loyola Marymount University ExpectationsExhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.Requisite QualificationsTypically a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Psychology, Project Management, Marketing, or a related fieldor equivalent experience. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes.Bachelor’s degreeMinimum of 2–5 years of experience in enrollment services, admissions operations, orientation, new student programs, academic advising, event planning, university operations, or related field.Demonstrated experience working with large-scale programming, complex processes, and multi-faceted projects.Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Psychology, Project Management, or a related field.Experience working within Enrollment Management or Admissions offices.Experience managing institutional peer mentorship programs.Familiarity with Slate CRM system and event management tools.Experience using data to support enrollment and student success initiatives.Working Conditions & ExpectationsEvening and weekend work required during peak enrollment and orientation periods.High level of collaboration with Admissions and Enrollment Management teams expected.This role is a campus-based position that works on the Loyola Marymount University Westchester campus in Los Angeles, California.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.#HERC# #HEJ#Staff RegularSalary range$71,100.00 - $88,900.00 Salary commensurate with education and experience.Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)