Student Programs Manager

Job Description The Student Programs Manager reports to the Senior Director of New Student & Family Engagement and serves as a key member of the Sarasota-Manatee campus Student Affairs team. This position oversees programs and initiatives that support new student and family transition, engagement, and success. The Program Manager is responsible for planning and implementing comprehensive Orientation programs for first-year and transfer students and their families, developing and coordinating New Student Connections initiatives including the Peer Advisor Leader (PAL) program and Week of Welcome, and supporting Parent & Family Engagement through communication and programming. This position collaborates closely with campus partners and OneUSF colleagues to deliver high-quality programs and services that enhance student belonging, persistence, and engagement. The Program Manager supervises student leaders and temporary staff and plays an integral role in supporting departmental operations, communications, and assessment efforts. Responsibilities New Student Orientation Plan, coordinate, and implement in-person and virtual Orientation programs for first-year and transfer students, ensuring a seamless and engaging onboarding experience. Develop and deliver Orientation content that fosters connection to campus resources, academic engagement, and community. Coordinate family and guest Orientation experiences, ensuring clear communication of expectations and support services. Collaborate with Tampa and St. Petersburg campus colleagues to ensure alignment of OneUSF Orientation processes, including assessment tools, systems (Visual Zen), and communication materials. Recruit, train, and supervise Orientation Leaders in collaboration with the OneUSF team. New Student Connections Develop and implement programs and initiatives that support student belonging, connection, and engagement throughout the first year. Oversee the Peer Advisor Leader (PAL) mentor program, including recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of student leaders. Coordinate large-scale campus engagement events such as Week of Welcome, the First 56, and signature transition initiatives like the How-to College series. Create experiences and interventions that promote retention, persistence, and overall student success. Parent & Family Engagement Collaborate with the Parent & Family Engagement Coordinator to support communication and engagement with parents and families through digital newsletters, events, and programming. Assist with the planning and implementation of Family Weekend and other family engagement initiatives. Ensure families receive timely information and resources to support their student’s transition and success. Departmental Operations & Campus Collaboration Represent the Department of New Student & Family Engagement on campus and OneUSF committees, at events, and on projects. Manage departmental communication and outreach tools including email, CRM + CMS systems, and social media. Maintain partnerships with departments supporting unit initiatives, including but not limited to Academic Advising, Student Affairs units, Success Center, Housing & Residential Education, Student Engagement, Campus Recreation, Chartwells, and sponsors. Serve as a consultant for the campus community on matters involving the transitional experience of new students and their families. Assist with departmental assessment, reporting, and budget tracking. Other Duties As Assigned Support additional departmental and divisional initiatives that promote student engagement, belonging, and success. Special Skills/Training Knowledge and understanding of best practices in first year/family experiences and transition programs; proven ability to translate student development, leadership theory, and research into practice; prior success with planning and implementing programs linked to student learning outcomes; and strong presentation and facilitation skills. Talent to interpret individual needs and develop effective intervention strategies and referral protocols; knowledge of academic programs, university policies/procedures, and student support services; experience successfully navigating complex environments and working collaboratively with units across campus; skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, families, faculty, and staff. Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks; experience managing others, adhering to strict timelines, and proposing and implementing effective solutions to roadblocks and problems; proven ability to make confident decisions in a change-oriented, fast-paced environment.> Supervisory Responsibilities OPS Students: 6-10 Undergraduate Students Education & Experience This position requires a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with at least five years of experience in a student affairs or student personnel position; or a Master’s degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or related field. Work experience may not be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree requirement for this position. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or related field. Experience planning and implementing orientation, transition, or family engagement programs. Experience supervising and training student leaders. Strong presentation, facilitation, and communication skills.Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse campus partners. Degree Equivalency Clause (SB 1310) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree. Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate ( is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S. SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:

• a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree

Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment. Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310. Compliance and Federal Notices This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. Equal Employment Opportunity Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process. All applicants will be considered on the basis of the application and not on any characteristic protected by law. The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law, and maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract. Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Project Management & Information Technology Industries Higher Education #J-18808-Ljbffr University of South Florida