Assistant Director Transition Programs & Inititatives
Starshopper, Fayetteville, AR, United States
Assistant Director of Transition Programs & Initiatives
The Assistant Director of Transition Programs & Initiatives (TPI) serves as a key member of the department’s 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.
Closing Date:
05/12/2026
Type of Position:
Student Activities and Engagement
Workstudy Position:
No
Job Type:
Regular
Work Shift:
Day Shift (United States of America)
Sponsorship Available:
No
Institution Name:
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Department:
New Students and Family Programs
Department's Website:
https://transitions.uark.edu/
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s 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
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
Salary Information
$56,123 (Commensurate with education or experience)
Required Documents to Apply
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume
Optional Documents
Proof of Veteran Status
Recruitment Contact Information
Jerrod O. Lockhart
Director, Transition Programs & Initiatives
jerrodl@uark.edu
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 University’s 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Assistant Director of Transition Programs & Initiatives (TPI) serves as a key member of the department’s 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.
Closing Date:
05/12/2026
Type of Position:
Student Activities and Engagement
Workstudy Position:
No
Job Type:
Regular
Work Shift:
Day Shift (United States of America)
Sponsorship Available:
No
Institution Name:
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Department:
New Students and Family Programs
Department's Website:
https://transitions.uark.edu/
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s 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
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
Salary Information
$56,123 (Commensurate with education or experience)
Required Documents to Apply
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume
Optional Documents
Proof of Veteran Status
Recruitment Contact Information
Jerrod O. Lockhart
Director, Transition Programs & Initiatives
jerrodl@uark.edu
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 University’s 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr