Job Summary

Purdue University is seeking an experienced higher education leader to assume the role of Associate Director of Orientation Programs. This is an excellent opportunity to help lead a well-resourced and supported team who serves over 10,000 incoming undergraduate students annually. Most of the team (and this position) is based at the main Purdue location in West Lafayette, Indiana with part of the team at the Indianapolis location. As a team they implement a comprehensive and synchronized approach to onboarding new undergraduate students.

Reporting to the Director of Orientation Programs, the Associate Director will specifically collaborate with individuals across campus and in the community to oversee program development and set the vision for the pre-arrival elements of the All-Aboard experience called Purdue 101 and 102. The Associate Director also coordinates the First-Year Success Project including communications campaigns and curating the repository of first-year seminar content. The Associate Director supervises a team of two professional staff members and collaborates closely with two other Associate Directors responsible for other elements of the orientations team portfolio. Associate Directors of Orientation Programs are recognized subject matter experts working under limited oversight to plan, prepare, and execute programs in support of the Orientation Programs mission of introducing and connecting all new undergraduate students to Purdue University.

This position will work in-person on campus in West Lafayette, Indiana, but will also work closely with members of the Orientation Programs team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The nature of work in orientation is cyclical and has peak seasons, which sometimes requires staff members to work some nights and weekends, and at times may give the opportunity for flexibility and hybrid work.

The priority deadline to apply is June 5, 2026. Cover letters are required with all applications

About Us:

Orientation Programs at Purdue University facilitate experiences where new undergraduate students are welcomed “All Aboard Purdue,” a four-step process to start their journey as Boilermakers. The four steps are interconnected to help transition 10,000+ incoming undergraduate students to campus each year. The Orientation Programs team is committed to innovating and continuously moving programs and experiences forward. Its programs have been recognized in their professional circles and their work is routinely benchmarked by peer institutions. Over 600 current students volunteer to serve as peer leaders to support the office mission and help new students in their transition at West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Candidate may learn more about their work by studying the Orientation Programs annual report at https://www.purdue.edu/orientation/about/report.html.

What We're Looking For:

As an Associate Director, you would have:

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Six or more years of experience working in a higher educational setting with increasing levels of responsibility. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Other education and experiences preferred for this position are
  • Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Affairs, Education, Management, or equivalent
  • Four years working in a complex or college first year, orientation, academic advising programs setting
  • Experience developing course materials and setting up learning experiences in a Learning Management System (LMS)
  • Experience supervising full-time staff and/or graduate students
  • Experience managing major/complex projects, including event planning and programs with multiple stakeholders

As an Associate Director, you would bring:

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills
• Professional writing and editing skills
• Basic computer, communication (verbal & written), and presentation skills
• Ability to balance interruptions, multiple and varied tasks and confidential information with discretion
• Creativity and professionalism required
• Ability to take the initiative to solve problems, assume responsibility, establish and maintain quality standards
• Ability to work in a flexible, fast-paced, positive team atmosphere

Additional Information:

• Purdue’s benefits package is generous and includes tuition remission opportunities for the main campus and for Purdue University Global programs
• Purdue will also provide support for professional development and relocation
• The targeted annual salary range for this position is $64,500-$66,500
• Purdue’s benefits summary www.purdue.edu/hr/benefits
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Career Stream

Professional 4
Pay Band S065

Job Code #20002136
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php  

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University