POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

ORIENTATION SPECIALIST

WORKING TITLE

Orientation Specialist

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Human Resources-Talent Acquisition

LOCATION

Crossroads III, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Noncertified Grade 26

FLSA STATUS

Nonexempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a hybrid telework workweek

POSITION PURPOSE:

Responsible for assisting with designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive, mandatory, and engaging onboarding and orientation program for all new employees. Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements while fostering a positive, welcoming, and productive experience that improves employee retention and successful integration into the district culture.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Comprehensive knowledge of school district operations, policies, and culture;
• Considerable  knowledge of HR practices, including onboarding, employee relations, and professional development;
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of survey design, data collection methods, and the ability to interpret and present findings;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to effectively lead orientation sessions, draft surveys, and communicate with diverse groups, including new hires and hiring managers;
• Strong skills in building rapport, active listening, and providing a supportive and welcoming environment for new staff;
• Proactive and strategic thinking skills to address challenges and find solutions to improve the onboarding and orientation process.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, and execute complex programs from start to finish, managing timelines, and resources;
• Ability to critically evaluate data from new staff and exit surveys to identify trends, pinpoint areas for improvement, and make informed recommendations;
• Ability to facilitate, coordinate, and lead a new district-wide initiative with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with various partners across the district, including HR staff, principals, and department heads.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information from exit interviews with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, community organizations, and vendors.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Education, Public Administration, or a related field;
• Two years of experience in human resources.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field;
• Experience in a K-12 public education environment;
• Fluency in a second language is relevant to the student and employee population;
• Proven success in utilizing data and feedback (surveys, retention metrics) to continuously improve onboarding processes;
• Strong knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design; effective engagement in training and orientation programs for professional staff;
• Proficient experience with iCIMS Platform or similar software used for managing employee data, which would allow for more efficient program administration and data analysis;
• Experience in implementing new programs or processes effectively.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists and supports with redesigning, planning, and organizing all aspects of the district's new hire orientation and onboarding program. Supports duties and assists with and responsibilities of the WCPSS substitute teacher program. 
2. Assists with organizing, coordinating, all clerical duties associated with  orientation sessions for all new employees, including substitute teachers. 
3. Ensures a welcoming and informative experience that covers district policies, culture, and available resources.
4. Serves as one of the primary points of contact for new hires, addresses their questions and connects them with appropriate support staff or resources during their initial months of employment.
5. Assists with creating and implementing a process to administer new staff surveys to gather feedback on the orientation and onboarding experience.
6. Assists with developing and managing a comprehensive exit survey process for all staff who resign, with the goal of identifying common reasons for attrition and improving employee retention strategies.
7. Assists and supports with analyzing and interpreting data from both new staff and exit surveys to generate reports and recommendations for district leadership and the Board of Education.
8. Collaborates with the Human Resources department to ensure a seamless transition from the hiring process to the orientation and onboarding program.
9. Collaborates with school administrators and department heads to understand the specific needs of new hires in different roles and to tailor the orientation and onboarding experience accordingly.
10. Communicates effectively with all community partners including new hires, current staff, and the Board of Education, regarding program updates, schedules, and key findings from surveys, if necessary.
11. Develops and maintains a central repository of resources for an orientation welcome packet. Continuously updates and improves orientation materials and programs based on new policies, feedback, and best practices.
12. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  1/2026

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.