Director – Student Support Services

Role Overview

• Provides leadership, oversight, and administrative direction for the federally funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations, grant requirements, and institutional policies.
• Manages program operations, staff supervision, reporting requirements, participant services, and strategic initiatives designed to support low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for the U.S. Department of Education Program Officer and other federal, state, and institutional stakeholders regarding TRIO Student Support Services compliance and reporting.
• Leads the preparation, submission, and ongoing management of the Annual Performance Report (APR) and all required federal, monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements.
• Provides leadership, supervision, training, and evaluation of program staff, graduate assistants, and student employees.
• Develops and implements student success strategies designed to increase retention, persistence, academic achievement, and graduation rates among program participants.
• Develops outreach, recruitment, and communication strategies to increase program awareness and participation.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, student support services, academic advising, or federally funded program administration is required.
• Experience with TRIO programs or similar federally funded student success initiatives is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of TRIO Student Support Services regulations, U.S. Department of Education compliance requirements, and federal grant management practices.
• Knowledge of student development theory, retention strategies, and academic support programming.
• Knowledge of issues affecting low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities.
• Strong understanding of data collection, reporting, and program evaluation in federally funded programs.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and program management skills.
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate professional and support staff.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to analyze program data and use findings to improve student outcomes.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with database systems, Microsoft Office applications, and reporting tools.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Professional development activities
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required