Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund Program

William Paterson University•Wayne, NJ

About The Position

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University. William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award. Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond. Under the direction of the Executive Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and Academic Achievement, the Director provides administrative and program oversight and strategic supervision of staff to ensure compliance with university, state, and EOF regulations. Responsible for the day-to-day management and continuous improvement of the EOF program, including fiscal operations, recruitment, retention, program development, and assessment. This role ensures program alignment with institutional priorities and state benchmarks while fostering a culture of student success and accountability.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, or related field from an accredited institution required.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, including three (3) years of supervisory and administrative experience.
Demonstrated experience in program management, budgeting, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
Knowledge of EOF and access programs, including state reporting requirements and fiscal oversight.
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, staff supervision, and implementation of student success initiatives.
Strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to analyze program data and key performance indicators, using student information systems and data tools (e.g. Ellucian Banner, Navigate) to inform decision-making, improve outcomes, and ensure accountability.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across all levels of the institution.
Demonstrated ability to supervise and evaluate professional staff, including establishing performance standards, conducting evaluations, providing coaching and corrective guidance, and recommending personnel actions in accordance with institutional and state policies.
Strong fiscal management skills, including the ability to develop, administer, and monitor complex program budgets; analyze expenditures; and ensure compliance with institutional, state, and grant requirements.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

Leads and supervises the EOF department, provides mentorship, training, and guidance to staff to promote professional development and enhance program delivery.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the EOF program, ensuring all activities comply with state and institutional guidelines.
Directs, design and evaluate comprehensive academic and developmental initiatives designed to promote student persistence, retention, graduation, and post-baccalaureate success, ensuring alignment with state EOF objectives and institutional priorities.
Develops and implements policies and procedures that strengthen program infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.
Leads strategic recruitment, admissions, and outreach efforts, establishing enrollment goals and monitoring outcomes to meet or exceed state and institutional benchmarks for access and equity.
Develops, administers, and monitors the EOF operating budget, including academic year, summer, winter, and special project funds.
Collaborates with the grant’s accountant and fiscal offices, develops and reviews expenditures to ensure fiscal accountability and compliance with state and university guidelines.
Oversees the Grant Roster, interprets and applies applicable state and federal laws and EOF regulations. Works with staff to meet standards and requirements.
Prepares annual and interim reports, including statistical and fiscal analyses, for internal and external stakeholders.
Develops and submits OSHE-mandated reports such as the Academic Year, Summer Program, Winter Funding, and Annual Report.
Prepares and submits required fiscal reports to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and university administration.
Supports the Executive Director with short- and long-range planning initiatives that advance EOF goals and institutional mission.
Participates in policy formulation and contributes to the development of university-wide initiatives supporting access, equity, and student achievement.
Serves as a liaison between EOF, academic departments, student services, and external partners to promote integrated student support.
Analyzes program outcomes and key performance indicators to assess effectiveness and inform decision-making.
Develops and implements evidence-based strategies to improve program outcomes and operational performance.
Oversees assessment of program initiatives, including summer program success, retention rates, and student engagement outcomes.
Leads the EOF Summer Program, including staff recruitment, training, curriculum development, and crisis management. Ensures alignment between the summer program, academic year services, and student learning outcomes.
Directs special initiatives, grants, and partnerships that expand access, strengthen completion pathways, and enhance institutional impact.
Oversees EOF cohort management strategies, implement proactive monitoring systems, and targeted interventions to support student persistence, retention, and graduation.
Represents the EOF program and the university at state, regional, and national meetings, committees, and professional associations.
Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with government agencies, community organizations, and educational partners to support EOF goals.
Performs other duties as assigned that support the mission of the EOF program and the Division of Student Development.