Director of TRIO Student Support Services

Universities of Wisconsin•Menomonie, WI

About The Position

The Director provides administrative leadership and oversight for three federally funded TRIO projects through the U.S. Department of Education: Student Support Services (SSS) Regular, Disabled, and STEM. This role ensures compliance with federal grant regulations while advancing the university’s mission through the delivery of student-centered support services for eligible participants. These services include individual advising, financial literacy and planning support, academic tutoring, peer coaching, personal and leadership development, and instruction through courses focused on strategies for academic success and successful career development. The Director supervises program staff, oversees the development, implementation and evaluation of services, manages program budgets, ensures ongoing regulatory compliance, and leads all required reporting efforts. This position reports to the Executive Director of Student Opportunity & Excellence.

Requirements

Minimum master’s degree required in education, educational leadership, counseling, public administration, student affairs or related field from an accredited college/university
Minimum of 3 years of experience in the following areas: Staff supervision, budget management, program development and evaluation, reporting, and compliance with federal regulations
Experience with federal TRIO programs, academic support programs, or similar programs for underserved college students
Advising and assisting SSS eligible students with post-secondary course selection, academic advising, financial aid information and processes, economic literacy, career development/obtainment, graduate school admissions
Formal training and/or work experience in the following areas: Designing, managing and implementing a program that promotes the annual retention, persistence, academic standing, and graduation rates of SSS eligible students
Providing effective student counseling or advising specifically in the areas of guiding students' academic and non-academic goal setting and skill acquisition
Professional or personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting SSS project participants
Demonstrated ability to administer and manage educational opportunity related programs
Knowledge of academic advising, career, financial aid and literacy activities and related services for SSS eligible students
Knowledge of disability barriers, accommodations, ADA

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 5 years of experience preferred in the following areas: Staff supervision, budget management, program development and evaluation, reporting and compliance with federal regulations
Experience with Federal TRIO programs, academic support programs, or similar programs for underserved college students
Demonstrated ability to manage conflict, resolve challenging situations, and provide timely solutions.
Experience with student record databases/systems and engagement platforms (e.g., Canvas, Peoplesoft, Blumen, EAB Navigate, Stellic, Microsoft Office Suite)

Responsibilities

Administer the TRIO SSS Regular, Disabled and STEM projects in alignment with federal regulations and grant requirements.
Provide strategic leadership and management of SSS programs including staff supervision (up to 10 staff), implementation and evaluation of project objectives, and oversight of services.
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff, establish work priorities, conduct performance reviews, and provide guidance and corrective action as needed.
Develop and monitor the SSS grant budgets, approve expenditures, and ensure the responsible use and allocation of federal funds.
Review, revise, and implement SSS procedures related to recruitment, programs and services, administrative procedures, budgeting, and evaluation.
Ensure program goals, activities, and services comply with federal guidelines and align with university objectives through regular assessments and review of project progress.
Monitor and ensure ongoing compliance with U.S. Department of Education requirements, project objectives, and university policies and procedures.
Oversee the allocation of resources to support program activities and services.
Provide oversight for student intake process and office operations.
Identify workflow needs, contribute to the development of strategic and operational solutions, allocate resources, and implement new or revise unit operational practices and procedures.
Provide oversight of curriculum development and delivery for the Strategies for Academic Success (2 credits) and Strategies for Successful Career Development (1 credit) courses.
Provide oversight for Early Bridge early experience program.
Serve as principal liaison between the SSS projects, university leadership, and federal grant.
Serve as an advisor to a caseload of up to 10 students, and implement services designed to support student success, retention, and graduation.
Evaluate the effectiveness of program services and make data-informed decisions to enhance program services and delivery.
Plan, implement, assess and refine strategies and objectives, and provide recommendations to unit leadership for continuous program improvement.
Evaluate project performance and address programmatic or student-related issues in a manner consistent with achieving project goals and objectives, and the university’s mission.
Lead data collection, preparation, and submission of Annual Performance Report and required interim or quarterly reports to the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring accuracy, completeness and alignment with federal guidelines.
Assist with the collection and organization of program data and supporting materials related to required federal grant reporting and continuation activities.
Remain current on best practices, relevant legislation, regulations, required and permissible program services, and allowable costs related to the TRIO projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Formulates program strategies and goals, directs long-term planning, develops policies and procedures, and establishes and maintains new and emerging program materials.