Director Student Support Services

Kentucky State University • Frankfort, KY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Dean of Students, the Director of Student Support Services provides leadership, oversight, and administrative direction for the federally funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations, grant requirements, and institutional policies while advancing student retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes for program participants. The Director 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. This position exercises independent judgment in program administration, compliance reporting, resource allocation, and student success strategies. This role requires a regular, reliable, and consistent on-campus presence to effectively perform leadership, compliance, and student support responsibilities and is not suitable for remote work except as approved in accordance with University policy.

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.
• 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.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with TRIO programs or similar federally funded student success initiatives is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Ensures program compliance with all applicable federal regulations, grant requirements, and University policies governing TRIO Student Support Services.
• Establishes, monitors, and evaluates program goals, objectives, and performance outcomes to ensure successful achievement of grant-funded deliverables.
• Provides leadership, supervision, training, and evaluation of program staff, graduate assistants, and student employees.
• Conducts annual performance evaluations for all program personnel and supports professional development activities.
• Develops and implements student success strategies designed to increase retention, persistence, academic achievement, and graduation rates among program participants.
• Oversees participant eligibility certification and ensures compliance with federal TRIO eligibility requirements.
• Leads onboarding processes for program participants and ensures accurate documentation and recordkeeping.
• Develops and implements academic support, mentoring, coaching, and intervention strategies for program participants.
• Coordinates partnerships with campus departments and external agencies to support holistic student development and success.
• Monitors student progress and provides targeted interventions for students requiring additional academic or personal support.
• Develops outreach, recruitment, and communication strategies to increase program awareness and participation.
• Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities to support and expand program services when appropriate.
• Maintains accurate program records, databases, and reporting systems in compliance with federal and institutional requirements.
• Analyzes program data and prepares reports to evaluate effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Represents the TRIO SSS Program at conferences, trainings, and professional development events to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Maintains a regular, reliable, and consistent on-campus presence to effectively perform the essential functions of the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director