Director, TRIO Student Support Services

Heritage University • Toppenish, WA

2d

About The Position

The Director of TRIO Student Support Services oversees Heritage University’s federally grant-funded TRIO program, which is designed to improve retention and graduation rates for low-income, first-generation, and/or students with disabilities. Under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, the Director ensures that the project meets its U.S. Department of Education grant objectives and deliverables. The Director supervises, supports, and evaluates project staff, including providing orientation, training, and staff development. The position’s functions are carried out in accordance with Heritage University’s vision, mission, and strategic plan.

The Director leads the program’s student support services and interventions, oversees recruitment and service coordination, manages the program budget and grant reporting, and serves as the primary liaison with the U.S. Department of Education. The position is grant-funded, and continued employment and the allocated FTE are subject to grant funding availability. The salary allocated for each year may represent a full 1.0 FTE or a percentage of FTE. Benefits eligibility requires at least 0.75 FTE.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in an equal education opportunity office required; higher-education experience preferred.
• Five years of experience working with low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities required; higher-education experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in program administration, personnel supervision, budget development and monitoring, program report writing, and program evaluation required.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with faculty, campus officials, staff, community agencies and schools, and students from diverse backgrounds required.
• Experience in a professional setting and demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of tasks simultaneously.
• Team-oriented approach, ability and desire to work closely with peers, and strong interpersonal skills and professionalism.
• Sensitivity to working in a multicultural setting.
• Ability to use a multi-line phone system, an IBM-compatible computer, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Professional dress required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in education, administration, counselor education, or a related field.
• Higher-education experience in an equal education opportunity office.
• Higher-education experience working with low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated project-management experience for higher-education programs serving diverse students.
• Knowledge of the Jenzabar EX student information system.
• Bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural ability in English and Spanish.
• Applicants from backgrounds similar to the program’s target populations are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Represent Heritage University positively to prospective, former, and current students, clients, suppliers, and the community, and interact effectively with diverse customers and colleagues.
• Handle confidential student information with tact and discretion and in compliance with FERPA.
• Provide leadership, supervision, direction, and performance evaluation for SSS Project staff, including full-time staff, student mentors, and a work-study position.
• Direct support services and intervention strategies for TRIO students who are at risk and/or in crisis.
• Ensure program delivery meets grant objectives, including enrollment, retention, budget expenditure, graduation, and graduate-school matriculation goals.
• Serve as budget officer for the TRIO SSS program; maintain budget records and monitor expenses for compliance with grant guidelines.
• Manage Annual Performance Review data collection and entry for grant reporting, ensure compliance with grant guidelines, and provide reports as requested by the Department of Education or the institution.
• Collaborate with campus offices—including the Advising Center, Director of Retention, Financial Aid, Admissions, Registrar, and Student Life—to coordinate recruitment and services for eligible and enrolled SSS students, and assist with event coordination as needed.
• Create and maintain partnerships with outside community agencies to gather resources for students.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the U.S. Department of Education.
• Participate in state, regional, and national conferences and meetings to maintain knowledge of current best practices and grant guidelines.
• Uphold the Heritage University Mission Statement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the institution.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health benefits for employees eligible at 0.75 FTE or more.
• No-cost life insurance.
• Paid time off.
• 21 paid holidays.
• Matching 403(k) contribution after one year of service.
• Tuition waiver program after a six-month waiting period.
• Additional plans available for purchase, including AFLAC and additional life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Employee engagement programs.

What This Job Offers

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