Director, TRiO (Grant funded until August 31, 2030)

Tennessee Board of Regents • Knoxville, TN

9d • $59,120 - $73,770 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of TRIO Student Support Services provides leadership and oversight for the TRIO SSS grant, ensuring full compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. The role manages program operations, supervises staff, submits required federal and institutional reports, and oversees the recruitment and support of eligible low-income, first-generation, and disabled students. The Director ensures delivery of academic, career, and personal support services and fosters a collaborative, student-centered culture focused on continuous improvement and high‑quality support.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Education, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience as a program director, project manager, or in another leadership role that has supervisory and budget-management duties, preferably in higher education or other similar educational setting.
• Previous experience in TRiO programs strongly preferred.
• Experience with barriers confronted by diverse student populations.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office suite, student database systems, and other such technology.
• Understanding of and experience with postsecondary systems such as financial aid.
• Leadership and communication skills.
• Principles of business administration, management, marketing, and record keeping.
• Effective organizational and management practices pertaining to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, department performance metrics, and operational needs.
• Effective fiscal management strategies, including understanding of budget concepts, principles, and practices.
• Effective financial reporting, record keeping, budget administration and control.
• Grant proposal writing and special funding resources applicable to the TRiO program.
• Appropriate risk management strategies, safety precautions, and procedures.
• Principles of communicating and collaborating effectively with diverse students, faculty, staff, and administration.
• Effective change management principles and practices.
• Evaluation and statistical methodology for preparation of statistical research and reports.
• Effective marketing, promotion, and public relations techniques.
• Preparation, publication, and distribution of informational and promotional materials related to areas assigned.
• Effective needs assessment methods and project management practices.
• Able to engage in the College’s mission, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

• Lead, direct, and manage the planning, development, organization, scheduling, direction, performance, and evaluation of programs and services of the TRiO program.
• Articulate a clear vision of program, including services, applications, and benefits provided.
• Lead and manage change within program and across the reporting department as directed
• Prepares program and fiscal reports to be submitted to the college and to the U.S. Department of Education.
• Supervise, motivate, and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
• Interview and select support personnel as needed.
• Oversee the personal and academic development of program participants.
• Encourage student involvement in cultural activities and establish student leadership opportunities both on and off campus.
• Develop, promote, and organize effective workshops for program participants that provide appropriate and necessary academic skills for student success.
• Develop and enhance partnerships within the college, colleges, universities, businesses, and community based organizations to respond to the educational, workforce training, and economic development needs of the community
• Maintain the security of confidential materials.
• Ensure participant files are accurate and complete (e.g., TRiO application form, assessment results, academic records, financial need data, etc.)
• Oversee the preparation of participant files and the gathering of all required data to be included in the file.
• Participate actively in the life of the College, including operational processes and initiatives, by serving on or leading College committees, workgroups, task forces, and councils as assigned.

Benefits

• Insurance Options Health, dental, vision, life, short/long-term disability, FSA/HSA Wellness Incentive Program, if  enrolled in health plan
• Educational Assistance Fee Waiver Spouse/Dependent discounts Audit/Non-Credit Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement options Tennessee traditional pension plan option (TCRS) 401k with $50 company match/457/403b
• Employee Discount program with over 900+companies
• 13 Paid Holidays/Year Includes paid days off the last week of December
• Sick Leave Bank
• Longevity Pay
• Many opportunities for professional development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees