Program Director of TRiO Student Support Services

Hamline University•Saint Paul, MN

62d•$62,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) Program Director provides leadership and oversight for the federally funded TRiO SSS program, designed to increase college retention and graduation rates for eligible participants who are first-generation college students, meet income criteria, and/or have documented disabilities. The Program Director is responsible for all aspects of program management, including staff supervision, budget administration, program implementation, data collection, and federal reporting. As a key leader in student support, the Program Director works collaboratively across campus to advocate for and serve the 140 students in the SSS cohort, ensuring they have the resources and support to succeed within a rigorous liberal arts curriculum. This is a 100% grant-funded position. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal of federal funding.

Requirements

Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Social Work, Education, or a related field.
A minimum of three (3) years of progressive responsibility in a TRiO program or a similar educational opportunity program, preferably in higher education.
Experience working with first-generation, low-income, and/or students with disabilities.
Proven experience with budget management, staff supervision, and program development.
Strong understanding of federal TRiO legislation, regulations, and reporting requirements and/or similar programs.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in data management and reporting systems.
Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and manage budgets.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as TRiO program staff or director.
Experience with grant writing and administration.
Experience with program evaluation and assessment methods.
Direct experience in writing and/or managing a successful federal TRiO grant.
Experience working at a small, private liberal arts college.
Personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the SSS target population.
Proficiency with student information systems (e.g., Workday) and advising software (e.g., EAB-Navigate).
Bilingual or multilingual abilities.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management for the SSS program that aligns with both federal guidelines and the mission of Hamline University.
Ensure full compliance with all regulations, reporting requirements, and performance objectives as outlined in the grant award.
Lead the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of all SSS program staff, including a Student Success Specialist and a Retention Specialist.
Oversee the student application, selection, and orientation process to identify and serve at least 140 eligible participants annually.
Lead the grant renewal process, including writing and submitting competitive grant proposals utilizing appropriate data and analytics to ensure continued funding.
Manage program budget and ensure fiscal responsibility in accordance with federal guidelines.
Oversee participant recruitment, selection, and retention strategies to meet program enrollment targets.
Develop and implement workshops and programming focused on academic skills, career development, financial literacy, and graduate school preparation.
Coordinate individualized academic and personal support services for program participants.
Foster a strong sense of community and belonging among SSS participants through cultural events, cohort-building activities, and mentorship opportunities.
Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with FERPA and grant requirements.
Monitor participant progress toward degree completion and intervene in a timely manner when students face academic or personal challenges.
Facilitate connections between participants and campus resources, faculty, and peer support networks.
Serve as the primary advocate for SSS participants and the broader population of first-generation and low-income students on campus.
Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with key campus partners, including the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA), Registrar's Office, Financial Aid, Center for Teaching and Learning, Counseling and Health Services, Career Development Center (CDC), and faculty advisors.
Serve on relevant college committees to represent the needs and perspectives of the SSS student population.
Promote the SSS program to faculty, staff, and the wider college community to facilitate student referrals and campus-wide support.
Build and maintain partnerships with academic departments, student services offices, and external community organizations.
Serve on relevant campus committees and contribute to institutional student success initiatives.
Represent the program at professional conferences and training opportunities.
Collaborate with other TRiO programs and TRIO professionals regionally and nationally.
Maintain accurate participant records and program documentation in compliance with federal requirements and to support participant success.
Evaluate the effectiveness of program services and activities to ensure program objectives are met, prior experience points are earned, and to inform continuous improvement.
Track and analyze participant outcomes including retention, graduation, and transfer rates.
Prepare and submit the Annual Performance Report (APR) and any other required reports to the U.S. Department of Education in a timely and accurate manner.
Conduct ongoing program evaluation and assessment to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement.
Coordinate site visits and audits from federal personnel and others.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Life insurance
Short- and Long-Term Disability
Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
403(b)
403(b) matching
Paid Time off, including vacation time, paid holidays and safe and sick leave time off
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account (FSA)
Health savings account (HSA)
Tuition waiver