Project Director-TRIO Student Support Services

Oregon State University • Corvallis, OR

76d • $80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The TRIO Student Support Services Program is seeking a Project Director- Trio Student Support Services (SSS). This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. The Oregon State University (OSU) Project Director-TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) provides strategic leadership and oversight of the federally funded TRIO SSS grant programs on the Corvallis campus. This position is responsible for critical program and grant management functions, including recruitment, selection, orientation and assessments, service delivery, staff supervision, professional development and evaluation, budget monitoring, program assessment, and reporting. The Project Director ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations and university policies while fostering innovation and continuous program improvement to maximize student success outcomes. The TRIO SSS programs at OSU-Corvallis serve more than 295 low-income, first-generation college students and students with disabilities. The Project Director plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing the mission to increase retention, academic performance, and graduation rates for participants. Effectiveness is measured by student achievement, engagement, and persistence toward degree completion. The Project Director provides vision and leadership for all grant activities, including the development and administration of program policies, evaluations, annual performance reports, and renewal proposals. They are also responsible for gathering data and supporting the preparation of competitive continuation proposals at the end of each five-year grant cycle.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible experience involving budget management, staff supervision, and administration of a federally funded grant program or comparable student success program.
• Four years of experience providing direct support for the educational success of high financial need, first-generation, students with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented student populations, including those needing developmental education.
• Four years of leadership experience in developing, implementing, or coordinating student success initiatives in higher education, such as mentoring, tutoring, academic advising, or academic support programs.
• Experience in grant writing and administration, including compliance with federal or state reporting requirements.
• Strong commitment to a developmental and student-centered philosophy, with proven ability to effectively serve diverse student populations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and function effectively as part of a collaborative academic and student success team.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in program assessment, data analysis, and continuous improvement processes that strengthen student outcomes in higher education.
• Experience with TRIO programs in a four-year university context or other federally funded student success initiatives.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply U.S. Department of Education regulations, policies, and guidelines related to federal grant programs (e.g., EDGAR, OMB circulars, Higher Education Act).
• Demonstrated record of advancing inclusive excellence in higher education settings.
• Experience with student information and data management systems, including Microsoft Office, Banner, and TRIO-specific databases such as Blumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) programs.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate program professional and student staff.
• Oversee delivery of high-quality and effective services to 295+ student participants.
• Ensure services and documentation meet federal regulations and align with grant objectives.
• Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets to ensure compliance with allowable use of funds.
• Lead strategic program planning and continuous improvement efforts to enhance service delivery.
• Assess program performance, conduct quality reviews, and evaluate the effectiveness of services and outcomes.
• Ensure program participants are accurately coded and maintained in the university student information system to support compliance, assessment, reporting, and effective service delivery.
• Develop and implement data-informed strategies to improve college retention and graduation rates for student participants.
• Plan and manage student participant recruitment, eligibility, selection, needs assessment, and orientation processes.
• Prepare and review reports and records of activities and data to track progress toward program objectives.
• Manage and ensure the successful implementation of the Tutor Program and Summer Bridge Program, including curriculum development, staff training, intended outcomes, and assessment plans.
• Develop and support the instruction of the TRIO course: ALS 209 (Financial Literacy, Spring).
• Provide individualized professional academic counseling to first-generation, Pell-eligible, and students with documented disabilities.
• Guide students in meeting college requirements and navigating institutional policies and procedures.
• Support persistence and degree completion by helping students identify barriers, develop strategies, and connect with appropriate resources.
• Offer opportunities for academic growth, skill-building, and personal development to foster student success.
• Proactively monitor, track, and maintain detailed and accurate student academic progress records.
• Collaborate with academic advisors across campus to ensure timely degree completion.
• Communicate with the U.S. Department of Education - Federal TRIO Programs.
• Prepare and submit required reports (budget, annual progress, and other requested information) to document program performance and maintain eligibility for future grants.
• Maintain expertise in federal TRIO legislation, regulations, and policies.
• Attend federal TRIO trainings and participate in state and regional TRIO association activities.
• Lead the unit's efforts to build and sustain strong collaborations with university partners to enhance student support and success.
• Develop, strengthen, and maintain partnerships with academic departments, student services, and administrative units to coordinate resources and expand opportunities for TRIO SSS participants.
• Identify emerging student needs and collaborate with campus partners to design and implement innovative support strategies that address those needs.
• Connect eligible students with academic and student resources to improve performance, reduce financial barriers, and increase motivation to persist and graduate.
• Work closely with faculty and academic advisors to ensure coordinated, holistic support for student success.
• Build and sustain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to broaden awareness and the positive impact of TRIO SSS programs.
• Advocate for the needs of first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students to promote persistence, retention, and graduation.
• Contribute TRIO SSS content to the EOP Newsletter and develop strategies to showcase student achievements to campus leadership, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Represent TRIO SSS in campus and community events, committees, and working groups to elevate the visibility of the program and its participants.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to strengthen leadership, maintain compliance, and stay informed of best practices in student success and TRIO programming.
• Actively contribute to team culture by attending and actively engaging in staff meetings.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of EOP to support program goals and objectives.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree