Project Director-TRiO Education Opportunity Center (EOC) Program (Grant-Funded)

Gaston College•Dallas, NC

About The Position

The Project Director provides administrative leadership for Gaston College’s grant-funded TRiO Education Opportunity Center (EOC) program, including planning, staff supervision, and program coordination. The role promotes the program, advises participants, builds effective relationships with community and institutional partners, works toward established objectives, and fulfills federal reporting requirements. The Project Director supervises Outreach Specialists and support staff and reports to the Vice President – Education Partnerships. The position coordinates outreach that supports adult high school or high school equivalency completion, college applications, FAFSA completion, financial literacy, enrollment, and participant monitoring. It prepares budgets, reports, news releases, and the program newsletter; works with the U.S. Department of Education’s Program Specialist; and serves as a liaison with College faculty and staff, postsecondary institutions, and community agencies. The Director also represents the program at community events, conducts information sessions, reviews referrals, and helps maintain program materials and online content. The position generally works in a traditional, climate-controlled office and requires extended sitting, with some walking, standing, bending, and lifting or maneuvering items up to 25 pounds. The environment can be stressful due to varied challenges and deadlines. Overtime and/or evening hours are sometimes required in addition to regular office hours. Travel by personal vehicle to community agencies and partners throughout Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland Counties is required; a valid driver’s license is required.

Requirements

Master’s degree from a nationally accredited institution in counseling, education, behavioral sciences, or a related field.
At least three years of experience designing and implementing programs for disadvantaged students.
Experience in admissions, recruiting, or student services at the postsecondary level.
At least two years of experience in a supervisory role.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
Experience managing budgets and staff, tracking data, managing reporting systems, and using retention strategies.
Knowledge of federal compliance regulations for the Department of Education’s TRiO Programs.
Valid driver’s license.
Ability to drive a personal vehicle throughout Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland Counties.
Ability to sit for extended periods; walk, stand, and bend; and lift and maneuver items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Training in program development and evaluation.
Knowledge of admissions and financial aid procedures and processes.
Working experience with high school, adult high school, or high school equivalency populations.

Responsibilities

Plan, train, supervise, and evaluate TRiO EOC project staff under the supervision of the Vice President – Education Partnerships.
Coordinate participant outreach for adult high school or high school equivalency completion, college applications, FAFSA completion, financial literacy, enrollment, and monitoring procedures.
Prepare program budgets, reports, news releases, and the TRiO EOC newsletter.
Work cooperatively with team members and colleagues and maintain effective customer, institutional, and community partnerships.
Work with and provide information to the U.S. Department of Education Program Specialist.
Act as liaison with Gaston College faculty and staff, transfer institutions, and community agencies.
Represent the project College-wide and in the community.
Maintain working relationships with financial aid and admissions offices at postsecondary institutions.
Maintain confidentiality regarding student affairs and administrative responsibilities and follow College policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Travel to community agencies and local partners for recruitment and related meetings.
Participate in professional development and College activities, including admissions procedures and financial aid policies.
Work with local agencies and support services to develop plans and schedules for EOC identification and recruitment activities.
Provide related data, reports, and information to internal departments and others when requested.
Ensure program objectives are met and reports to the U.S. Department of Education are submitted accurately and on time.
Perform EOC Opportunity Specialist duties as needed.
Present program information to local nonprofit organization boards.
Distribute the project newsletter to community locations and organizations.
Conduct information sessions for community agencies and promote the program at community support fairs and events.
Review and assess referrals from nonprofit, education, and community agencies.
Assist with updating information materials, brochures, flyers, the website, and social media.
Anticipate, prevent, and resolve problems and conflicts within the area of supervision.
Perform other duties as assigned.