TRIO Pre-College Programs Director

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

2d

About The Position

Iowa State University's Division of Student Affairs is seeking a TRIO Pre-College Programs Director to lead and oversee the Talent Search and Upward Bound programs. The position provides program administration, staff leadership, grant management, student-success initiatives, and community partnership development in support of college access and educational achievement. It is classified as a Manager Programs role.

The Director provides strategic and administrative leadership for both programs, ensuring alignment with program goals, federal TRIO requirements, and university priorities. The role oversees staff, program planning and assessment, budgets, compliance, data and reporting, grant administration, outreach, recruitment, and partnerships. The position also supports participant recruitment, retention, and engagement and identifies opportunities to expand and improve student support services.

Talent Search aims to help participants graduate from high school and enroll in college through academic enrichment, financial aid resources, career exploration, and advising. Upward Bound serves high school students, primarily from income-eligible families and families in which parents do not hold a bachelor's degree. Its activities include academic support, college and career preparation, enrichment, life-skills development, and a summer residential program, with the goal of increasing college enrollment and graduation.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available. The posting remains open until filled; applications submitted before November 2, 2026 receive full consideration.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Five years of related experience.
• Master's degree.
• Progressive leadership and supervisory experience.
• Ability to oversee multiple federally funded programs concurrently.
• Strong background in project administration, including grant management, budget oversight, and adherence to funding requirements.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate (PhD) in counseling, student services, education, or a closely related field.
• Experience working with federally funded TRIO programs or other college access and pre-college programs.
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships with K-12 schools, school districts, community organizations, and educational stakeholders.
• Experience planning, implementing, and assessing programs supporting educational access, academic success, and postsecondary enrollment, including using program data and performance metrics for decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Grant writing experience, including proposal development and compliance with funding guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for the Talent Search and Upward Bound programs.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional and student staff, fostering a collaborative and student-centered team culture.
• Lead program planning, implementation, and assessment to support college access, academic success, high school completion, and postsecondary enrollment.
• Oversee program budgets, resource allocation, and fiscal operations for grant-funded resources.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations, grant requirements, reporting standards, and university policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with K-12 schools, community organizations, campus departments, and other stakeholders.
• Direct collection, analysis, and reporting of program data and use assessment results and performance metrics for decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Lead grant administration, including annual performance reports, progress monitoring, grant renewal, and funding initiatives.
• Represent the programs through outreach, recruitment, presentations, meetings, and community engagement.
• Support participant recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies and promote a supportive environment for students.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, and expanded student support services.
• Provide leadership and support for initiatives that enhance educational opportunities and student success.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans.
• Onsite childcare in Ames, Iowa.
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.
• WorkFlex options for some positions, offering flexibility in when, where, and how work is done.

What This Job Offers

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