TRIO Pre-College Programs Director

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

Iowa State University's Division of Student Affairs is hiring a TRIO Pre-College Programs Director to provide leadership and oversight for the Talent Search and Upward Bound programs. The position is classified as a Manager Programs and is responsible for program administration, staff leadership, grant management, student success initiatives, and community partnerships that support college access and educational achievement. The director provides strategic direction and administrative oversight, supervises and evaluates professional and student staff, and leads program planning, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement. The role also oversees budgets and grant-funded resources; ensures compliance with federal TRIO and grant requirements and university policies; builds partnerships with schools, community organizations, campus departments, and other stakeholders; and directs program data collection, analysis, reporting, outreach, recruitment, and grant administration. Talent Search aims to increase participants' likelihood of graduating from high school and enrolling in college through academic enrichment, financial aid resources, career exploration, and advising. Upward Bound supports high school students, primarily those from income-eligible families and those whose parents do not hold a bachelor's degree, through academic support, college and career preparation, enrichment, life-skills development, and a summer residential program. Its long-term goal is to increase participants' enrollment in and graduation from higher education. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is not available. The position is regular, full-time, and has a 12-month work period. The posting is open until filled; applications submitted before November 2, 2026, receive full consideration.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience.
Master's degree (special required qualification).
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 overall leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for Talent Search and Upward Bound, aligning activities with program goals, federal TRIO requirements, and institutional priorities.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional and student staff, fostering a collaborative, 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 the collection, analysis, and reporting of program data and use assessment results and performance metrics to guide decisions and continuous improvement.
Lead grant administration, including preparing annual performance reports, monitoring progress toward objectives, and coordinating grant renewal and funding initiatives.
Represent the programs through outreach, recruitment activities, presentations, meetings, and community engagement.
Support participant recruitment, retention, and engagement while promoting 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 and improve the TRIO programs.

Benefits

Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental coverage.
Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
Generous 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 employees work.