Director of TRIO Program

TRIO Student Support Services Director

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is an academic support program for first-generation students of all backgrounds and / or those who demonstrate a financial need. TRIO SSS provides academic advising, career advising, financial aid assistance and graduate school preparation. The program also offers leadership development, and a supportive community focused on empowering students to succeed.

The Director plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the TRIO Programs, including ensuring program compliance with Federal guidelines and regulations, grants management, and program progress reporting; developing and implementing program services as described in grant objectives and serving as primary contact person and representative to the Office of Federal TRIO Programs of the U.S. Department of Education.

Principal Responsibilities

• Organizes, monitors, and manages goals in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education program guidelines and the specific requirements contained in the William Paterson University grant proposals. Reports data : tracks expenditures and keeps financial records in accordance with federal guidelines; Audits all student records are complete, current, and confidential; reviews TRIO Program materials and monitors content, schedules, and budgets against grant requirements.
• Represents the TRIO programs in formal and informal venues, facilitates communication and discussion regarding the program's operations and goals and the needs of SSS participants, conducts research, and reports research findings.
• Establishes and maintains close working relationships with various University representatives, the federal government (Department of Education), target schools' faculty and administrators, and community agencies.
• Directs recruitment planning, outreach, reviews and selection of program participants; responsible for maintaining required program totals for federal funding.
• Develops and operates an effective tracking and monitoring system for program participants.
• Assures TRIO Programs meet all grant obligations in a timely manner. Prepares thorough, professional and timely reports in compliance with U.S. Department of Education requirements.
• Conducts regular assessment using institutional dashboards, surveys and other relevant tools / best practices to ensure achievement of program objectives, to inform continuous improvement, and to comply with required reports.
• Leads, manages and supports a case load of TRIO students, providing frequent and regular engagement, advice and support regarding college course completion, study abroad opportunities, financial literacy, financial aid, career exploration, graduate school enrollment, and other academic, social, personal, and cultural support.
• Supervises and at times conducts caseload management, outreach and intervention to ensure student participant engagement and success. Utilizes Navigate to monitor progress and engage with other successful team partners on campus.
• Recruits, selects, trains, coaches, supervises, and evaluates staff members in compliance with the University policies and procedures.
• Represents the Student Support Services and STEM programs by attending appropriate meetings, on and off campus.
• Completes and submits, the Annual Performance Reports (APR) in accordance with USDOE instructions, with support from project staff.
• Oversees the summer bridge program, including providing leadership around program offerings, supervision of residential students during summer, delivering workshops as needed, and providing guidance to staff.
• Plans and implements recruitment and persistence plan; assures equal access to project services for all project participants; supervises the selection / eligibility of project participants according to SSS guidelines; maintains a student caseload; allocates appropriate caseload assignments to full- and part-time project staff; collects and maintains program data and prepare reports as required by the USDOE.
• Establishes and maintains liaisons with the offices of Admissions, Financial Aid, academic advisement, academic success / achievement, Student Enrollment Services, Career Development, academic departments and other important campus resources to ensure all required services are provided to project participants.
• Develops competencies and skills through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and / or courses as required by the Vice President for Student Development.
• Participates in major University and Division events and programs (Admissions programs, Orientation, Welcome Week activities, Commencement, etc.).
• Other duties as assigned by Vice President.

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Note : Some evening and weekend work may be required to support key initiatives and events.

This description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees in the above job. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Starting Salary - NAL - Range 29 - $91,668.89 - $110,002.67

This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans.

Invitation to apply

Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume / CV.

Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume / cv.

General questions related to this application process, please contact talent@wpunj.edu or humanresources@wpunj.edu . Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.

William Paterson University is committed to protecting your privacy and will not sell your personal information.

EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex / gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.