Position Summary:
VCU's Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success is searching for an experienced, student-focused professional to be our next Executive Director of TRIO Programs. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Special Programs, the Executive Director of TRIO Programs is responsible for leading a team of advisors and project personnel to provide support services, including academic, career, social/personal, and financial advising, to first generation, low-income, and disabled students who participate in available TRIO programs while also ensuring project compliance with federal regulatory standards. The Executive Director of TRIO Programs is the primary liaison between the TRIO Programs, (Student Support Services, SSS STEM, and McNair Scholars), and University administrators, faculty participants, parents, and community representatives interested in the TRIO Programs
Core Responsibilities:
Program management for 3 TRIO programs (SSS, SSS STEM, McNair): (40%)

• Ensure that all TRIO programs meet the goals and objectives of the US Dept. of Education
• Track expenditures and maintain financial records in accordance with federal guidelines
• Prepare annual reports of funded objectives for the US Department of Education
• Coordinate/commission the writing of grant proposals for re-funding and to obtain funding for additional programs, and other TRIO grants as appropriate
• Establish and maintain close working relationships with various University partners, the federal government (Department of Education), faculty and administrators, and community agencies

Supervision: (40%)

• Select, train, evaluate, and supervise a team of full-time and part-time staff members in compliance with the University's Employment policies
• Lead and manage a team of project and graduate advisors as well as peer mentors and other personnel to provide academic, social, and cultural programs for program participants.
• Facilitate a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds

Advising and Caseload Management: (20%)

• Provide direct academic support services to TRIO participants and monitor participants at activities, cultural events, and cultural trips
• Organize academic progress records for caseload participants
• Ensure that eligible participants are able to fully utilize the TRIO programs by interviewing interested students and collecting and reporting data to assess the effectiveness of program components
• Facilitate the development of activities and programs designed to encourage underrepresented populations to overcome barriers to postsecondary education
• Ensure the success of the TRIO programs by performing all other duties as assigned or requested

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• Doctoral degree in higher education administration, student development, counseling, social work, or STEM-related field from an accredited college or university
• Supervision experience, preferably in a higher education setting
• Significant experience in educational program management, personnel management, and fiscal management
• Ability to work in a high volume, fast paced, customer service-oriented environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to deal with diverse constituencies and colleagues from various programs
• Strong computer competency, to include proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (including Access), and web-based and social media applications
• Demonstrated attention to detail, professional attitude, and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with other TRIO programs, student support services, or other programs focused on low-income, first generation, or academically disadvantaged students is preferred. Prior experience working with underrepresented students is preferred
• Display knowledge of and experience with marketing, public speaking, collaboration, program design, and program evaluation and assessment
• Experience working in an academic support program
• Familiarity with Department of Education grant regulations

OtherPosition Details: This position is a restricted position funded by grant funding. Continued employment is dependent upon continued funding.
Position Number: FAD720
Position Title: Executive Director, TRIO Programs
Department: SEMSS/TRIO
Role Code: 35411 Director SS 1
Position Type: Exempt
Salary: up to $85,000
ORP Eligible?: Yes
Open Date: 4/4/2024
Close Date: 4/21/2024 (at 7PM)