Student Support Services Project Director

SUMMARY  

The Student Support Services Project Director manages the budget and general operations of the Student Support Services Program as required through the OMB Circular, the EDGAR, and the Federal Register as well as institutional policies. SSS is funded through the Federal TRIO Grant program and provides services which assist under-prepared and disadvantaged students to begin and complete a post-secondary education. The program provides peer tutoring, basic skills instruction in math, reading and English, academic advising, counseling, career planning, financial aid application assistance, and opportunities to explore cultural and educational enrichment activities. This position is funded through Federal grant monies and is subject to the availability of funds. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

1. Coordinate the update and submission of the Title IV grant for renewal at the appropriate intervals. 
2. Collaborate with the Associate Dean of Recruitment and Retention concerning project development, management, and evaluation. 
3. Coordinate the participant selection process with the Assistant Director of Student Success and Career Services and Assistant Director of Student Success and Tutoring Services.. 
4. Serve as advisor to SSS participants and monitor advising for all SSS participants to ensure individual needs are met. 
5. Confer with Assistant Directors of Student Success regularly regarding IEP and ADA requirements to see that participant needs are met. 
6. Supervise and/or design procedures for the SSS database information system. 
7. Monitor academic specialists, Assistant Directors to ensure that individually tailored learning units are designed to meet the specific needs of participants. 
8. Establish and foster harmonious and effective relationships among SSS staff, SSS participants, and other College staff, faculty, tutors, and key administrators as required by the US Department of Education. 
9. Organize SSS orientation experiences and staff development programs for College faculty and SSS staff respectively to establish understanding of the SSS process and services. 
10. Develop and disseminate accurate and timely information regarding SSS to participants, faculty, staff, administration, and the US Department of Education. 
11. Monitor participant progress and evaluate participant development course outcomes, general education outcomes, and degree outcomes to ensure progress towards graduation or transfer to a four-year institution. 
12. Maintain up-to-date roster of qualified student tutors and hire as required to address SSS participant needs. 
13. Administer the SSS budget following guidelines established in the Federal Register, EDGAR, and OMB Circular as required by the US Department of Education. 
14. Complete annual performance reports on time as required by the US Department of Education. 
15. Develop SSS seminars, activities, cultural exposure field trips, financial aid workshops, financial literacy workshops, annual Etiquette Dinner, and supplemental tutoring in a manner which facilitates maximum effectiveness and use of SSS personnel and other resources. 
16. Monitor that all goals and objectives of the grant are being met.  Review surveys and evaluations; adjust as necessary to achieve maximum service to participants and ensure goals are met. 
17. Serve on assigned HCC standing committees and participate on search committees. 
18. Serve as liaison with the US Department of Education concerning full range of SSS affairs and services. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This position directly supervises two full-time staff and two part-time staff.  Also directly responsible for the supervision of up to 10 part-time student tutors/workers.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include participating in the interviewing and hiring process established by the Human Resource Department; training employees and tutors; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

QUALIFICATIONS  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education and/or Experience 

Master's Degree in Education, Guidance Counseling, or related field. At least two years' postsecondary experience related to student success services or instruction required. At least two years' experience in managing/implementing an SSS or similar project required. At least two years' budget and personnel management and evaluation experience required. Knowledge of academic, economic, and cultural needs of rural, low income, first generation, at-risk students. Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Background similar to participants preferred. Previous grant writing experience highly desirable. 

Language Skills 

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, financial reports, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports and business correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, groups of students, employees, and the general public.  Must have the ability to convey knowledge to the students in an effective manner. 

Mathematical Skills 

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, and apply mathematical concepts to practical situations. 

Reasoning Ability 

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. 

Other 

Must demonstrate commitment to educational training for disadvantaged students and rapport in working with fellow instructors, administrators, counselors, and community.