Director, Educational Opportunity Programs

Job Summary

The Director of Educational Opportunity Programs leads initiatives that increase access to and success in postsecondary education for underrepresented and underserved student populations, in alignment with federal TRIO program goals and state guidelines. The position supports pre-college academic readiness, higher education enrollment, and college completion for eligible students—such as those from low-income backgrounds and first-generation college students. This work is completed through structured, data-informed programs that are compliant with federal and state regulations. The role includes oversight of federal grants, including Talent Search, and supports the college’s strategic mission of promoting student achievement and expanding educational opportunity. This is a partially grant-funded position and subject to the continuation of multi-year grant cycles. Employment continuation is contingent upon future funding and institutional needs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Grant Management- Provide oversight for current and future Federal TRIO grant programs at the college, including Talent Search.
• Grant Writing- Assist with the preparation and submission of Federal TRIO program grant proposals and develop other grant proposals with college partners as appropriate.
• Administer the programs in compliance with federal regulations, LSSC policies, and objectives in the approved grant proposals.
• Emerging Lakehawks- Plan, develop, and execute the Emerging Lakehawks program, a localized college preparatory program for pre-college students who express an interest in LSSC.
• Create a budget, assist with setting enrollment goals, create curriculum, and evaluate outcomes on an annual basis.
• Collaborate with other departments such as Recruitment and Enrollment, Financial Aid, and Academics to share resources and meet the needs of the students in the program.
• Target and create specialized college readiness initiatives for specific student populations, including but not limited to: low-income students, first-generation students, minority students, homeless students, and foster students.
• Research and stay current on equitable and inclusive practices in college access, and provide trainings as appropriate.
• Leadership and Supervision- Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate all EOP full time and part time staff to complete the goals of the department.
• Implement effective leadership principles to maintain a positive working environment.
• Financial Management- Direct all departmental fiscal operations to assure compliance with federal regulations and LSSC procedures.
• Direct the preparation of departmental budgets, capital equipment, and technology requests.
• Program Reporting- Assess, track, and report program outcomes to the US Department of Education, and others as appropriate.
• Prepare and submit the Annual Performance Reports for the US Department Education on a timely basis.
• Coordinate with other regional TRIO programs when appropriate.
• Community Outreach- Maintain visibility and approachability in the local community, school districts, and with community agencies.
• Represent the college through community involvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Promote a common purpose consistent with the College's stated goals and demonstrate a commitment to students and the learning environment.
• Possess knowledge of general written standards and procedures utilized, and have the ability to read, interpret, and follow procedural and policy manuals related to the job tasks.
• Demonstrate the ability to respond to supervision, guidance, and direction in a positive, receptive manner and follow stated policies.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by fostering a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Present a professional image in words, actions, and attire.
• Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the College’s standards of ethical conduct.
• Apply effective techniques to establish and maintain working relationships, fostering collaboration to achieve common goals; effectively communicate and collaborate with others to achieve shared objectives.
• Demonstrate the skills necessary to critically examine situations and processes, making recommendations for improvement.
• Strong service orientation and ability to effectively work as a member or leader of a team by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organizational goals rather than individual concerns. Includes the ability to build &/or support a constructive team spirit where members are committed to the goals and objectives of the organization.
• Plan, organize, and successfully multitask to meet multiple deadlines and frequently new work tasks within required timeframes. Proven flexibility to successfully work on a variety of projects quickly and accurately.
• Effectively manage change and adaptability.
• Adheres to all workplace safety rules, safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices

Minimum Qualifications & Education

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• At least four (4) years of supervisory experience.
• At least four (4) years of experience working in a K-12 or higher education setting.

Lake-Sumter State College provides a wide range of affordable, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that are a vital part of your total compensation package. These programs are centered around health and wellness, financial security, and professional development.