Project Director, TRIO—Student Support Services

The Project Director for Student Support Services will be at the forefront of transforming the college experience for first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities — guiding them toward graduation and beyond. This is more than grant administration; it is an opportunity to build and lead a program that opens doors, changes trajectories, and strengthens Loyola's commitment to equity and student success.
This role will oversee all aspects of the federal SSS grant — from budget management, grant writing, and reporting to data collection and supplemental funding — ensuring full compliance with U.S. Department of Education guidelines and Loyola University New Orleans policies. The Project Director for Student Support Services will plan, implement, and evaluate impactful program activities while supervising and inspiring a dedicated team of staff, tutors, student employees, and volunteers. As a strategic leader, The Project Director for Student Support Services will develop and drive short- and long-range goals aligned with the Student Success Center's mission, champion resource development and communication initiatives, and serve as the SSS program's voice across university committees and within the broader New Orleans community.

Please note: TRIO-SSS is a federally funded project awarded on a 5-year basis. Loyola’s current award cycle is 2025–2030. Continuance of the annual award is contingent upon availability of sufficient federal funding each year, as reviewed annually by the U.S. Department of Education.

• Serves as the project's administrative officer, managing all activities in accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidelines and University policies; implements all activities as set forth in the funded grant proposal.
• Manages the SSS budget, ensures federal regulatory compliance, and develops proposals for ongoing funding and all required reporting.
• Recruits and selects students for project participation; recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates all project staff, mentors, and associated individuals.
• Develops and implements strategic, short- and long-range programmatic plans consistent with the Student Success Center's mission; designs workshops and activities that foster academic success, personal growth, and career readiness.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders across the university, including Student Success Center directors, deans, accessible education, equity and inclusion, the library, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs.
• Collects and analyzes data to assess outcomes and drive continuous improvement; maintains student support systems and technology to monitor progress and staff interactions.
• Develops communications and resource development plans, resource manuals, and orientation sessions to support and extend SSS program initiatives.
• Advocates for first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities; implements initiatives addressing SSS-eligible students' unique needs with cultural competence.
• Serves on university-wide committees and performs other duties as assigned in support of the SSS program.

Additional Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum Master's Degree required in education, counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Doctorate Degree preferred.
• At least three (3) years of experience in professional staff supervision, budget management, program development and evaluation, reporting, and compliance with federal regulations.
• At least five (5) years of experience with federal TRIO programs, Student Support Services (SSS), or similar programs for disadvantaged college students.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing educational support projects, preferably TRIO SSS projects.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans to achieve project goals and objectives.
• Strong background in advocating for underrepresented students and promoting access and success in higher education.
• Experience implementing initiatives to address SSS-eligible students’ unique needs and challenges.
• Proficiency in grant management, budget administration, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations governing SSS projects.
• Experience designing and implementing student development projects, workshops, and activities that foster academic success, personal growth, and career readiness.
• Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and utilizing data to assess project outcomes and drive continuous improvement.
• In-depth knowledge of federal regulations and compliance requirements related to SSS projects.
• Experience preparing and submitting accurate and timely reports to meet federal reporting obligations.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and sensitivity to work effectively with a diverse student population, understanding and addressing the unique needs of first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities.
• Evidence of strong administrative skills, computer literacy, grant writing, budget management, project planning, and assessment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong time management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Dynamic interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in students and their persistence.
• Experience with diagnostic and assessment tools preferred.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends, as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform job duties with or without reasonable accomodations.