What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Director, Educational Opportunity Center position at University of Louisiana, Lafayette?
Department: Special Services
Reports to: David M. Chretien
Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) Project Director
Position Summary
The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) Project Director is responsible for the overall administration, coordination, and operation of the EOC Program, serving approximately 850 eligible participants throughout Acadia, Evangeline, Lafayette (primarily Northern Lafayette), and St. Landry Parishes.
The position oversees administrative and support services designed to recruit, enroll, and assist eligible adults in obtaining a high school equivalency credential and/or entering post-secondary education, workforce training, or other programs that promote financial self-sufficiency.
The EOC Project Director ensures program activities and expenditures are conducted in accordance with applicable U.S. Department of Education regulations, the approved 2026-2031 project proposal, annual budgets, University of Louisiana at Lafayette policies, and established program guidelines.
Key Responsibilities
Program Administration & Operations
-Oversee the day-to-day administration and operation of the EOC Program.
-Coordinate administrative and support services for approximately 850 eligible EOC and TRIO participants within the designated service area.
-Ensure program activities are implemented in accordance with the approved 2026-2031 project proposal, annual budgets, federal regulations, and University policies.
-Ensure the smooth and effective operation of the program and recommend service delivery changes as needed and within applicable federal guidelines.
-Attend off-campus and campus meetings directly related to the operation and administration of the EOC Program.
Participant Recruitment & Services
-Develop and coordinate recruitment strategies to identify and enroll eligible adults within the program's service area.
-Establish partnerships with appropriate community agencies and organizations to identify and recruit TRIO-eligible adults who may benefit from EOC services.
-Conduct participant orientation activities and support the identification and selection of eligible participants.
-Assist participants in pursuing high school equivalency credentials, post-secondary education, workforce training, and other pathways toward financial self-sufficiency.
-Provide guidance and support to adult participants, including individuals involved with the justice system, individuals served through state and parish justice departments, and individuals from other vulnerable populations.
-Assist participants with collegiate, academic, and financial processes, including completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Staff Supervision & Development
-Assist the TRIO Department Head and Off-Campus Assistant TRIO Director in selecting, supervising, training, and evaluating program staff.
-Conduct staff development workshops and other training activities consistent with the approved project plan.
-Provide guidance to staff regarding program requirements, policies, procedures, and service delivery expectations.
-Support staff in implementing program activities and meeting established performance objectives.
Program Planning, Evaluation & Improvement
-Develop and implement program activities consistent with the approved EOC project proposal and annual budgets.
-Prepare and participate in process and summative evaluations of program effectiveness.
-Analyze program performance data to identify trends, strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities to enhance service delivery.
-Evaluate data related to college entry, participant retention, graduation outcomes, and other established program performance measures.
-Recommend program or service delivery modifications based on evaluation findings and participant outcomes.
Federal Reporting & Compliance
-Oversee the timely preparation and submission of required federal performance reports using established criteria and reporting requirements.
-Ensure accurate documentation of program performance and participant outcomes.
-Prepare reports required by federal and University regulations, guidelines, and policies.
-Ensure program activities, expenditures, and documentation comply with applicable U.S. Department of Education requirements and approved project guidelines.
-Monitor and ensure appropriate expenditure of project funds in accordance with approved budgets and Department of Education requirements.
-Maintain documentation necessary to demonstrate program compliance, performance, and effectiveness.
-Community & Institutional Partnerships
-Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, educational institutions, workforce organizations, justice-system agencies, and other organizations supporting eligible participants.
-Represent the EOC Program at appropriate campus, community, and off-campus meetings and events.
-Collaborate with University personnel and external partners to support participant recruitment, retention, educational advancement, and workforce development.
-Other job duties may be assigned.
Performance & Program Management Expectations
-Use established criteria and performance measures to monitor and demonstrate the effectiveness of the EOC Program.
-Ensure timely and accurate completion of the EOC Program's annual federal performance reporting requirements.
-Complete reports and documentation required by federal and University regulations, guidelines, and policies.
-Ensure the effective implementation and day-to-day operation of the program.
-Monitor program activities to achieve established participant enrollment and service-delivery benchmarks.
-Monitor program expenditures and budget activities to ensure compliance with approved project budgets and applicable requirements.
-Meet time-sensitive enrollment, performance, reporting, and budgetary benchmarks established for the EOC Program.
-Identify operational issues and implement appropriate corrective actions or service-delivery adjustments within applicable federal and University guidelines.
Scope of Responsibility
The position has responsibility for the overall administration, program performance, compliance, participant services, staff coordination, community partnerships, and reporting activities of the Educational Opportunity Center Program within its designated multi-parish service area.