Director of TRIO Student Support Services Program (Grant-funded, 5 years) - Worcester State University

OFFICIAL TITLE: Director of TRIO Student Support Services Program (grant-funded, 5 years)
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Assistant Dean, Multicultural Affairs *
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Subordinate professional, classified, contract, and student employees

Overview: The Student Support Services Program (SSS) is a federally funded TRIO program. The goal of the SSS Program is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of low income, first generation, and disabled participants and help students make the transition from one level or higher education to the next. This position is grant funded in a 5-year cycle.

General Statement of Duties: The TRIO Student Support Services Project Director is responsible for critical program and grant management functions, including selection of program participants, orientation and assessments, reports, service delivery, fiscal management/budget monitoring, oversight of student eligibility and service data. The Project Director is responsible for the development and administration of all grant procedural elements and program policy in compliance with federal requirements, overseeing the development of evaluations, and preparation and submission of annual performance reports. The TRIO Project Director will be responsible for recommending new hires, onboarding training, staff development and evaluation.

Responsibilities:

(E) = Essential

• (E) Manages grant implementation to ensure program compliance and achievement of grant outcomes with federal funding requirements.
• (E) Organize, administer, and coordinate multiple facets of planning, preparation, evaluation, budget, communication, events, record statistics, reports and documents.
• (E) Supervise and coordinate activities of program staff, counselors, and tutors.
• (E) Lead and organize the TRIO SSS First Year Seminars to include: recruitment of instructors and work with instructors, and work with instructors to develop curriculum that addresses the transition of first generation, low income, and/or disabled students.
• (E) Develop academic year activities/workshops and tutoring to include faculty and staff recruitment.
• (E) Counsel and coach student caseload providing academic, scheduling-advising and assisting in course registration, exploration of career pathways, financial, personal and transfer adjustment support.
• (E) Works closely with Assistant Dean, Multicultural Affairs to develop and manage the TRIO SSS Advisory Committee for internal program participant recruitment and referrals.
• (E) Manage evaluations of programs and services, assesses service levels and program's progress, and prepare appropriate recommendations; evaluates the effectiveness of the program, including the curriculum, orientation sessions, cultural events, TRIO/SSS tutoring services, career workshops and other efforts identified in the grant.
• (E) Research, plan curriculum and program criteria, as well as, supervise, evaluate, and/support professional staff.
• (E) Authors and submits grant-related reports and administrative requirements meeting deadlines.
• (E) Assesses program participants' needs; recommends, develops, and oversees implementation of TRIO/SSS project and activities designed to meet program needs in accordance with grant objectives and federal operating guidelines.
• (E) Oversees the collection of participant and program data and ensures that required reports comply with grant regulations.
• (E) Develops budget and manages program funds with support from the Assistant Dean, Multicultural Affairs; prepares requisitions for budgetary needs for TRIO SSS program with support Asst. Dean, Multicultural Affairs.
• (E) Communicates and coordinates with other university programs, departments, staff, and faculty to promote awareness of TRIO/SSS and to increase participants' retention, graduation student caseload.
• (E) Provides academic, financial, socio-emotional, and career adjustment, advising and support to program participants.
• (E) Provides leadership and logistics of the summer academic components.
• (E) Recommends new hires; trains and supervises staff members.
• (E) Manages direct reports
• (E) Develop collaborative efforts, relationships, and strategic alliances with external constituents and internal departments; collaborates with campus constituents to assist with coordinating and achieving retention and completion goals for TRIO SSS participants.
• (E) Collaborates with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Office of Student Leadership and Development to design cultural events available to underrepresented students.
• (E) Participates in university events, such as orientations and student welcome days, to represent the TRIO Student Support Services Program.
• (E) Foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of students who are limited English proficient, students from groups that are traditionally underrepresented and under-served, individuals with disabilities, and additional disconnected students.
• (E) Demonstrates civility and professional, customer-service oriented behavior, worthy of emulation by other staff and students.
• (E) Responsible for contributing to the WSU Strategic Plan.
• (E) Responsible for contributing to Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action objectives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree.
• At least 2-3 years of professional experience working in education, student services, counseling, multicultural affairs, diversity and inclusion, or a similar field with at least 2-3 years of budget management, implementing a grant program or similar program and supervisory experience; preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated success in developing, implementing, promoting, and evaluating high-impact programs that support meeting the educational needs of low income, first generation, and students with accessibility needs, culturally and diverse students.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships cross-divisionally and within a community.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends for purpose of representing the department at various events.
• Experience developing and implementing programming for a diverse constituency to include topics including cultural belonging, academic skills, career preparation, and financial aid.
• Ability to successfully balance multiple responsibilities with competing deadlines.
• Passion for the work and a strong desire to help students achieve success; ability to navigate difficult situations and advocate for students.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to successfully complete a thorough background check and CORI check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education administration or related field with 7 years of experience.

This is a full-time, grant-funded, benefited, exempt, professional APA position. The firm annual salary range for this position is $75,000- $80,000, commensurate with relevant professional experience and education. Funding for this position is available for 5 years.

Here at Worcester State University, it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment.

Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• a choice of 8 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options
• a choice of pension or 401(a), and supplemental plan retirement options
• life insurance up to 8x the annual salary
• long-term disability coverage
• dental insurance
• 20 vacation days accrued per year
• 15 sick days accrued per year
• 5 personal days per year
• paid holidays
• tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children
• and more...

We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.