Director, TRiO (Grant funded until August 31, 2030)

Classification: 3m – on campus mobile

Type of Appointment: Full-Time

Department: TRiO Student Support Services

Required Documents Needed to Upload at Time of Application:

• Resume
• Three professional references (See below)

Reference check requirements:

• Non-supervisory roles: three (3) current or former supervisors
• Personal references (friends, clergy, customers, relatives) are not considered acceptable references

Position Summary: The Director of TRIO Student Support Services provides leadership and oversight for the TRIO SSS grant, ensuring full compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. The role manages program operations, supervises staff, submits required federal and institutional reports, and oversees the recruitment and support of eligible low-income, first-generation, and disabled students. The Director ensures delivery of academic, career, and personal support services and fosters a collaborative, student-centered culture focused on continuous improvement and high‑quality support.

Essential Functions:

• 30% Lead, direct, and manage the planning, development, organization, scheduling, direction, performance, and evaluation of programs and services of the TRiO program. Articulate a clear vision of program, including services, applications, and benefits provided. Lead and manage change within program and across the reporting department as directed
• 20% Prepares program and fiscal reports to be submitted to the college and to the U.S. Department of Education.
• 20% Supervise, motivate, and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel. Interview and select support personnel as needed.
• 15% Oversee the personal and academic development of program participants. Encourage student involvement in cultural activities and establish student leadership opportunities both on and off campus. Develop, promote, and organize effective workshops for program participants that provide appropriate and necessary academic skills for student success.
• 5% Develop and enhance partnerships within the college, colleges, universities, businesses, and community based organizations to respond to the educational, workforce training, and economic development needs of the community
• 5% Maintain the security of confidential materials. Ensure participant files are accurate and complete (e.g., TRiO application form, assessment results, academic records, financial need data, etc.) Oversee the preparation of participant files and the gathering of all required data to be included in the file.
• 5% Participate actively in the life of the College, including operational processes and initiatives, by serving on or leading College committees, workgroups, task forces, and councils as assigned.

Note: The College reserves the right to change or reassign job duties, or combine positions at any time.

Required Experience:

• Master’s degree in Education, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience as a program director, project manager, or in another leadership role that has supervisory and budget-management duties, preferably in higher education or other similar educational setting. Previous experience in TRiO programs strongly preferred.

Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% credit of full-time work experience.

Skills/Abilities:

• Experience with barriers confronted by diverse student populations.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office suite, student database systems, and other such technology.
• Understanding of and experience with postsecondary systems such as financial aid.
• Leadership and communication skills.
• Principles of business administration, management, marketing, and record keeping.
• Effective organizational and management practices pertaining to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, department performance metrics, and operational needs.
• Effective fiscal management strategies, including understanding of budget concepts, principles, and practices.
• Effective financial reporting, record keeping, budget administration and control.
• Grant proposal writing and special funding resources applicable to the TRiO program.
• Appropriate risk management strategies, safety precautions, and procedures.
• Principles of communicating and collaborating effectively with diverse students, faculty, staff, and administration.
• Effective change management principles and practices.
• Evaluation and statistical methodology for preparation of statistical research and reports.
• Effective marketing, promotion, and public relations techniques. Preparation, publication, and distribution of informational and promotional materials related to areas assigned.
• Effective needs assessment methods and project management practices.
• Able to engage in the College’s mission, vision, and values.

Physical Demands:

Little physical exertion is required: however, some lifting of items up to 50 lbs. (tables, chairs for events) may occur. Some travel is involved for training and conferences (quarterly). Standing and walking during workshop presentations is common. The position calls for interviewing potential participants, as well as presenting to participants, staff, and occasionally to community. Therefore, the abilities of hearing and seeing are necessary to the position functions.

Full-time Employment Benefits:

• Insurance Options Health, dental, vision, life, short/long-term disability, FSA/HSA Wellness Incentive Program, if enrolled in health plan
• Educational Assistance Fee Waiver Spouse/Dependent discounts Audit/Non-Credit Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement options Tennessee traditional pension plan option (TCRS) 401k with $50 company match/457/403b
• Employee Discount program with over 900+companies
• 13 Paid Holidays/Year Includes paid days off the last week of December
• Sick Leave Bank
• Longevity Pay
• Many opportunities for professional development

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered for a position at Pellissippi State, you must create an on-line application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Work experience that is not listed on the application will not be considered towards compensation. Please note: attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. Please note: to scan, upload, or attach documents, a computer and scanner are available at the Hardin Valley Campus Educational Resources Center, if needed.