About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts: At MCLA, we're here for all, and focused on each of our students.
Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 132-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2026. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings: No. 6 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu Job Description: GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Program Director for the TRIO Student Support Services Program (SSS) oversees a U.S. Department of Education grant-funded program providing comprehensive academic and holistic services to college students to support their academic, social, personal development, and well-being needs. Students served by TRIO SSS are first generation, come from a low-income background, and/or have a disability. The Project Director will lead the development, implementation, administration, assessment, staffing, models, and activities of the program in accordance with federal regulations, grant objectives, and MCLA strategic priorities. The Program Director helps advance an institution-wide collaborative model for TRIO SSS. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the Dean of the Library and Integrated Student Support SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervises TRIO program staff and student employees DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversee the strategic planning, administration, assessment, reporting, and implementation of the TRIO SSS grant in accordance with USDOE TRIO SSS rules and regulations and in alignment with MCLA priorities. Manage the program budget and authorize expenditures of federal funds in collaboration with involved departments and offices. Complete and submit the project's Annual Performance Report (APR) in accordance with USDOE instructions and with support from MCLA collaborators including Institutional Research, Grants staff, and TRIO SSS program staff,. Collaboratively develop and implement a recruitment and persistence plan for TRIO students; assure equal access to project services for all project participants; develop and scaffold tiered engagement and intervention strategies and activities that are universal and customized in design, as well as impactful in closing equity gaps. Supervise the selection/eligibility of TRIO SSS program participants according to SSS guidelines; collect and maintain program data and prepare reports as required by the USDOE and MCLA. Recruit, hire, train, supervise, professionally support, and evaluate TRIO project staff and student employees. Allocate advising and engagement caseloads among the director and project staff. Provide academic coaching, encouragement, and support to 160+ program participants. Apply principles of appreciative advising and active learning to build rapport, engagement and trust with students. Help students design and implement academic success plans that include goals and objectives and address areas of need. Support successful goal completion and monitor student progress toward established goals. May serve on the MCLA CARE/case management team and/or the Academic Appeals Committee Plan and facilitate program-sponsored events in collaboration with TRIO SSS project staff and campus partners. Coordinate with Student Affairs on activities for first-generation students. Establish and maintain liaison relationships and collaborations with offices and units across divisions to facilitate referrals, awareness, and collaboration. Lead and participate in committees and work groups that align with project goals and objectives. Participate in college-wide initiatives and signature events. Coordinate public relations initiatives for TRIO SSS; foster an institutional climate in support of the project's mission, goals, and objectives; promote an inclusive culture and community. Disseminate USDOE and TRIO SSS-related information to broaden familiarity with TRIO SSS. Serve as the university representative for TRIO with the US Department of Education. Perform other duties as assigned. Requirements: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree in relevant field (Education, Behavioral and/or Social Science, Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs Administration). A minimum of three years of successful program administrative and supervisory experience at the post-secondary level. Proven strategic organizational, assessment and management skills, as well as the ability to engage in effective collaborations and conflict resolution. Budget management experience required. Experience developing and implementing academic and holistic support services for student populations who are traditionally underserved in higher education, especially those who are first generation, come from a low-income background, and/or have a disability. Previous experience working with students from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds; experience fostering inclusive communities. Prior experience in academic advising and mentoring of undergraduate students. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Previous work within a federal or state grant funded educational program and experience in writing proposals, designing, managing or implementing a TRIO SSS Program (or a similar program) preferred. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of theories and best practices in student development, academic learning and well-being. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain a productive working relationship with multiple constituencies across campus. Experience convening committees. Knowledge of college/university processes and procedures Ability to work with and safeguard sensitive and confidential student information. Working knowledge of student management database systems and learning platforms, such as EAB Navigate360, Canvas, BANNER and DegreeWorks. Well-developed written and oral communication skills, including developing and delivering presentations. Additional Information: This is a full-time position within the APA bargaining union. This position is grant-funded through August 31, 2030. Continuation of the position is dependent on renewal of the grant. Salary for this position is $75,000-$80,000 per year. Employee Benefits: Health Insurance: MCLA offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately. Retirement: The MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution. Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities. Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits. Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation, issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both. Lucas Morrill Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247 Telephone: (413) 662-5103 Titleix@mcla.edu U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights 33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424 Telephone: (617) 289-0111; FAX: (617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172 OCR.Boston@ed.gov Application Instructions: Applicants are required to submit a resume, cover letter, online application and 3 professional references. Candidates should electronically submit an application materials by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below.
