"Project Director - TRIO Student Support Services (Grant Funded Position)"

Job Details

SUMMARY

Stephen F. Austin State University has been awarded a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant to expand services for first-generation college students. The TRIO SSS program will be integrated with the existing Generation Jacks (GenJacks) program, housed in the Cole Student Success Center. This merger will align institutional and federal efforts to enhance academic, personal, and financial support services for participating students, creating a seamless program experience. The Project Director will lead the implementation and integration of the TRIO SSS and GenJacks programs to ensure effective service delivery and compliance with federal requirements.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Grant Funded Position – continued employment contingent on funding

This is a supervisory position responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and management of the federally funded TRIO SSS program. Ensures achievement of the program’s mission to increase the retention, academic success, and graduation rates of first-generation, low-income students. Serves as the primary advocate for TRIO SSS participants and collaborates across campus to foster a supportive environment. Provides strategic vision and operational oversight, manages the program budget, supervises staff, oversees all student services, and ensures full compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations and institutional policies. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Director of the Cole Student Success Center.

QUALIFICATIONS Master’s degree in humanities, social science, education, counseling, social work, student affairs or a related field is required.

Five years of administrative experience in SSS or similar program(s) and a minimum of two years of supervisory experience of professional staff is required. Experience in counseling, advising, or coaching a wide range of student populations is required. Demonstrated experience in budget management, preferably with federally funded grants, is required. Direct administrative experience with a federal TRIO program (e.g., SSS, Upward Bound, Talent Search) is preferred. Experience teaching study skills and/or career development techniques is preferred. Bilingual in English and Spanish spoken and written language skills is preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Directs, plans, implements, and evaluates all TRIO SSS program activities to ensure grant objectives are met.
2. Develops, manages, and monitors the annual grant budget, ensuring all expenditures are allowable, properly documented, and aligned with federal and institutional requirements.
3. Prepares and oversees budget reports and financial statements for internal and external review.
4. Ensures compliance with all federal regulations, U.S. Department of Education guidelines, and institutional policies.
5. Hires, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff.
6. Develops and implements program policies and procedures for participant recruitment, selection, and service delivery.
7. Represents the TRIO SSS program on campus committees and in communications with internal and external stakeholders.
8. Provides leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to foster a student-centered, effective team.
9. Oversees the recruitment, screening, selection, and orientation of eligible program participants annually.
10. Manages a small caseload of SSS participants, providing individualized and holistic support through academic, financial aid, career, and personal advising.
11. Oversees the monitoring of academic progress of all participants and coordinates proactive interventions as needed.
12. Develops, coordinates, and facilitates workshops, tutoring services, and financial literacy programming to meet student needs.
13. Leads the collection, analysis, and maintenance of all participant data and program service records in a secure and confidential manner.
14. Prepares grant proposals for program renewal and seeks additional funding opportunities.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Serves on relevant university committees that support student success and retention.
2. Participates in state, regional, and national TRIO professional organizations to stay current on best practices and legislative updates.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities or, using some other form of skills and abilities, be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of federal TRIO regulations, the U.S. Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars.
3. Knowledge of student development theory, academic advising principles, and best practices for supporting the retention and success of at-risk student populations.
4. Knowledge of financial aid processes, career counseling, and academic success strategies.
5. Skill in collecting, analyzing, evaluating, and reporting data.
6. Skill in leadership and team building.
7. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, word processing, and database management software and student information systems.
8. Ability to interpret and apply complex federal regulations to program operations.
9. Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
10. Ability to develop a budget and demonstrate effective fiscal management.
11. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
12. Ability to present complex information to various audiences.
13. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal and collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
14. Ability to work effectively with a culturally, linguistically, and ethnically varied student and staff population.
15. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
16. Ability to learn office- and university-specific software.
17. Ability to train and supervise others.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT

Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check. This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.