PROJECT OVERVIEW
The TRIO Student Support Services Program (SSS) is a 5- year, federally funded (U. S. Department of Education), grant designed to support its participants’ successful achievement of a postsecondary degree. Participants of TRIO SSS are first-generation, income-eligible, or students with a documented disability (as defined by the ADA) and demonstrate academic need. The Project provides opportunities for academic development, assist participants with basic college requirements, and motivate participants toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. Areas of program services include academic tutoring, academic advising, counseling, financial literacy, graduate school preparation, mentoring, career readiness, and cultural exposure. The current grant cycle is 2025-2030 and can be subject to change.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) provides strategic, administrative, and financial leadership and oversight for all aspects of the federally funded TRIO SSS Program at Paine College. This position has full authority as designated by the U.S. Department of Education and is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the management of all project activities and services designed to support low-income students, first-generation college students and students with disabilities. The Director ensures program compliance with federal regulations, supervises staff, manages the program budget and works collaboratively across campus to promote student success and retention. The Director advocates for and serves the target population while maintaining the program’s goals of good academic standing, retention, and graduation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Leadership and Compliance
Interpret and implement federal guidelines, objectives, and performance goals to ensure accountability and full compliance.
Provide overall leadership and daily management of the TRIO SSS Program in accordance with the approved grant and all U.S. Department of Education regulations.
Oversee the planning, development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of all TRIO Program services (advising, academic tutoring, student success initiatives, career readiness, graduate school preparation, financial economic literacy, cultural enrichment, etc.).
Develop and maintain annual schedules and timelines to ensure delivery of grant objectives and activities.
Advocate for the needs of first-generation, low-income, and disabled students.
Serve as primary liaison with institutional leadership, faculty, staff, community partners, state association, regional association, and the U.S. Department of Education.
Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all TRIO Student Support Services communication outlets.
Prepare and submit competitive grant application and interim and annual performance reports to the U.S. Department of Education.
Ensure the approved grant is implemented as outlined.
Conduct Program and College business in a professional and ethical manner that includes the College’s core values Excellence, Appreciation of Heritage, Integrity, Fiscal Responsibility, and Service.
Ensure that all activities are conducted within the established College policies, FERPA guidelines, and other applicable laws pertaining to grant management, education, and employment.
Budget and Resource Management
Develop and manage the program budget to ensure compliant, effective use of federal funds.
Monitor expenditures, coordinate procurement, prepare financial documentation, and maintain financial records in accordance with federal and institutional requirements including EDGAR.
Submit annual program budget each year to the U.S. Department of Education for approval.
Supervision and Staff Oversight
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff including Associate Director/Academic Advisor, Administrative Support Specialist, tutors, and mentors.
Provide supervision, required TRIO-related training, professional development, and performance management for staff.
Plan, lead, and provide guidance on human resource activities, such as hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and other employee relation matters.
Create and foster a positive and supportive team environment where staff members are encouraged to develop and grow by being given opportunities for training, event coordination, project management, data analysis, or other areas of expertise.
Recruitment and Eligibility Compliance
Lead student recruitment, eligibility verification, and selection processes in compliance with federal regulations and approved grant.
Recruit and enroll students who meet federal TRIO eligibility criteria.
Verify and document eligibility to ensure required program assurances for low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities.
Maintain accurate eligibility and enrollment records.
Student Advising and Support Services
Maintain personal caseload of TRIO participants, providing individualized academic, personal, and career advising.
Monitor academic progress of all participants including academic standing, persistence, and degree completion, and implement intervention strategies when challenges arise.
Coordinate and oversee student success programming related to academic success, financial literacy, career planning, graduate school preparation, and cultural enrichment.
Data Management, Evaluation, and Reporting
Implement and manage assessment tools to measure grant process, program effectiveness, and student outcomes.
Develop and maintain comprehensive manuals and documentation outlining program policies, procedures, and assessment processes.
Track participant engagement, services, and outcomes using internal student success platforms and databases (including Blumen).
Analyze data to guide program decisions and demonstrate impact.
Prepare required internal and external reports and ensure compliant recordkeeping.
Ensure adherence to FERPA and all college policies governing student records and confidentiality.
Campus Collaboration and Advocacy
Collaborate with campus partners (Student Success, Financial Aid, Academic Affairs, Admissions, Fiscal Affairs, etc.) to support student success.
Represent the TRIO Programs at campus events and participate in institutional student success and equity initiatives.
Promote the mission and philosophy of TRIO Student Support Services to the campus and external stakeholders.
Professional Development
Complete all required TRIO Director training and maintain ongoing professional development.
Participate in regional and national training and remain current with regulations and best practices.
