Project Director - TRIO Student Support Services

The University of Evansville invites applications for the position of Project Director for the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. This federally funded program is designed to increase the retention, academic success, and graduation rates of first-generation, income-eligible, and/or students with disabilities.

The Project Director will oversee all aspects of the SSS program, including staff supervision, fiscal management, program implementation, assessment, and federal compliance. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting the success of students who face barriers to higher education.

This is a full-time 12-month position in a 5–year grant, that can be renewed every 5 years at the discretion of the Federal Government. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and daily management for the TRIO Student Support Services program.
• Select, train, supervise and evaluate all members of the SSS staff, ensuring effective delivery of academic and personal support services.
• Manage and approve program budgets, maintain fiscal integrity, and ensure compliance with all federal regulations and University policies.
• Develop, implement, and assess programming/interventions that support SSS objectives, including:
  • Annual persistence of SSS-eligible students from one academic year to the next.
  • Improvement of annual academic standing rates of SSS-eligible students.
  • Promotion of college graduation rates for SSS-eligible students.
• Prepare and submit required reports to the U.S. Department of Education and University administrators.
• Utilize data-driven approaches to monitor participant progress, evaluate outcomes, and adjust programming as needed.
• Coordinate workshops, tutoring, mentoring, and other initiatives to promote student development and success.
• Provide direct student interventions and connect student with available campus resources.
• Collaborate with campus partners (Student Financial Services, Counseling and Disability Services, Academic Services) as well as community organizations to enhance services available to SSS participants.
• Oversee management of student retention data, including recruitment, eligibility and verification. 

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, Counseling, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in staff supervision, budget management, program development and evaluation, and compliance with federal regulations.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in post-secondary education, academic support services or related field.
• Experience in planning and evaluation, budget management and knowledge of student development.
• Demonstrated professional or personal experience overcoming barriers similar to those confronting SSS participants.
• Formal training and/or work experience in:
  • Promoting student persistence, academic achievement, and graduation among disadvantaged or underrepresented college students.
  • Designing, managing, or implementing student support services or comparable educational support projects.
  • Effective student coaching, including strategies for time management, goal setting, self-advocacy, and study skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in TRIO, Student Support Services, or other educational opportunity grant management.
• Knowledge of best practices in retention, advising, and student success for first-generation and low-income students.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to and ability to communicate with disadvantaged and diverse individuals and groups.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials via the application portal: https://www.evansville.edu/offices/hr/employment-application-form.cfm

1. Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
2. Resume or curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for three professional references

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

About the University of Evansville

The University of Evansville (UE) is a private, comprehensive university dedicated to active learning and meaningful service. UE values diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental components of academic excellence and student success.

UE is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to the goal of building a diverse staff committed to working in a multicultural environment.

Preference will be given to individuals who have succeeded in overcoming the disadvantages and circumstances like those of the targeted population.

The University of Evansville expects all members of its community to treat each other with respect and civility. Harassing behaviors directed towards any member of our community will not be tolerated. As part of its commitment to non-discrimination, the University specifically prohibits harassment based on any other characteristics set forth in its nondiscrimination statement as follows: including race, color, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, creed or religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and all federally protected groups/classes. Any form of harassment undermines the mission of the University and negatively impacts the University community as a whole.

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