Associate Director, Academic Advisor, TRIO Student Support Services

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. 

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND AUTHORITY 

The ideal candidate for the Associate Director, Academic Advisor is a professional student-oriented leader with a sound understanding and appreciation for student success, program participants eligibility characteristics, and desired goal to attain a bachelor’s degree. This role provides leadership and oversight in executing the academic and programmatic arms of the Project to ensure grant compliance and retention of students at both the program and institutional levels. The primary duties and responsibilities include:  

• Operation – Under the guidance of the Project Director, provide for the effective coordination of the day-to-day activities of the TRIO Student Support Services Program as outlined in the grant. 

• Recruitment – Closely assist in development of recruitment marketing, identifying, and verifying eligible Program participants, intake interviews, and orientation. 

• Academic Advising & Monitoring– Maintain a student caseload provide each participant academic advising services, develop individual Personal Academic Plans (PAP), and monitor academic progress of participants. 

• Counseling – Provide academic, career and non-clinical personal counseling to participants. 

• Tutoring/Mentoring – Plan, implement, oversee, and evaluate all components of the academic tutorial program. Assist in overseeing the mentoring component.  

• Programmatic – Closely assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of academic, student success, and cultural activities that foster development of the target participant (i.e. workshops, graduate school tours, financial literacy seminars, local and out of town cultural enrichment experiences, etc.). 

• Instruction – If necessary, instruct at least one college orientation course (EDU 101 – Prep for Excellence) with TRIO participants. 

• Evaluation & Reporting– In compliance with FERPA and other applicable laws, maintain accurate and confidential student records and files. Compile, evaluate, interpret, and maintain statistical reports, of all data concerning participants and programming. Work closely with TRIO SSS staff on the completion and submission of Annual Performance Report.  

• Other duties as assigned.  

POSITION REQUIREMENTS  

EDUCATION: Master’s Degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Education, Counseling, Student Services, or related field. 

EXPERIENCE: At least two years of experience in TRIO or with similar target populations, higher education, academic advising, and career coaching required. Experience with program development and project management, preferred. 

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Strong understanding of student success programming, student retention, and graduation initiatives. Demonstrated understanding of the development and academic needs of college students, possess a creative approach to student services, and have high professionalism and ethical standards. Excellent customer services skills, oral and written communication skills, leadership skills, initiative, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites and social media, and ability to work productively within a team setting.  

TRAVEL: Occasional evening and overnight travel required for student cultural enrichment and professional training. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: This position works physically on-campus and in-person with either a set schedule or flexibility depending on operational needs.  

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTACT WITH OTHERS: This position requires constant contact and collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and outside program partners and may be required to serve on campus committee(s).  

PERCENTAGE OF TIME ALLOCATION: 100% Time and Effort 

PLEASE NOTE: This is a grant-funded position through August 2030 and is contingent upon successful program evaluation and renewal of grant funding.