Project Director, TRIO Upward Bound

The TRIO Upward Bound Program (UB) is a 5- year, federally funded (U. S. Department of Education), grant designed to support its participants in their preparation for college entrance. Participants in TRIO UB are potential first-generation or income-eligible and demonstrate academic need. The Project provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Areas of program services include academic tutoring, academic advising, academic instruction (math, science, reading, writing, foreign language), counseling, financial literacy, college and career readiness, assistance with college planning, mentoring, and cultural exposure. The current grant cycle is 2022-2027 and can be subject to change.

The Director of TRIO Upward Bound (UB) provides strategic, administrative, and financial leadership and oversight for all aspects of the federally funded TRIO UB 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 and potential first-generation high school students.

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 increasing the rate at which participants complete high school and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

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 UB 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, tutoring, instruction, student success initiatives, services requirement, 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 and low-income students.
• Serve as primary liaison with institutional leadership, college campus, target high schools, parents, community partners, state association, regional association, and the U.S. Department of Education.
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all TRIO Upward Bound 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 Program Coordinators (2), Part-time Office Manager/Budget Assistant, Instructors, Residential Staff, 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.
• Ensure 100% Time and Effort for the approved positions, job tasks, student caseload, and grant services is maintained by Program Staff and there is no conflict, implied or explicit.

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 a high risk for academic failure.
• Maintain accurate eligibility and enrollment records.

Student Advising and Support Services

• Monitor academic progress of all participants including academic performance (GPA, Standardized Testing), high school retention, and high school graduation, and implement intervention strategies when challenges arise.
• Coordinate and oversee student success programming related to academic success, financial literacy, college planning, college preparation, and cultural engagement.
• Coordinate and oversee services that help students clarify their education, career, and life goals.

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.
• 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 Upward Bound 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.

• Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in education, counseling, student services, or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in leadership and the implementation of TRIO support services or similar programs that provide academic support services to first-generation or low-income or students, required.
• Has overcome barriers or worked with individual similar to those of the target population, required.
• Experience with federal grant management and compliance, required.
• Proficient with student success technology platforms, data analysis, and evaluation techniques, preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with TRIO Programs or serving first-generation, low-income or underrepresented student populations, required.
• Demonstrated experience in program design, implementation, assessment, and grant management, required.
• Experience with college and career readiness initiatives, required.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and extended summer hours, required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong knowledge of TRIO regulations, grant management, and federal reporting requirements. Strong leadership, management, and organizational abilities, including skill in developing, implementing, and administering program activities, supervising staff, and communicating effectively in both written and oral forms.  Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in budget and database management systems, program evaluation, data analysis, grant writing, procurement, processes, and the use of word processing, Excel, and other technology platforms (Blumen preferred).

A solid understanding of college admissions, academic progress, financial aid, and the challenges facing underserved students, along with full knowledge of federal TRIO regulations and compliance requirements is essential. The role requires the ability to manage a student caseload, provide individualized support, and work collaboratively and energetically with target high schools, parents, administrators, college campus and students while practicing sensitivity, responsiveness, and a commitment to inclusion and belonging. High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and thoughtful and sound decision-making.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

This position requires excellent customer services skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, quality leadership skills, proficiency with  Zoom and Microsoft Office (including Microsoft Teams) and social media, ability to work productively within a team setting, 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.

TRAVEL:

Required evening and overnight travel required for student educational enrichment, college tours, cultural events 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 contact and collaboration with students, parents, target high schools, administrators, college campus, and outside program partners and may be required to serve on campus committee(s).

PERCENTAGE ALLOCATION: 100%

PLEASE NOTE: This is a grant-funded position through August 31, 2027, and is contingent upon successful program evaluation and renewal of grant funding.

** SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST BE RECOMMENDED TO AND APPROVED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. **