TRIO SSS Director

University of Minnesota Morris

TRIO Student Support Services and TRIO Programs Director

9361AC - Student Services Manager 1 - Student Advocacy and Support

The Student Support Services and TRIO Programs Director is responsible for managing and coordinating US /MN Department of Education supported student services programs boosting the success of students who are first-generation in college, students who are low income, students who have disabilities, and students from other historically underserved populations. The Director leads the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) project serving 140 students; guides the MN Department of Ed Intervention for College Attendance Program supported Bridges to the Future project; and builds administrative leadership and institutional capacity to expand services and supports for TRIO Upward Bound and McNair Scholars projects. The project director oversees the program, provides leadership in monitoring trends, and implements innovative services and practices while consulting and collaborating with faculty, staff and community leaders.

This is a 100% time position reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

Job Duties:

Provide TRIO Student Support Services program leadership, management, and development (75%):
* Serve as TRIO SSS project director and principal investigator.
* Supervise professional staff and lead development and implementation of the plan of operation.
* Create programs for students, faculty, and staff to build an inclusive, respectful climate and support TRIO students' success, persistence, and graduation.
* Lead student advising and support. Train and supervise staff in applying counseling, student development, intercultural communication, and career development theories in work with TRIO project participants. Guide interventions for at-risk students and crisis management protocols. Oversee peer mentor and ambassador program.
* Directly mentor and coach SSS project participants, including those with complex needs, on college adjustment, personal, family, academic and work difficulties. Partner with students to identify assets and address barriers to meeting their academic and career goals.
* Develop and maintain strategic partnerships to advance project goals and objectives; collaborate with campus and community partners to ensure a full range of access and opportunities for TRIO-eligible student populations.
* Advocate for policies and processes that reduce barriers for project-eligible students' success.
* Develop and manage project budgets, working with Grants Development.
* Ensure compliance with all state, federal, and university regulations and policies. Train, supervise, and offer advice to staff and others regarding TRIO-related legislation and regulations.
* Lead formative and summative project evaluation processes with a focus on continuous project improvement. Lead TRIO SSS Department of Education annual performance reporting.
* Facilitate staff professional development opportunities. Participate in state, regional, and national TRIO and Council for Opportunity in Education meetings and campus governance. Engage in scholarly, leadership, professional development, and/or creative activities with a focus on effectively supporting TRIO SSS eligible students.

Provide MN Intervention for College Attendance Program Bridges to the Future project leadership, management, and development (10%):
* Provide structural support and collaboration for ICAP-supported Bridges to the Future project success and alignment with MN Department of Education requirements.
* Collaborate with the Administrative Director of Community Engagement and project team to advance the plan of operation and SSS partnerships.
* Coordinate work with the Grants Development office, expand campus collaborations, external partnerships, and engagement with state, region, and national resources.

Serve as TRIO Programs Director, build institutional capacity to expand TRIO programs, and foster persistence and success for students from historically underserved populations (15%):
* Build institutional capacity to apply for and successfully implement TRIO Upward Bound and McNair Scholars projects to expand services and support for students from TRIO eligible populations.
* Serve on and collaborate with campus-wide CARE, basic needs, student persistence, and college success teams. Advance student persistence with a primary focus on first generation students, students from low-income households, and students with disabilities.
* Manage high level and high visibility programs and projects.

The position is also available with the title of TRIO Student Support Services Director.

The position is partially supported by UMN Morris grants from the US Department of Education - Student Support Services (funded through August 31, 2030). UMN Morris intends to apply for future US TRIO and MN ICAP grants.

Essential qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree and six years of experience or master's degree plus at least four years of relevant experience working with students that are first generation in college, from low-income households and/or students with documented disabilities, in a higher education setting.
• Experience designing, managing, or implementing SSS, college success, or similar projects.
• Experience working with students at academic risk in higher education.
  

Preferred qualifications:
A master's degree is strongly preferred and 5 or more years of higher education experience working with SSS student populations and programming; knowledge of and experience with Native American students, students from rural areas, and students with disabilities, and students from other diverse populations in higher education.

Pay Range: $68,000 - $88,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff non-teaching

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.

You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Resume and Cover Letter are required for this position.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris)

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121-year-old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The small, close-knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning. Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).