Project Director

Salary Range: Grant-Funded Professional Staff Reports To: Vice President of Student Success (Student Affairs) Terms of Employment: Full-time, 12-Month Opening Date: 03/04/2026 PROJECT OVERVIEW The TRIOUpward BoundProgram (UB) is a 5- year, federally funded (U. S. Department of Education), grant designed to support itsparticipantsin their preparation for college entrance. ParticipantsinTRIOUBarepotentialfirst-generation orincome-eligible anddemonstrate academicneed. The Project provides opportunitiesfor participants to succeed in their precollege performance andultimately intheir 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,assistancewith college planning,mentoring,and cultural exposure.The current grant cycle is 2022-2027and can be subject to change. POSITION SUMMARY The Director of TRIOUpward Bound(UB)provides strategic, administrative, and financial leadership and oversight for all aspects of the federally funded TRIOUBProgram at Paine College. This position has full authority asdesignatedby the U.S. Department of Education andis responsible fordeveloping, implementing, and administering the management of all project activities and services designed to support low-income studentsand potential first-generationhigh schoolstudents.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 whilemaintainingthe program’s goals ofincreasing the rate at which participants complete high school and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. 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 TRIOUBProgramin accordance withthe 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 andmaintainannual schedules and timelines to ensure delivery of grantobjectivesand activities. Advocate for the needs of first-generationandlow-incomestudents. 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 TRIOUpward Boundcommunication outlets. Prepare andsubmitcompetitive 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 corevaluesExcellence, Appreciation of Heritage, Integrity, Fiscal Responsibility, and Service. Ensure that all activities are conducted within the established College policies, FERPA guidelines, and other applicable lawspertaining togrant 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, andmaintainfinancial recordsin accordance withfederal and institutionalrequirementsincluding 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 includingProgram Coordinators (2), Part-time Office Manager/Budget Assistant, Instructors, Residential Staff,Tutorsand 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 servicesismaintainedby 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 regulationsand approvedgrant. 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 studentswith a high riskfor academic failure. Maintainaccurateeligibility and enrollment records. Student Advising and Support Services Monitor academic progress of all participants including academicperformance (GPA,Standardized Testing),high school retention,andhigh schoolgraduation, and implement intervention strategies when challenges arise. Coordinate and oversee student success programming related to academic success, financial literacy,collegeplanning,collegepreparation, 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 andmaintaincomprehensive 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 anddemonstrateimpact. 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 andparticipatein institutional student success and equity initiatives. Promote the mission and philosophy ofTRIO Upward Boundto the campus and external stakeholders. Professional Development Complete all required TRIO Director training andmaintainongoing professional development. Participate in regional and national training and remain current with regulations and best practices. POSITION REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Master’s Degreefrom an accredited institution in education, counseling, student services,orrelatedfield. Minimum of five (5) yearsofexperience in leadership and the implementation of TRIO support services or similar programs that provide academic support services to first-generationorlow-income orstudents,required. Has overcome barriers or worked withindividualsimilar to those of the target population, required. Experience with federal grant management andcompliance,required. Proficient with student success technology platforms, data analysis, and evaluation techniques, preferred. Demonstratedleadershipexperience with TRIO Programs or serving first-generation,low-incomeor underrepresented student populations,required. Demonstrated experience in program design, implementation, assessment, and grant management,required. Experience withcollege and career readinessinitiatives,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, includingskillin developing, implementing, and administering program activities, supervising staff, and communicating effectively in both written and oral forms. Candidates mustdemonstrateproficiencyin 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 withtarget high schools,parents,administrators,collegecampusand students while practicing sensitivity, responsiveness, and a commitment to inclusion and belonging.High standardsof professionalism, confidentiality, and thoughtful and sound decision-making. SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: This position requires excellentcustomer services skills, excellentoral and written communicationskills,quality leadership skills,proficiencywithZoom andMicrosoft Office(including Microsoft Teams)andsocial media,ability to work productively within a teamsetting,demonstratedunderstanding of the development and academic needs of college students,possessa creative approach to student services,and have high professionalism and ethicalstandards. 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 August31, 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. Paine College is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative action employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr