TRIO Talent Search Project Director

The TRIO Statewide Talent Search Project Director is a pioneering position for the University of Alaska, offering a unique opportunity to provide meaningful support to middle and high school students in both urban and rural communities. Operating within the broader TRIO Programs department at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and collaborating with University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and Kenai Peninsula staff, the Director will ensure postsecondary preparation services are delivered effectively and program objectives are met annually.

The Director requires comprehensive knowledge of secondary school academic advising, individualized career planning, college admissions, financial aid (FAFSA), and financial literacy education, paired with a solid understanding of Registered Apprenticeships, Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, stackable credentials, and postsecondary access requirements. Additionally, the role demands a proven ability to build effective working relationships with secondary school administrators, teachers, university leadership, and community organizations. Strong analytical skills are necessary for project evaluation, progress tracking, and database management, alongside excellent oral, written, and cross-cultural communication skills.

To thrive in this role an ideal candidate must operate strategically to coordinate a complex statewide initiative across both urban and rural communities. The successful candidate must utilize both meticulous oversight and significant understanding of regulatory compliance to ensure grant administration is properly managed across the state. The candidate must possess the ability to network effectively, creatively problem solve, and provide visionary leadership in a dynamic working environment. Furthermore, the candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the betterment of student success through experience and a clear understanding of the needs associated with the target population. Finally, the ideal director will lead with humility and leverage personal or professional experience overcoming challenges similar to those confronting Alaska’s first-generation and low-income youth.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of experience in program development and evaluation, grant funded academic programs, or in areas directly related to the primary duties, and two years management experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Master’s degree preferred.

An unrestricted Alaska driver’s license and clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving criteria is required. 

Position Details:

This position is located on the University of Alaska campus in Anchorage, as well as area high schools and middle schools. This is a full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and  full employee benefits package . UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the  UA Staff Salary Schedule , Grade 82, based on education and experience.

We review applications on a rolling basis. Because we may close the posting once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is established, we encourage early submission. Please note that once a viable pool is identified, further applications may not be reviewed. 

To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE .

This is a term-funded position reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Meagan Sullivan, TRIO Programs HR Coordinator, at View email address on careers.alaska.edu or View phone number on careers.alaska.edu.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at View email address on careers.alaska.edu .

The  University of Alaska () is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a  policy of non-discrimination () against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

* Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA : (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online:  . Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: View phone number on careers.alaska.edu or  View email address on careers.alaska.edu / View phone number on careers.alaska.edu or  View email address on careers.alaska.edu . 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online:  . Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: View phone number on careers.alaska.edu or  View email address on careers.alaska.edu .

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online:   . Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: View phone number on careers.alaska.edu or emailing   View email address on careers.alaska.edu .