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.

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

* 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 is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this…