Associate Director, Academic Advisor, TRIO Student Support Services

Project Overview

The TRIO Student Support Services Program (SSS) is a 5‑year federally funded grant designed to support its participants’ successful achievement of a postsecondary degree. Participants are first‑generation, income‑eligible, or have a documented disability as defined by the ADA and demonstrate academic need. The program provides opportunities for academic development, assists participants with basic college requirements, and motivates them toward successful completion of their postsecondary education.

Services include academic tutoring, academic advising, counseling, financial literacy, graduate school preparation, mentoring, career readiness, and cultural exposure. The current grant cycle is 2025‑2030 and can be subject to change.

The ideal candidate for the Associate Director, Academic Advisor is a professional student‑oriented leader with a sound understanding and appreciation for student success, program participants eligible characteristics, and a desired goal to attain a bachelor’s degree. This role provides leadership and oversight in executing the academic and programmatic arms of the Project to ensure grant compliance and retention of students at both the program and institutional levels.

The primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Operation – Under the guidance of the Project Director, provide for the effective coordination of the day‑to‑day activities of the TRIO Student Support Services Program as outlined in the grant.
• Recruitment – Closely assist in development of recruitment marketing, identifying, and verifying eligible Program participants, intake interviews, and orientation.
• Academic Advising & Monitoring – Maintain a student caseload, provide each participant academic advising services, develop individual Personal Academic Plans (PAP), and monitor academic progress of participants.
• Counseling – Provide academic, career and non‑clinical personal counseling to participants.
• Tutoring/Mentoring – Plan, implement, oversee, and evaluate all components of the academic tutorial program; assist in overseeing the mentoring component.
• Programmatic – Closely assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of academic, student success, and cultural activities that foster development of the target participant (e.g., workshops, graduate school tours, financial literacy seminars, local and out‑of‑town cultural enrichment experiences).
• Instruction – If necessary, instruct at least one college orientation course (EDU 101 – Prep for Excellence) with TRIO participants.
• Evaluation & Reporting – In compliance with FERPA and other applicable laws, maintain accurate and confidential student records and files. Compile, evaluate, interpret, and maintain statistical reports of all data concerning participants and programming. Work closely with TRIO SSS staff on the completion and submission of Annual Performance Report.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education: Master’s Degree from an accredited institution, preferably in Education, Counseling, Student Services, or a related field.

Experience: At least two years of experience in TRIO or with similar target populations, higher education, academic advising, and career coaching required. Experience with program development and project management is preferred.

Specific Knowledge and

Skills:

Strong understanding of student success programming, retention, and graduation initiatives. Demonstrated understanding of college students’ development and academic needs, a creative approach to student services, and high professionalism and ethical standards. Excellent customer service skills, oral and written communication skills, leadership skills, initiative, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites and social media, and ability to work productively within a team setting.

Travel: Occasional evening and overnight travel required for student cultural enrichment 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 constant contact and collaboration with students, faculty, staff, and outside program partners and may be required to serve on campus committee(s).

Percentage of Time Allocation: 100% Time and Effort.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a grant‑funded position through August 2030 and is contingent upon successful program evaluation and renewal of grant funding.