TRIO SSS Director

University of Minnesota Morris

TRIO Student Support Services and TRIO Programs Director

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.

• 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 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.

• 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…