Project Director, SIP Grant; grant-funded

Project Director, SIP Grant (grant-funded) – Administrator IV

Eastern Connecticut State University is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the Project Director (grant-funded) position. Eastern is Connecticut’s Public Liberal Arts University and is located in Willimantic, Connecticut, 1.5 hours from Boston and 2.5 hours from New York City. Eastern is one of four universities in the Connecticut State College and University System (CSCU). The position also offers substantial health and retirement benefits.

Coordinates implementation of the Modeling Student Success initiative under the U.S. Department of Education's Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP). Provides project management, operational leadership, and compliance oversight across Academic Affairs, Student Success & Enrollment, and Student Affairs to advance Eastem's institutional goals for retention, graduation, and equity. This position is funded for five years under the SIP grant; continuation is dependent on grant renewal or institutional funding.

May supervise professional staff of a lower grade and/or support staff as assigned.

• Responsible for day‑to‑day oversight and management of the SIP grant, ensuring compliance with goals and deliverables, adhering to grant timelines.
• Coordinates work plans and deliverables across divisions and departments.
• Convenes cross‑divisional working groups for student success and institutional effectiveness.
• Serves as liaison between the university and the U.S. Department of Education program officer.
• Collaborates across divisions to design and assess holistic student support models.
• In collaboration with Institutional Research, tracks key performance indicators (retention, DFW rates, academic probation, graduation).
• Supports the integration of evaluation findings into continuous improvement plans and institutional dashboards.
• Coordinates internal and external communication on SIP initiatives.
• Supports executive sponsor team (Provost, VP Student Success & Enrollment, VP Student Affairs) with briefings and reports.
• Facilitates campus presentations and professional development linked to SIP objectives.
• With support from the Grants Office, maintains documentation of grant expenditures, personnel effort certifications, and programmatic data.
• Monitors progress of SIP‑funded support staff as it relates to the project goals.
• Prepares annual performance reports and evaluation summaries in coordination with Grants Office and stakeholders.
• With support from the Grants Office, ensures activities adhere to Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and Eastern policies.
• Collaborates with Institutional Research, Academic Advising, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CTLA), and Student Support offices on shared initiatives.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities related to those above that do not alter the basic level of responsibility of the position.

• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external relations.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse populations, demonstrating multicultural competence.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply federal and state laws and regulations as well as university and BOR/CSCU policies and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of federal grant compliance and reporting.
• Experience with data‑informed decision‑making and cross‑divisional collaboration.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, equity, and student retention.

Typically performs work indoors, on campus, and in person. May be required to work evenings and weekends as necessary.

Master's degree from an accredited institution in education, higher education administration, counseling, or related field. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in academic or student affairs with demonstrated leadership in program management and student success initiatives.

The Project Director, SIP Grant (grant-funded) is compensated at the Administrator IV salary level in…