Assistant Director of TRIO Student Support Services

Job Title: Assistant Director, TRIO Student Support Services
Location: Downtown Indianapolis Campus
Job Type: Full-time
Classification: E-1
Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000 (based on experience)
Reports To: Director of TRIO - Student Support Services

Who We Are:
We are an open-access college that fuels Indiana’s economy through excellence in teaching and proactive engagement with industry and community partners, embedded in a culture of innovation that empowers all students to learn and succeed. We are “higher education at the speed of life!”

Our Values:
• Empathy: We stand with our students, partners, and communities.
• Integrity: We treat all with dignity and respect.
• Accountability: We deliver on our commitments.
• Agility: We innovate, iterate, and transform.
• Connectivity: We connect with partners to strengthen communities and ensure student success for all.

About the Role:
The Assistant Director serves as a primary advocate and proactive advisor for up to 80 participants in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. This role ensures student success through individualized advising, targeted support initiatives, and coordination of program activities that promote persistence, retention, and transfer.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Student-Centered Advising
  Apply proactive, holistic advising strategies to guide students through academic, financial, and personal challenges. Monitor academic progress, identify risk factors, and provide early intervention to support goal completion.
• Communication
  Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and cultural responsiveness when working with diverse student populations. Clearly communicate academic requirements, financial processes, and transfer pathways.
• Problem Solving & Advocacy
  Investigate underlying barriers to student progress and implement practical, student-first solutions that promote retention and academic momentum.
• Event & Program Coordination
  Design and deliver workshops, institutes, and transfer events that foster skill development, college readiness, and community building.
• Data-Driven Practice
  Maintain accurate advising records and analyze data to inform advising strategies, ensure grant compliance, and demonstrate program outcomes.
• Collaboration & Partnership
  Build effective relationships with faculty, staff, and community partners to support student success and fulfill grant objectives.
• Compliance & Grant Stewardship
  Stay current on TRIO regulations and institutional policies to ensure the program meets compliance standards. Support grant renewal efforts and reporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

The following is not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with this position may be assigned. All responsibilities will be conducted within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

• Advise and monitor progress of up to 80 TRIO SSS participants using a proactive, holistic approach
• Identify and help resolve barriers related to academics, financial aid, and career planning
• Support students in preparing and submitting academic and financial aid appeals
• Guide students through FAFSA completion and transfer planning to 4-year institutions
• Co-lead the Summer and Winter Institutes, TRIO Day, and life/study skills workshops
• Coordinate two campus visits to 4-year colleges or universities annually
• Track student outcomes and maintain accurate, grant-compliant records
• Present information to campus stakeholders to advocate for program goals
• Participate in professional development and training aligned with TRIO and college policies
• Contribute to grant proposal development and submission during renewal cycles
• Represent the program at local, state, and regional TRIO events
• Support cross-functional efforts within Sponsored Programs to enhance student retention
• Perform additional duties aligned with the scope and purpose of the role

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Student Personnel, Guidance, Education, or a related field
• Experience in federal educational projects or student personnel work requiring evaluation and documentation procedures
• Knowledge of and experience in relating to the academic, social, economic, and cultural needs of first generation and low-income students, and those who meet the criteria as outline under Section 427 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA)
• Excellent problem solving and communication skills

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