Senior Director, TRIO College Programs

This position provides oversight for multiple TRIO directors, including but not limited to Student Support Services Classic, Student Support Services STEM Health, Student Support Services Teacher Prep, and McNair Scholars Program. This position has direct oversight of the day-to-day operations of one or more of the noted functional areas to be determined based on the current needs of all TRIO programs. This role serves as the liaison between the TRIO Directors and the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Federal TRIO Programs as it relates to program assessment, compliance, and professional development and ensures that each TRIO program, where they are responsible for oversight, meets established goals and objectives and adheres to federal guidelines. This is a grant-funded position and is subject to shifting priorities and/or responsibilities based on the overall needs of Federal TRIO Programs and other first-generation student initiatives.

Primary Duties: 

• Manage all functions of TRIO College Programs by providing timely notification and feedback to staff, overseeing and supervising the design and implementation of large-scale TRIO programming, program evaluation and professional development of all TRIO staff, training grants, public promotion of services and short and long-term planning.
• Oversee and manage all aspects of one TRIO program, including strategic planning and assessment, participant recruitment and support, staff supervision and development, budget management, grant preparation, and federal reporting compliance.
• Serve as an advocate for all TRIO programs, as well as a liaison with local, state, and federal agencies, other TRIO projects, community organizations, and the public.
• Ensure programmatic compliance with federally mandated laws and regulations across all College Programs and collaborating with directors to ensure audit-ready status of records and processes. This includes conducting periodic program assessments and providing post-evaluation compliance.
• Ensure that each program’s budget is maintained in alignment with the approved grant proposal, the U.S. Department of Education requirements, Grand Valley State University policies, and unit-level regulations and procedures. This includes ensuring appropriate spending and thorough documentation.
• Provide professional development, training and coaching opportunities for direct reports and their respective team members.
• Collaborate with campus and community partners to enhance support networks, mentorship opportunities, and culturally affirming experiences for TRIO students.
• Promote a student-centered culture rooted in the TRIO mission by championing equity, access, and success for first-generation, low-income students including students with disabilities and veterans.
• Serve as a major contributor to the research in support of continuous grant funding for Federal TRIO Programs and the vision and mission of the Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach.
• Monitor and evaluate organizational effectiveness across College Programs and implementing strategies for process improvement.
• Provide leadership in development and implementation of first-generation initiatives within EDEO.
• Represent or serve in the absence of the AVP, as requested.
• Serve on Grand Valley State University and Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach committees.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Master’s degree in education, educational leadership, public administration, psychology, sociology, or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years managing TRIO programs, nonprofit organizations, or other programs with populations similar to TRIO participants.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience and demonstrated knowledge in administrative and organizational practices, including direct supervisory responsibilities
• Demonstrated commitment to TRIO principles, including experience working with first-generation, low-income students.
• Exceptional knowledge of TRIO legislation and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in grant or business writing required.
• Experience managing budgets and performing administrative responsibilities.
• Experience in enrollment management, student success, student retention, and academic advising.
• Experience hiring/training and supervising staff.
• Experience in program assessment and evaluation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic e