Assistant Director, University College /SSS Project Director

Title: Assistant Director, University College /SSS Project Director
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Student Support Services University College
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The TRIO/Student Support Services (SSS) program Assistant Director is to provide administrative and programmatic leadership for TRIO/SSS and serve as a leadership team member for University College. The Assistant Director works with the University College leadership team and employees of TRIO/SSS to determine, establish, and implement goals and strategic plans for TRIO/SSS. The Assistant Director hires (in cooperation with the University College Director and supervises employees in TRIO/SSS. The Assistant Director works with multiple external campus constituencies and the federal government to achieve these objectives. The Assistant Director ensures compliance with the US Department of Education guidelines and facilitates writing the grant proposals. The Assistant Director is at a comparable administrative level to (and must work cooperatively with) the other Academic Assistant Directors in University College.

Additional Information

This is a grant-funded position with guaranteed funding for the role from 8/1/2025 – 8/31/2026. While the grant cycle is slated for five years with an award tentatively set for 9/1/2025 – 8/312030, funding is only guaranteed annually, which could be renewed each year during the five-year cycle if funds are made available from the US Department of Education

University College supports Illinois State University's core values of inclusion, racial equity, and social justice. Given the diversity of our student population, we actively recruit and retain talented individuals to meet their needs. We believe the greater the variety of perspectives, the more innovation, productivity, and empathy our organization fosters.

We promote a culture of inclusivity and understanding and seek to provide transformative experiences through mentorship, advocacy, and professional development opportunities. University College is an inclusive environment and respects the voices of minoritized faculty, staff, and students.
Exhibit a professional and growth-minded demeanor that cultivates a culture of understanding and empathy.

We are committed to integrity and ethical behavior in consideration of the campus and the larger community.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$5,000 - $5,305 Monthly ($60,000 - $63,660 Annually)

Required Qualifications

1. Master's Degree (preferred in Education, College Student Personnel, or related field).
2. Two years of related experience in educational administration or TRIO grant programs with particular knowledge of the needs of disadvantaged students.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Successful grant writing experience and grant administration.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including effectively making public presentations.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills, including listening, communication, and teamwork.
4. Ability to multitask and produce quality work under deadlines, organizational skills, and flexibility in changing administrative models.
5. Ability and experience working with diverse populations of students, peers, and the public.
6. Working knowledge of essential office software (word processing, spreadsheets, mainframes, databases, etc.).
7. Ability to work independently without intense supervision and effectively contribute to a leadership team with a learner-centered and service-oriented philosophy.
8. Demonstrated experience working with students, faculty, departmental staff, campus administrators, and off-campus contacts.
9. Supervisory and/or training experience.

Work Hours

TBD

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without reasonable accommodation:
1. Effectively communicate daily.
2. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
3. Move about in various locations across campus to complete day-to-day work.

Proposed Starting Date

August 2025

Required Applicant Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Reference List - Please provide a list with contact information for at least three professional references.

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits are available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/admi