Director of TRIO Student Support Services

POSITION PURPOSE

The Student Support Services Program Director is responsible for managing, administering and supervising all aspects of planning and implementation of the Student Support Services TRiO program including the day-to-day operations for the program.  This program provides comprehensive services for low-income, first generation, and students with disabilities to increase retention, graduation and transfer rates.

The position collaborates and creates partnerships with off-campus entities including 4-year Universities, other TRiO programs and community organizations who support student participants.  The Director is responsible for hiring, training and supervising department staff and student workers.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS

1.     Responsible for the direction, supervision and administration of TRiO Student Support Services program serving both campuses including:

·       Manage daily operational procedures for the Department to ensure timely response to customers, assign staff offices and determine operating guidelines. 

·       Authorize salary and non-salary expenditures.  Formulate, develop and manage annual budget and expenditures to adequately meet personnel and operational needs. 

·       Direct work, hire staff, manage employees, evaluate employee performance standards and review training goals in accordance with Human Resources policy, procedure and practices.  Authorize employee leave and approve timesheets.  Initiate disciplinary actions when necessary. 

·       Recommend work priorities as necessary for department staff. 

·       Provide training for all departmental employees. 

·       Conduct regular staff meetings to provide intra-office communication ensuring consistency of activities.                     

2.     In conjunction with the advisors, provide advising services to Student Support Services participants. Monitor program participant academic progress.  Supervise and direct the development and implementation of:

·       Needs Assessment Plan (Accuplacer, Noel-Levitz College Student Inventory)

·       Student Success Plan developed/adjusted

·       Monitor student progress and contact students as needed

·       Provide information about financial aid and assist students to apply for such aid

·       Supervise and direct the academic planning and registration of participants

·       Assist students transferring to other institutions

3.     Program Compliance:  Manage the Student Support Services TRiO program to accomplish the purposes and objectives set forth in the approved grant.  Maintain administrative records for the SSS program according to federal requirements.  Submit federal reports to US Department of Education.

·       Financial management

·       Maintain all federally required documentation

·       Student record management

·       Personnel management: exercise supervisory authority to assure that the staff of the SSS program effectively perform assigned tasks and accomplish project objectives.

·       Coordinate with other programs (internal and external)

·       Complete and submit all federal, state, and Minnesota State grant reports

4.     Lead and supervise all services and activities provided to program participants.  Arrange retention support services for students that will include intrusive advising, academic support services, financial aid guidance, career exploration, leadership development. cultural enrichment, transfer services, personal counseling. peer mentoring, etc.

5.     Develop and maintain communication plan and strategies regarding the Student Support Services (SSS) program to include, but not limited to:

·       Develop and maintain website to provide the public with information about the SSS TRiO program.  Information must include contact information, project goals, objectives, services and participant eligibility requirements.

·       Create and distribute monthly electronic communication for students, faculty, staff, and administration.  Newsletter should include overview of previous, current and upcoming SCC activities and resources.

·       Create marketing strategies, materials, presentations and news releases to inform campus and community of program objectives.

·       Oversee development and implementation of applicant packet materials.

6.     Direct and participate in the process to identify and select program participants.  Establish and supervise effective processes for data and information management to ensure timely and accurate reporting and confidentiality of participant records.

·       Develop program materials: information brochures, program application packet

·       Supervise program staff in setting criteria and standards for selection

·       Review student applications and ensure the eligibility criteria are met

·       Coordinate with Student Support Services staff to select final participants

7.     Participate in professional development activities to remain current in the status of federal TRiO programs and to communicate accurate information to campus, community and participant constituencies.

·       Attend state and regional TRiO and professional association meetings.

·       Attend Student Affairs and college related meetings, workshops and training activities.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Minimum Qualifications

§   Master’s degree in counseling, student affairs or education-related discipline.

• Minimum of five years of experience with federal TRIO programs, academic support programs, or similar programs for disadvantaged college students that focus on improving their academic standing, persistence, graduation, and transfer rates.
• Minimum of three years of experience in the areas of staff supervision, budget management; program development and evaluation; reporting, and compliance with federal regulations.
• Strong grant writing abilities and knowledge about state and federal funding sources and pertinent regulations.
• Experience in analyzing and developing programs to meet the needs for student development.
• Knowledge of federal TRiO programs, rules, and regulations.
• Exceptional organizational, human relations, and written/oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful experience with federal and state grant writing and quantitative research and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience serving a culturally and ethnically diverse student body.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and coordination of services within and among departments.
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience and ability to implement effective program assessment/evaluation to include quantitative analysis of program data.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, forecast needs and allocate sufficient dollars to budget categories and monitor expenditures.
• Well-developed effective interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.
• Well-developed problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with college administration, faculty and staff, and the general public.