Director of TRIO Student Support Services

At a glance

The Director of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is responsible for developing, implementing, supervising, evaluating, and continuously improving the SSS Program. The Director is responsible for ensuring program compliance and directing the activities and personnel of the Federal TRIO SSS Program. This position is grant-funded and continued employment is contingent upon sustained grant funding.

The SSS Program is a U.S. Department of Education Title IV grant-funded program designed to increase retention, graduation, and transfer rates of low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities through a variety of resources and support services.

Who you are

The successful candidate for this position will be passionate about helping students succeed and enthusiastic about TRIO's mission. Some of the qualities the successful candidate will possess include strong organizational, management, leadership, interpersonal, communication, and critical-thinking skills. They will be capable of working independently and serving as a strong advocate for the program, while also loving being part of a team.

About the team

In addition to the Director, LCC's TRIO team consists of two full-time transfer and retention specialists and a part-time program coordinator. TRIO programs serve eligible students who are low-income, first-generation, and/or have a documented disability with academic, personal, and career advising, individualized tutoring, transfer degree planning, assistance with financial aid and scholarship applications, study skills workshops, cultural activities and events, and more. This position also works closely with the Student Services Leadership Team.

The Director reports to the Vice President of Effectiveness, College Relations, and Student Access.

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise all SSS Program activities and services, including student onboarding, academic advising, financial and economic advising, career counseling and transfer assistance, and other quarterly and annual activities.
• Represent the Program throughout the College and surrounding communities.
• Administer the Program to accomplish Program goals and objectives; develop project proposals, reports, and evaluations.
• Collect and review required data and submit the SSS Annual Performance Report.
• Interpret and implement US Department of Education grant regulations applicable to the program and ensure internal accountability and compliance with federal and state regulations, and college policies and procedures.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate other TRIO staff, including setting performance expectations and conducting employee performance evaluations, in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, laws, and college policies and procedures.
• Administer the recruitment and selection of program-eligible participants under the program admissions process.
• Advise students to meet their academic and career goals, and design intervention strategies to increase academic success in collaboration with other TRIO and College staff.
• Establish and oversee effective processes for data and information management to ensure timely and accurate reporting and confidentiality of participant records.
• Maintain accurate case files for each program participant.
• Prepare, oversee, and maintain fiscal control of and accountability for the program budget.
• Maintain professional relationships with TRIO professionals and participate on campus committees.
• Seek opportunities to collaborate with other LCC departments, including coordinating service delivery where appropriate within the scope of the grant.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, effort, work conditions, and benefits associated with the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Typical Qualifications

• Master's Degree (required) in education administration, counseling, higher education leadership, or related field.
• Three years of experience in the design, management, and implementation of a student support program.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to work effectively with first-generation and low-income individuals, and students with disabilities.
• Three years of supervisory experience, preferably in a student support setting, including guiding, evaluating, and setting performance expectations for others.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated experience adhering to rules or regulations and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of student success principles, including retention and completion.
• Competency with technology and database systems.
• Commitment to the community college mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in management or implementation of a TRIO program.
• Professional or personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to TRIO project participants.
• Grant-writing experience.
• Proven leadership ability in building effective teams to accomplish program objectives, assess results, and implement change.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective partnerships in a variety of internal and external settings.

The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our HR team.

Schedule

This position is 40 hours per week and is ineligible for overtime under FLSA. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. There are occasional evenings and weekends for TRIO activities. The Director works in-person on campus.

Pay

82,200.00 - 85,290.00 Annual. We typically hire in the lower to middle range of the salary range. Offers are made based on the applicant's qualifications relative to the job, internal pay equity, and any other relevant factors.

Additional Information

Applications will be reviewed after the position closes on September 7. We anticipate a start date of October 16, 2026. LCC offers two start dates for new employees - the 1st and 16th or the closest working day.

Residency Requirement: To be employed at Lower Columbia College, applicants must currently reside in Washington or Oregon, or be willing to relocate to one of these states. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the College.