Director, TRiO Programs

About the Role

TRiO Programs is home to four federally funded pre-collegiate and collegiate grant programs. Our collegiate programs, PRIME STEM and Project BEST, are Student Support Services programs serving undergraduate college students who are first-generation and/or low-income. Both programs offer academic support services, opportunities, and resources to enhance personal skills and academic excellence. Our pre-collegiate programs, Project ACE and Project EDGE, serve students at Apopka High School or Edgewater High School (Orange County Public Schools). Upward Bound prepares a small cohort of high school students for post-secondary programs.

This position provides strategic leadership for UCF's federally funded TRiO initiatives, including Student Support Services and Upward Bound programs, serving first-generation college students, students from limited-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities. The director will guide program innovation, staff development, grant stewardship, and long-term planning to ensure meaningful outcomes for students and communities. This is a Contracts & Grants (C&G) funded position; employment is subject to availability of funding.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for all UCF TRIO programs in alignment with the Department of Education's mission.
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff, ensuring programs meet established goals and objectives.
• Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and policies related to educational access and success for disadvantaged students.
• Design and manage research components related to Competitive Preference Priorities for all UCF TRIO grants; submit and monitor IRB protocols.
• Oversee the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of TRIO programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of leadership experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).
• Valid Class E driver’s license; position may involve driving to various locations on and off campus.
• Must pass a Level 2 Background Check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Clearinghouse prior to employment.
• All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer; visa sponsorship is not available.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing leadership and oversight for federally funded educational access, college readiness, student success, or youth development programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex program budgets and ensuring compliance with grant funding requirements.
• Experience supervising professional staff and leading high-performing teams in higher education, K-12, nonprofit, or community-based settings.
• Experience with federal TRiO programs, including Upward Bound and/or Student Support Services programs.
• Experience utilizing data, assessment, and program evaluation strategies to measure outcomes and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience writing, securing, renewing, or administering federal, state, or foundation grants.

Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with students, staff, faculty, school partners, community organizations, and funding agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and advance a shared vision across complex programs and initiatives.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.
• Education assistance.

For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide or use the Total Rewards Calculator.

Pay

Expected salary range: $75,809.00 to negotiable.

Schedule

Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional evening or weekend hours for program support.