Director, TRIO Student Support Services

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, our mission is to provide academic development, assist with college requirements, and motivate students toward graduation. In this role, you will lead a grant-funded program specifically supporting 120 high-achieving STEM students, directly impacting college retention and graduation rates.

Responsibilities

• Assume leadership for the organization, administration, and supervision of the SSS program.
• Develop, execute, monitor, and evaluate SSS program objectives and federal compliance.
• Establish, monitor, and administer budget.
• Collect tracking data and write annual program reports.
• Ensure all program participant files (both digital and hard copy) are in federal compliance.
• Recruit, select, train, supervise, and evaluate all SSS program staff.
• Assist in identifying, recruiting, and selecting student participants.
• Assist in assessing and prescribing a plan of program services for each participant.
• Provide counseling and academic advising support to SSS students to help them achieve their educational and personal goals.
• Provide professional support and assistance in college-wide activities related to student admission, financial aid, academic advising, registration, orientation, and guidance to meet program participant's needs.
• Establish procedures to maintain the student and administrative record system.
• Maintain and facilitate communication between SSS and campus departments.
• Arrange and direct weekly SSS program management meetings.

Requirements

• Hold a Master’s degree in science, engineering, business, math, education, public administration, social science, or a related field from an accredited college/university.
• Possess a minimum of 2 years of experience in staff supervision and budget management.
• Have experience in program development and evaluation, as well as reporting and compliance with federal regulations.
• Demonstrate experience in gathering and analyzing data related to the academic needs, interests, educational, and social background of students.
• Show direct experience with staff hiring, supervision, and evaluation.
• Utilize excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Maintain an understanding of Montana's college opportunities, admission requirements, application procedures, and financial aid resources.

Qualifications

• Experience with federal TRIO programs, academic support programs, or similar programs serving students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience advising/counseling/coaching in academic planning, career planning, and student access/success.
• Formal training/work experience in fields related to improving persistence rates for first-generation and low-income participants in STEM; developing STEM programs to help students maintain good academic standing.
• Experience working with disadvantaged students in an academic setting.
• Experience in overcoming barriers similar to SSS-STEM participants.

Physical Demands

• Ability to chaperone student trips.
• Willingness to work extended hours during peak event times.
• Handling high-volume desk work during annual performance reporting.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
• Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
• 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees.
• 11 Holidays per year.
• 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start.
• Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
• 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included).
• Life and Disability Insurance.
• Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program.
• Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees.
• Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.

Applications received by 9/13/2026 will be guaranteed full review and consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until an adequate applicant pool has been established.