Special Services Director

Position Title: Special Services Director

Department : 2820|Special Services

Responsibilities

The Special Services Director is responsible for overseeing 14 federal U.S. Department of Education TRIO grants, designed to support first-generation college students, low-income students, and students with disabilities. The Director will provide leadership in program coordination, budget management, compliance with federal regulations, and ensure that the programs achieve their goals of retaining students in high school and supporting their admission, retention, and graduation in post-secondary education.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the administration of 14 TRIO federal grants, ensuring alignment with the U.S. Department of Education’s goals and requirements.
• Provide leadership and direction to ensure successful implementation of TRIO programs, including Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, and Student Support Services.
• Ensure compliance with all federal regulations, grant requirements, and institutional policies.
• Supervise program staff, ensuring effective recruitment, retention, and performance management.
• Develop and manage annual budgets for each TRIO grant program, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with grant funding.
• Monitor the progress of program objectives, regularly evaluating the effectiveness of outreach, retention, and graduation initiatives for participating students.
• Facilitate partnerships with local high schools, community organizations, and university departments to maximize program impact.
• Prepare and submit annual performance reports to the U.S. Department of Education and university administration.
• Conduct regular assessments of program outcomes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance student success.
• Lead professional development initiatives for TRIO staff to ensure high-quality program delivery.
• Advocate for TRIO programs at the university level, securing institutional support and resources.
• Collaborate with the Dean of University College and other campus leaders to align TRIO program goals with broader university retention and graduation initiatives.
• Ensure the accurate collection and reporting of student data, maintaining thorough records for all program participants.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the university and the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring open communication and compliance with grant requirements.
• Promote the TRIO programs' mission and advocate for continued federal funding and support for first-generation, low-income, and disabled students.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Masters degree in Education, Communication, Public Administration, Social Work or a related field.

Job Ad# (req4039)