Assistant director - educational opportunity center

This position for the TRIO Laker Educational Opportunity Center (LEOC), a federally funded TRIO Program, will manage all aspects of the program and work with secondary, non-profit organizations and regional post-secondary institutions to provide services such as financial literacy, college preparedness, and career guidance to eligible adult participants within in Kent or Muskegon counties (or as specified in the grant). This is a grant funded position.

Primary Duties

• Provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship to assigned staff and student workers, including performance management and development.
• Responsible for administration and day-to-day operations of the TRIO Laker Educational Opportunity Center (LEOC), including maintaining a caseload of participants, providing advising and participant support services, and developing and conducting workshops, trainings, and events as needed.
• Design, implement, supervise, and monitor program activities and outcomes in accordance with federal regulations and program objectives.
• Oversee the program participant recruitment and selection process.
• Co-manage and administer budget management for the program, including monitoring program budgets, budget planning, and expenditures.
• Execute the plan of operation per the grant’s guidelines. Assist in the application and writing process of future TRIO Laker Educational Opportunity Center (LEOC) grants.
• Maintain accurate data and documentation of all program participants and services and complete the Annual Performance Report (APR) to the U.S. Department of Education and other reports as needed.
• Attend training and professional development sessions to stay current on Department of Education and TRIO grant policies and procedures.
• Build and maintain working relationships and collaborations with target schools throughout Michigan, community partners, and GVSU campus partners; serve on committees as needed. Serve as a liaison for TRIO through participation at community events and spread awareness of TRIO programs through local and statewide outreach.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in higher education, advising, career programing, or related field.
• Experience planning and executing programming and events.
• Experience working with programs for income dependent and/or first-generation students and ability to effectively advise and advocate for those students from the target population.
• Experience in budgeting, planning and management.
• Ability to navigate computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Adobe Suite, and other products.
• Strong cross-cultural, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, equity, and access to higher education.
• Preference will be given to applicants who have succeeded in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the project's target population.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel to participating schools and organizations; some nights and weekends and out of state travel may be required.
  
  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Higher education experience.
• Understanding of the financial aid and college admission process.
• Experience planning and executing large-scale programing and events.
• Experience working with TRIO programs, student support services, or other programs focused on income dependent, first generation, or academically disadvantaged students.
• Experience managing and supervising teams.
• Experience in grant writing, administration, and/or grant management.
  
  

Salary & Benefits : Minimum starting salary $59,000; Commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.
  
  

How to Apply : Apply online at GVSU Careers. Attach a cover letter and resume to the online application. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Bonnie Jaracz [email protected]. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline : Friday, September 26, 2025

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.