Senior director

Allendale, MI

Full Time

R103147

This position provides oversight for multiple TRIO directors, including but not limited to Student Support Services Classic, Student Support Services STEM Health, Student Support Services Teacher Prep, and McNair Scholars Program. This position has direct oversight of the day-to-day operations of one or more of the noted functional areas to be determined based on the current needs of all TRIO programs. This role serves as the liaison between the TRIO Directors and the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Federal TRIO Programs as it relates to program assessment, compliance, and professional development and ensures that each TRIO program, where they are responsible for oversight, meets established goals and objectives and adheres to federal guidelines. This is a grant-funded position and is subject to shifting priorities and/or responsibilities based on the overall needs of Federal TRIO Programs and other first-generation student initiatives.

Primary Duties

• Manage all functions of TRIO College Programs by providing timely notification and feedback to staff, overseeing and supervising the design and implementation of large-scale TRIO programming, program evaluation and professional development of all TRIO staff, training grants, public promotion of services and short and long-term planning.
• Oversee and manage all aspects of one TRIO program, including strategic planning and assessment, participant recruitment and support, staff supervision and development, budget management, grant preparation, and federal reporting compliance.
• Serve as an advocate for all TRIO programs, as well as a liaison with local, state, and federal agencies, other TRIO projects, community organizations, and the public.
• Ensure programmatic compliance with federally mandated laws and regulations across all College Programs and collaborating with directors to ensure audit-ready status of records and processes. This includes conducting periodic program assessments and providing post-evaluation compliance.
• Ensure that each program's budget is maintained in alignment with the approved grant proposal, the U.S. Department of Education requirements, Grand Valley State University policies, and unit-level regulations and procedures. This includes ensuring appropriate spending and thorough documentation.
• Provide professional development, training and coaching opportunities for direct reports and their respective team members.
• Collaborate with campus and community partners to enhance support networks, mentorship opportunities, and culturally affirming experiences for TRIO students.
• Promote a student-centered culture rooted in the TRIO mission by championing equity, access, and success for first-generation, low-income students including students with disabilities and veterans.
• Serve as a major contributor to the research in support of continuous grant funding for Federal TRIO Programs and the vision and mission of the Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach.
• Monitor and evaluate organizational effectiveness across College Programs and implementing strategies for process improvement.
• Provide leadership in development and implementation of first-generation initiatives within EDEO.
• Represent or serve in the absence of the AVP, as requested.
• Serve on Grand Valley State University and Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach committees.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Master's degree in education, educational leadership, public administration, psychology, sociology, or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years managing TRIO programs, nonprofit organizations, or other programs with populations similar to TRIO participants.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience and demonstrated knowledge in administrative and organizational practices, including direct supervisory responsibilities
• Demonstrated commitment to TRIO principles, including experience working with first-generation, low-income students.
• Exceptional knowledge of TRIO legislation and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge and experience in grant or business writing required.
• Experience managing budgets and performing administrative responsibilities.
• Experience in enrollment management, student success, student retention, and academic advising.
• Experience hiring/training and supervising staff.
• Experience in program assessment and evaluation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  
  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience with and ability to use computerized higher education systems such as Banner, EAB/Navigate and other student success management tools.
  
  

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Work some nights and weekends and some out-of-state travel is required.

Salary & Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $79,000; commensurate with experience.

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

How to Apply: Attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact DL McKinney mailto:[email protected]. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at mailto:[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: Review of applications will begin July 7, 2025. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

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 racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.

To apply, visit

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