Director - TRIO Programs Azusa, CA

APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is pleasing to God and edifying to one another.

Position Overview

The TRIO Director plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the TRIO Programs, including ensuring program compliance with Federal guidelines and regulations, grants management, and program progress reporting. They develop and implement program services as described in grant objectives and serve as a primary contact person and representative to the Office of Federal TRIO Programs of the U.S. Department of Education. The Director is responsible for the direct hire, supervision, training, and evaluation of Student Support Services and Upward Bound program personnel; oversees the selection of program participants; develops and manages budgets for Student Support Services and Upward Bound; and functions as a liaison between TRIO Programs and Azusa Pacific University. The Director’s responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background, as well as skill in coordinating programmatic work.

Position Details

This position is full-time with benefits and is grant-funded through August of 2025 with funding renewable based on project performance.

Required Education

• Master’s degree or doctorate in Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Curriculum and Instruction, Psychology, or related field.

Required Experience

• Three to five years of administrative experience administering services to increase college access, retention, and graduation of first-generation to college students.
• One year of experience in counseling and/or academic advising.
• Experience with budget planning and decision-making that positively affect project outcomes.
• Appropriate interpretation and application of Federal TRIO Guidelines, applicable laws, and regulations as it relates to Student Support Services and Upward Bound grants.
• Experience collaborating with academic offices, student affairs offices, and administrative leadership to develop partnerships that strengthen student retention programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting the academic needs of students facing barriers to educational success through academic coaching/advising, counseling, instruction, advocacy, and/or education.
• Prior service with successful TRIO program administration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Preferred - Life experience with barriers similar to those from TRIO target populations, including but not limited to being a member of an underrepresented group in higher education, being a first-generation student, being from a low-income family, or having a disability.

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of Upward Bound and Student Support Services Operation.
• Participates in the development and implementation of strategic goals, grant objectives, policies, and priorities for the program.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of the program budget.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the assigned program.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, supervises, and evaluates assigned personnel.
• Participates in developing strategic plans for Student Support Services and Upward Bound.
• Develops and implements annual TRIO Programs recruitment and publicity plan.
• Provides direct student support through academic advising and non-cognitive development.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with school district officials, community leaders, and various organizations.
• Develops and maintains student tracking system to ensure compliance with program eligibility standards.
• Initiates, oversees, and directs the collection of student data to measure and evaluate student success.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings and various committees.
• Advises, provides guidance, and prepares presentations on issues pertaining to the TRIO Programs.
• Builds campus-wide awareness and understanding of Upward Bound and Student Support Services.
• Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect program operations.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports and various management updates.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints.
• Collaborates with institutional offices to prepare continuation grant applications.
• Maintains punctual attendance and electronic timekeeping.
• Willing to work flexible/extended hours, including weekends.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for Student Support Services and Upward Bound.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for all TRIO Programs.
• Prepare and administer budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Effectively administer a variety of TRIO Programs projects and events.
• Effectively work with students of diverse backgrounds.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and institutional policies.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of professional and technical personnel.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks effectively.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive working relationships.
• Preferred - Ability to speak, read and write in Spanish.

Mental Demands

• In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.

Physical Demands

• Local and regional overnight travel.
• Occasional evening events and regularly scheduled Saturday activities.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Compensation

Grade 17: $91,587 to $105,325 is the annual salary for this role. Actual compensation may vary based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated.

Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

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