Assistant Director of TRIO

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

Reporting to the Director of TRIO/Student Support Services, the Assistant Director supports the program's assets-based philosophy by advising, planning, administering, and evaluating outcomes that foster persistence and graduation of TRIO SSS participants. The Assistant Director is responsible for advising program participants regarding course selection, degree planning, internships, graduate school, career planning, as well as providing other academic guidance. This role also plans, implements, and presents various academic support workshops and field experiences including, but not limited to, financial literacy, study skills, goal setting, graduation planning, and career exploration. Additionally, the position ensures accurate and complete student records according to relevant laws and policies and assists with monthly, quarterly, and annual reports required by the department, division, and federal agencies.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes' Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award. 

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond. 

We are excited to announce two available leadership opportunities within our TRIO programs:

• Assistant Director of TRIO Student Support Services
• Assistant Director of TRIO/STEM

These roles offer a unique opportunity to support and empower students through impactful programming and dedicated service.

Reporting to the Director of TRIO/Student Support Services, the Assistant Director supports the program's assets-based philosophy by advising, planning, administering, and evaluating outcomes that foster persistence and graduation of TRIO SSS participants. The Assistant Director is responsible for advising program participants regarding course selection, degree planning, internships, graduate school, career planning, as well as providing other academic guidance. This role also plans, implements, and presents various academic support workshops and field experiences including, but not limited to, financial literacy, study skills, goal setting, graduation planning, and career exploration. Additionally, the position ensures accurate and complete student records according to relevant laws and policies and assists with monthly, quarterly, and annual reports required by the department, division, and federal agencies.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads, manages and supports a case load of TRIO students, through regular engagement, advising and mentoring.

• Provides guidance on college course completion, study abroad opportunities, financial literacy, financial aid, career exploration, graduate school enrollment, and personal development.

• Conducts proactive outreach and interventions to ensure student engagement and success utilizing Navigate and collaborating with campus partners.

• Plans, organizes, and delivers student-centered programming and events on topics such as financial literacy, career planning and exploration, goal setting, time management, self-advocacy, study skills, and other needs to promote the retention and success of TRIO SSS participants and relevant for first-generation students, students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, and students with disabilities.

• Assists in the design and implementation of the summer bridge program including workshop facilitation, staff hiring and supervision, logistics and evaluation.  

• Supports recruitment of TRIO participants through outreach, tabling, presentations, marketing, and processing applications.

• Assists with recruitment and training of peer tutors and graduate assistants.

• Oversees peer tutors and graduate assistants; maintains tutorial schedules; identifies participants in need of additional coaching support.

• Maintains accurate and complete student records in compliance with  university, state, and federal policies and regulations.

• Coordinates, administers, and evaluates program activities aligned with grant outcomes to support participant persistence and graduation.

• Maintains working knowledge of Federal TRIO regulations and university policies to ensure program quality and compliance.

• Adheres to university and grant fiscal policies and procedures.

• Assists with monthly, quarterly, and annual reports required by the department, state, university, and federal agencies.

• Serve on collaborative planning committees and/or task teams involving TRIO SSS-eligible students, faculty, and staff to support and promote university wide student efforts.

• Participates in major University and Division events and programs including but not limited to Admissions programs, Orientation, Welcome Week activities and Commencement.

• Other duties as assigned.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or related field.
• Three years of related experience, in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and sensitivity to, issues impacting first-generation, low-income students, as well as students with disabilities.
• Computer skills including database management, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
• Experience in project supervision and event management to include large- and small-scale, event logistics, field experiences, risk evaluation, and assessment.
• Demonstrated experience supervising student staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in counseling, education, higher education or related field strongly preferred.

• Experience working with TRIO, EOF, or other programs focused on low-income, first generation, or academically disadvantaged students strongly preferred.

• Excellent written communication and public speaking/presentation skills.

This description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees in the above job. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Starting Salary - AFT Range 24 - $73, $92,367.13

This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit:  BENEFITS FOR PROFESSIONAL STAFF (AFT) 
 

Invitation to apply
Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.

Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.

General questions related to this application process, please contact  . 

Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.

Salary Range:

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Total Rewards and Benefits:

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EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts

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