Executive Director of TRIO Programs - Harris-Stowe State University

Harris-Stowe State University is a historically Black institution (HBCU) located in the heart of vibrant mid-town St. Louis, Missouri. Harris-Stowe’s beautiful campus is minutes from the renowned Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art and History Museums, Forest Park, and other cultural and educational institutions. Harris-Stowe’s diverse faculty and staff provide a wide range of academic programs to one of the St. Louis region's most culturally diverse student bodies.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Provost for Retention and Student Success, the Executive Director of TRIO provides comprehensive management and strategic guidance for a portfolio of federally funded TRIO programs and services, including supervising staff and student personnel. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of planning, development, implementation, and supervision of assigned projects and services. The full responsibilities include hiring, supervision, and professional development of all assigned personnel, as well as budget management and audit compliance. Additionally, the Executive Director ensures compliance with all TRIO grants, federal and sponsoring agency regulations, policies, and procedures, and meets various program objectives. All projects will function collaboratively while maintaining distinct participant rosters, services, accounting, annual reporting, and time & effort reporting as applicable.

CURRENT PROGRAMS SUPERVISED:

• Student Support Services Program
• Upward Bound Program
• Educational Talent Search Program

Essential Functions

• Promote a college-going and success culture within the Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) community and target school districts.
• Provide visionary leadership to TRIO staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to ensure program goals align with HSSU’s mission and objectives.
• Oversee the daily operations of TRIO programs, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master’s degree required in a discipline appropriate to the position.
• Doctoral degree preferred in education, business administration, sociology, psychology, or a related area.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working with underrepresented student populations.
• At least 5 years of experience in program management, fiscal, or management roles.
• Demonstrated administrative, supervisory, and organizational experience.
• Knowledge in recruiting, human resources, career services/higher education, or similar functions.
• Knowledge of learning theory, learning styles, educational methods, and demonstrated theories.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in a discipline appropriate to the position.
• Doctoral degree preferred in education, business administration, sociology, psychology, or a related area.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working with underrepresented student populations.
• At least 5 years of experience in program management, fiscal, or management roles.
• Demonstrated administrative, supervisory, and organizational experience.
• Knowledge in recruiting, human resources, career services/higher education, or similar functions.
• Knowledge of learning theory, learning styles, educational methods, and demonstrated theories.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively and courteously deal with students, administrators, the public, and academic and technical faculty.
• Sensitivity to the expectations of students, faculty, and staff; excellent computer skills.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to diversity and multicultural issues.
• Self-motivated and able to function effectively in a supervisory position.
• Commitment to the philosophical mission of the college.
• Extensive travel may be required for this position.
• Knowledge of the federal regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal TRIO laws, regulations, operations, and Annual Performance Report production.
• Proven ability to take initiative in executing job duties, tasks, and responsibilities.
• Efficient organizational and time management skills.
• Discretion, sound judgment, and solid decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of university procedures regarding admissions and financial aid.
• Knowledge of persistence and graduation strategies.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and database management (Blumen knowledge preferred but not required).
• Ability to provide leadership and direction.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work with a high degree of initiative and independence.
• Ability to analyze and perform in-depth research on complex issues pertaining to education abroad.
• Teaching/facilitation abilities with proven creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Considerable attention to detail and high level of quality control.
• Ability to multi-task while managing multiple projects and assignments to meet deadlines.
• Work hours are normally scheduled Monday through Friday, but may require working other shifts, including evenings and weekends, based on department needs.

Supervisory Responsibility

Program Development and Implementation:

• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of TRIO program activities and services.
• Ensure programs meet or exceed approved programmatic objectives and are aligned with federal guidelines and university policies.
• Design and implement evidence-based interventions and support services to promote student retention, graduation, and academic success.

Fiscal and Compliance Management:

• Develop and maintain program budgets, ensuring funds are expended within the appropriate time period and adhere to the rules and regulations of the funding agency and HSSU policies.
• Ensure audit compliance, both fiscal and programmatic, in accordance with HSSU, state, and federal standards (including OMB Uniform Guidance, CFR references, EDGAR, HEOA, and HSSU regulations).
• Develop and secure all necessary documentation, ensuring data is collected, analyzed, secured, and submitted in accordance with HSSU and federal guidelines.

Staff Supervision and Development:

• Hire, supervise, and provide professional development opportunities for TRIO staff.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Implement and oversee staff training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of TRIO personnel.

Collaboration and Community Engagement:

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with campus personnel, community members, and target populations, representing TRIO and HSSU in a professional and positive manner at all times.
• Implement and oversee initiatives to collaborate with community partners, expanding and strengthening TRIO’s impact in the service area.
• Act as program liaison with other college offices and community organizations, participating in university and community functions as required or appropriate.

Administrative Duties

• Ensure the proper submission of advances, expense vouchers, clearances, and reimbursements within established timelines, including those of subordinate staff.
• Provide requested analysis, reports, or evaluations to the supervisor by the requested deadline.
• Represent the programs and department on college and/or community committees.
• Participate in university and community functions as required or appropriate.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body
• Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

Working Conditions and Environment

• Work is routinely performed in a typical interior/office environment.
• Very limited or no exposure to physical risk.

"Please No Phone Calls"

Due to the large number of applications submitted and the high volume of applicant inquiries we receive regarding the status of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or walk-in inquiries regarding applicant status. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

EOE Statement

Harris-Stowe State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and assigned for this position. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it limited to all duties and responsibilities associated with the position. HSSU management reserves the right to amend and change the responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.