Director - TRiO Educational Opportunity Center

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: about 22 hours ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 08 Apr 2024

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Director - TRiO Educational Opportunity Center
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202400273AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib III
Number of Vacancies 1
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $80,000-$85,000 Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • For detailed benefit plan information for eligible employees, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ and https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/ .
  • For more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in, visit https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/ .
Desired Start Date 06/01/2024
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 04/08/2024
Description of Work Unit
The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is federally funded through the United States Department of Education. This program is one of multiple TRIO programs within the Access Center and part of the Student Access and Success area at Colorado State University. EOC programs offer free services to assist prospective, continuing or returning adult students with the postsecondary admissions and financial aid process. Specifically, TRIO programs are designed to provide assistance and information to individuals from first generation and low-income backgrounds who seek to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. The services provided are designed for individuals who would benefit from receiving information about opportunities in higher education, would like to develop the skills and motivation needed to attend college, or would benefit from assistance in the transition to college so that the likelihood of persistence and graduation in postsecondary education is increased.
As part of its Land Grant Mission, Colorado State University is committed to making education accessible to those who, due to economic or social conditions, have not previously been offered full participation in post-secondary education. It is with mission in mind that the Access Center was created.
The Access Center strives to develop the talents of those who have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education (first-generation, low-income, ethnically or racially diverse, and non-traditional age during their pre-college years by:
  • Nurturing college-going aspirations
  • Increasing academic skills and motivation
  • Reaching out to Colorado’s historically under-served secondary students
  • Facilitating the college application, enrollment, and student aid process
  • Assisting in the transition to college supporting retention efforts
Position Summary
The Director of the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center is located in Fort Collins, CO, within the Access Center at Colorado State University. The position is a fulltime professional position reporting directly the Director of the Access Center and plays a mission critical role in the Access Center’s effort to expand equitable access to post-secondary education and training for historically excluded populations. This position provides administrative oversight and implementation of the EOC program including staff supervision, program services, and implementation of annual performance objectives outlined in the federally- approved grant application. The director position oversees three county-based site offices located in Adams County, Larimar County, and Weld County.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in education, liberal arts, behavioral / social sciences, social work, counseling, higher education administration, or related field from an accredited institution
    • NOTE: A Bachelor’s degree plus two years of professional experience is comparable to the Master’s degree for this position.

  • Minimum of five years of experience supervising professional and administrative staff, budget management, program development, project evaluation and outcomes, federal regulations and compliance, and reporting to funding agency and institution
  • Minimum of five years of experience promoting educational access and working with under-represented and disadvantaged populations, federal TRIO programs, academic support programs, or other similar programs for low-income / first-generation adults.
  • Demonstrated experience in furthering diversity, inclusion, equity and social justice in a higher education setting.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Experience and/or training in programming and promoting secondary school re-entry and encouraging the attainment of secondary school diploma or completion of GED.
  • Experience and/or training in utilizing effective “coaching” techniques and virtual platforms to guide and aid adults with goal-setting, self-advocacy, and strategies needed to overcome barriers and ensure post-secondary enrollment is achieved.
  • Demonstrated communication skills, including writing, speaking, and use of computer applications.
  • Experience working with and supporting Military and/or Veterans.
  • Demonstrated experience with participant recruitment for program participation.
  • Experience with Financial Wellness inclusive of FAFSA, Financial literacy, Financial Aid, and/or CASFA processes and procedures.
  • Experience with community outreach and building community partnerships.
  • Experience in grant-writing.
  • Experience with data systems, data analysis, and/or data processing.
  • Bilingual ability desirable (English/ Spanish).
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Program Implementation
Duty/Responsibility
  • Plan, implement EOC grant proposal, manage program, implement policies, procedures, and federal regulations, maintain public relations with the US Department of Education, Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with key campus programs, administration, faculty, departments, community organizations, and businesses.
  • Serve as the acting Director and P.I. for the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) federally-funded TRIO Program
  • Implement, document, and assess all elements of the Plan of Operation from the approved grant proposal
  • Administer and manage innovative and creative educational opportunity-related programs, including providing a variety of educational services such as college, career, financial aid, and financial and economic literacy services
  • Develop and utilize institutional and community resources and collaborative networks of support and services for the projects and its participants
  • Coordinate all efforts of three county-based site offices to achieve successful completion of all EOC grant objectives identified in the approved grant application
  • Cultivate robust relationships with external partners and potential partners to develop new opportunities of the EOC program at the institutional, state, and national level
  • Planning and conducting program assessment, data collection, and analysis, as well as Annual performance reporting.
Percentage Of Time 70
Job Duty Category Budget Management
Duty/Responsibility
  • Plan, develop, manage budget, monitor, ensure meeting of federal, state, and CSU fiscal rules and policies
  • Assist in Budget development, management, assessment, and compliance for all grant assurances regarding budgeting; yearly budget of $637,419 for 5-year grant
Percentage Of Time 15
Job Duty Category Training/Staff Supervision
Duty/Responsibility
  • Participate in annual training and technical assistance workshops offered by the Department of Education (and other relevant organizations) that directly impact the work of the EOC program
  • Hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating administrative professional and State classified personnel, and providing professional development, staff support, and advocacy
  • Conduct monthly 1:1 meeting with Assistant Directors and staff, bi-weekly site team meetings, and monthly full staff meetings to ensure the appropriate level of support, communication, and efficiency are being achieved.
Percentage Of Time 15

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, and a current resume. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Rachel Martinez, [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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