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Director, Student Services

University of Utah, Campus, IL, United States


VP Area

VP Area Academic Affairs

Department

Department 00785 - First Generation Programs

Location

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range 80,000-85,000

Close Date 06/10/2026

Priority Review Date 04/03/2026

Job Summary

The Office of Undergraduate Studies invites applications for the Director of TRIO Programs. From admission to graduation, the units of the Office of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Utah provide every student with an exceptional educational experience that empowers them to lead transformational lives wherever their educational and professional futures take them. Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean for Student Success and Transformative Experiences, the Director provides oversight and support for two federally funded TRIO Programs, Upward Bound (UB) and Student Support Services ( SSS ). The UB project serves 95 pre-college students, and the SSS project serves 225 college students annually. The Director supports student recruitment, manages professional staff, represents Undergraduate Studies on various task forces and committees, and performs other duties related to supporting those who identify as first‑generation.

Director, TRIO Programs Job Summary The Director will oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the University’s two federally funded TRIO Programs, Upward Bound (UB) and Student Support Services (SSS). All oversight is in accordance with the federal guidelines and regulations determined by the U. S. Department of Education. In collaboration with the Senior Associate Dean for Student Success and Transformative Experiences, the Director will develop, implement, and evaluate program processes and make recommendations to ensure grant goals and objectives are met. They will provide administrative oversight of grant budgets and ensure proper use of federal funds. The Director will hire, train, supervise, and evaluate project staff. Additionally, this individual will perform academic adviser duties and responsibilities related to tracking and developing student performance data and completion of the Annual Performance Report (APR).

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and vision for the Upward Bound and Student Support Services programs.

Generate long and short‑range strategies to ensure the delivery of high‑quality services to effectively serve the needs of students.

Evaluate the Projects’ performance and address programming or students’ issues in a manner that is consistent with achieving the programs’ mission, goals and objectives.

Lead budget forecasting and strategic management for the academic year and summer programming to ensure the fiscal integrity and controls of TRIO funds.

Lead data collection and APR reporting efforts for both programs.

Remain current on training best practices, relevant legislation, regulations, required and permissible program services, and allowable costs pertaining to the TRIO Projects.

Cultivate strong, collaborative, achievement‑driven relationships with partnering schools, campus partners, and/or community entities to accomplish TRIO pre‑college and college retention programs’ mission, goals, and objectives.

Serve as a liaison for all TRIO programs at school, community, college, and university functions, events, meetings, etc., to represent, advocate for, and promote all TRIO programs.

Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate project staff. Monitor and evaluate staff performance; establish work priorities, conduct performance reviews, and provide corrective action as needed.

Develop, implement, and facilitate professional development trainings, meetings, and activities for the continuous improvement of staff.

Monitor and track all participating and graduating TRIO program participants.

Assist with coordination and facilitate workshops and career development activities related to student success.

Lead the creation and submission of the Annual Performance Reports (APR) for both UB and SSS programs.

Engage in self‑directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Senior Associate Dean.

Serve on various university committees as directed by the Senior Associate Dean.

Contribute to the Student Support Services intake and check‑in meetings.

Perform other duties assigned.

DISCLAIMER This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required Nearly continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); eight years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communications skills required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Advanced degree in higher education administration/leadership

Experience designing, implementing, and administering a TRIO program or similar educational programs serving first‑generation and or low‑income populations

Experience working with college access programs for high school students

Administrative experience with federal grant programs and grant compliance, including developing and administering budgets

Additional Information The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post‑retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post‑retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and affirmative action (OEO /AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu.

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport. This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security‑related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Posting Specific Questions

* Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)

Yes

No

* How many years of progressively more responsible management experience do you have?

Less than 2 years

2 years or more, but less than 4 years

4 years or more, but less than 8 years

8 years or more, but less than 12 years

12 years or more

Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Optional Documents University Human Resource Management 250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu

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