The Project Director for the SSS Program at MSUN is a 12-month, full-time position. A federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant funds this position. The purpose of the SSS Program is to support the academic success, retention, and degree completion of first-generation, low-income, and disabled students who participate in the program. The Director is responsible for the overall design, management, supervision, evaluation, and implementation of the grant project components as outlined in the grant project proposal. The Director will ensure accurate and timely reporting to the US Department of Education. The Director serves as the primary individual responsible for informing the campus community about the SSS goals/objectives and achievements and for establishing collaboration with other campus departments to serve first-generation, low-income, and disabled students.
MSUN has operated a federally funded TRIO Student Support Services program for over four decades. This is a 12-month, grant-funded position supported through the current five-year federal TRIO SSS grant cycle (2025-2030), subject to annual continuation appropriations and satisfactory program performance.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Designs, coordinates, and supervises all project components
- Ensures the SSS Program is implemented in full compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act, SSS Program regulations, the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), and all other applicable Federal regulations and requirements
- Oversees participant assessment, monitoring, and implementation of services and activities
- Administers the budget, approves expenditures, monitors line items, and reconciles the budget with the Business Office
- Develops, implements, and monitors administrative and professional policies, procedures, and standards for the project
- Promotes and provides information about SSS and its services to prospective students and other constituents, including faculty and staff
- Advertises for, interviews, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates SSS staff
- Serves as the SSS liaison to all campus units and departments offering services
- Works with MSUN departments to monitor participant retention and develop policies that will improve student retention
- Informs academic, administrative, and service units at MSUN of SSS objectives and procedures
- Maintains a close liaison with campus programs and community agencies that assist in student referrals and participant support
- Prepares Annual Performance Reports for the Department of Education, MSUN, and any other entities that require them
- Evaluates the effectiveness of the project and its services
- Serves as an additional advisor to SSS participants where needed by meeting with participants, developing individualized success plans, and coordinating services
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s Degree in Education, Administration, or a related field
- Experience in progressively responsible positions in an educational setting
- Minimum 1 year of appropriate and relevant experience in managing a TRIO program or similar program for disadvantaged students
- Experience supervising staff and/or student workers
- Experience gathering and analyzing a variety of data related to academic and financial needs as well as educational and social background of students
- Demonstrated experience with budgeting, student services, and program evaluation
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Experience in financial aid or financial literacy
- Formal training or demonstrated work experience in fields related to improving retention rates of first-generation and low-income students
- Formal training or demonstrated work experience developing programs to assist students in maintaining good academic standing
- Federal grant management experience
- Preference will be given to qualified individuals who have overcome barriers similar to those experienced by TRIO program participants
The Successful Candidate Will
- Ability to exercise independent judgment, discretion, and problem-solving in complex situations
- Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations, policies, and grant requirements
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners
- Ability to analyze data and use assessment results to support program improvement and student success initiatives
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Ability to work effectively with students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds
Special Requirements Physical Demands
- Typical office environment
- Frequent use of computers and standard office equipment
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and in writing
- Occasional evening or weekend work and travel may be required
- Ability to move throughout campus and attend meetings/events
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Announcement Number
STAFF - VA - 2600024P
Desired Start Date
Immediate
Position End Date (if temporary)
Until an adequate pool is established
No
Special Instructions Summary
In this application, and the required cover letter, resume, and list of references, DO NOT include your protected private information such as date of birth, citizenship status or immigration information, social security number, or any other protected information. This does not apply to the Authorization Form for Background Check.
Applicants must upload the following with their application:
- A cover letter which addresses how you meet the required and preferred qualifications, your professional and academic career goals, and your interest in the position.
- A list of three professional references.
In the online application in the Background Check field, type YES to show you understand this additional requirement.
Complete an Authorization Form for Background Check
https://www.msun.edu/hr/forms/Authorization_for_Background_Investigation-MSU-Northern.pdf
Submit your completed and signed form to:
Human Resources
Montana State University-Northern
P.O. Box 7751
Havre, MT 59501-7751
406-265-3568 or 406-265-3789
HR Dept. Fax 406-265-3530
Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://jobs.msun.edu/postings/2677
EEOC Statement
Montana State University-Northern (MSUN) is an equal opportunity employer. MSUN does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSUN provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Director of Human Resources /Title IX
Montana State University-Northern
300 11th Street West
Havre, MT 59501
E-mail:
[email protected]
Location: 208 Cowan Hall
Tel: (406) 265.3568
