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

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is an academic support program for first-generation students of all backgrounds and/or those who demonstrate a financial need. TRIO SSS provides academic advising, career advising, financial aid assistance and graduate school preparation. The program also offers leadership development, and a supportive community focused on empowering students to succeed. The Director plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the TRIO Programs, including ensuring program compliance with Federal guidelines and regulations, grants management, and program progress reporting; developing and implementing program services as described in grant objectives and serving as primary contact person and representative to the Office of Federal TRIO Programs of the U.S. Department of Education.

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. 

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is an academic support program for first-generation students of all backgrounds and/or those who demonstrate a financial need. TRIO SSS provides academic advising, career advising, financial aid assistance and graduate school preparation. The program also offers leadership development, and a supportive community focused on empowering students to succeed.

The inaugural Director, reporting to the Vice President for Student Development, will lead in the establishment of this new department and provide oversight for the TRIO SSS General and TRIO SSS/STEM programs. The Director plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the TRIO Programs, including ensuring program compliance with Federal guidelines and regulations, grants management, and program progress reporting; developing and implementing program services as described in grant objectives and serving as primary contact person and representative to the Office of Federal TRIO Programs of the U.S. Department of Education.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organizes, monitors, and manages goals in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education program guidelines and the specific requirements contained in the William Paterson University grant proposals. Reports data: tracks expenditures and keeps financial records in accordance with federal guidelines; Audits all student records are complete, current, and confidential; reviews TRIO Program materials and monitors content, schedules, and budgets against grant requirements.
• Represents the  TRIO programs in formal and informal venues, facilitates communication and discussion regarding the program’s operations and goals and the needs of SSS participants, conducts research, and reports research findings.

• Establishes and maintains close working relationships with various University representatives, the federal government (Department of Education), target schools’ faculty and administrators, and community agencies.

• Directs recruitment planning, outreach, reviews and selection of program participants; responsible for maintaining required program totals for federal funding.

• Develops and operates an effective tracking and monitoring system for program participants.

• Assures TRIO Programs meet all grant obligations in a timely manner. Prepares thorough, professional and timely reports in compliance with U.S. Department of Education requirements.

• Conducts regular assessment using institutional dashboards, surveys and other relevant tools/best practices to ensure achievement of program objectives, to inform continuous improvement, and to comply with required reports.

• Leads, manages and supports a case load of TRIO students, providing frequent and regular engagement, advice and support regarding college course completion, study abroad opportunities, financial literacy, financial aid, career exploration, graduate school enrollment, and other academic, social, personal, and cultural support.

• Supervises and at times conducts caseload management, outreach and intervention to ensure student participant engagement and success. Utilizes Navigate to monitor progress and engage with other successful team partners on campus.

• Recruits, selects, trains, coaches, supervises, and evaluates staff members in compliance with the University policies and procedures.

• Represents the Student Support Services and STEM programs by attending appropriate meetings, on and off campus.

• Completes and submits, the Annual Performance Reports (APR) in accordance with USDOE instructions, with support from project staff.

• Oversees the summer bridge program, including providing leadership around program offerings, supervision of residential students during summer, delivering workshops as needed, and providing guidance to staff.

• Plans and implements recruitment and persistence plan; assures equal access to project services for all project participants; supervises the selection/eligibility of project participants according to SSS guidelines; maintains a student caseload; allocates appropriate caseload assignments to full- and part-time project staff; collects and maintains program data and prepare reports as required by the USDOE.

• Establishes and maintains liaisons with the offices of Admissions, Financial Aid, academic advisement, academic success/achievement, Student Enrollment Services, Career Development, academic departments and other important campus resources to ensure all required services are provided to project participants.

• Develops competencies and skills through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Vice President for Student Development.

• Participates in major University and Division events and programs (Admissions programs, Orientation, Welcome Week activities, Commencement, etc.).

• Other duties as assigned by Vice President.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, or related field,
• Three to five years of experience in educational program management, including hiring, training and supervision of personnel, budget management, and program development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer skills including, database management, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
• Experience with direct student support work around academic and collegiate success in one on one and workshop settings

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with TRIO, EOF, or other programs focused on low-income, first generation, or academically disadvantaged students is strongly preferred.
• Experience conducting program evaluation and preparing reports. 
• Ability to manage multiple, competing tasks and prioritize projects in a complex environment while maintaining attention to details.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, exhibit resiliency under pressure, set priorities, achieve goals, assess complex situations, render fair judgments, and maintain strong ethical and professional standards.

Note: Some evening and weekend work may be required to support key initiatives and events.

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 - NAL - Range 29 - $91,668.89 - $110,002.67

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 PACKAGE FOR NON-ALIGNED 

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 humanresources@wpunj.edu . 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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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.

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