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Project Director of Student Support Services (TRIO Grant)

The Office of Student Support Services of Montana State University-Northern (MSUN) seeks applications for the Project Director position. This 12‑month, full‑time professional role is funded through a federal TRIO Student Support Services grant and is eligible for MSU benefits.

General Statement

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 U.S. 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 one 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.
• Preference will be given to qualified individuals who have overcome barriers similar to those experienced by TRIO program participants.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Exercise independent judgment, discretion, and problem‑solving in complex situations.
• Interpret and apply federal regulations, policies, and grant requirements.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Analyze data and use assessment results to support program improvement and student success initiatives.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• 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.
• Communicate effectively in person, virtually, and in writing.
• Occasional evening or weekend work and travel may be required.
• Move throughout campus and attend meetings/events.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: Minimum $65,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits: Eligible for MUS Benefits.