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Trio Program Director Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Trio Program Director information

See Alabama salary details

$29K

$98.8K

$165.9K

How much do trio program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for trio program director in Alabama is $98,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Trio Program Directors, and how can they be effectively managed?

TRIO Program Directors often face challenges related to balancing compliance with federal regulations while also providing personalized support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Managing grant requirements, documentation, and reporting can be demanding, especially when paired with the need to foster a supportive and engaging environment for both staff and participants. Effective strategies include implementing strong organizational systems, maintaining open communication with staff and stakeholders, and staying current with policy updates. Developing partnerships with other campus departments and community organizations can also help TRIO Directors address student needs more holistically.

What is a Trio Program Director?

TRIO Program Directors are professionals who oversee federally funded TRIO programs designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education. They manage program operations, supervise staff, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and work to achieve program goals such as increasing college access and retention. TRIO Program Directors also handle budgets, reporting, and outreach efforts to serve eligible students effectively. Their leadership is vital to the success of programs like Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trio Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a TRIO Program Director, you need expertise in education administration, program management, and experience working with first-generation or underrepresented students, often supported by a master's degree in education or related fields. Familiarity with federal grant management systems, data reporting tools, and compliance regulations such as the U.S. Department of Education's guidelines is essential. Strong leadership, cultural competency, and communication skills help foster a supportive environment and manage diverse teams effectively. These skills ensure the program meets its goals, secures ongoing funding, and positively impacts student success.

What is the difference between Trio Program Director vs Trio Coordinator?

AspectTrio Program DirectorTrio Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in program management, possibly certifications in education or social servicesAssociate or Bachelor's degree, relevant experience in program support or administration
Work EnvironmentLeads program planning, manages staff, oversees budgets, interacts with community partnersSupports program activities, assists with administrative tasks, coordinates participant services
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, government agencies, non-profits in education and social servicesSimilar settings, often within the same organizations as Program Directors

The Trio Program Director typically holds more advanced responsibilities, including leadership and strategic planning, while the Trio Coordinator focuses on supporting program activities and administrative tasks. Both roles are essential in the Trio program structure, but the Director oversees the entire program, whereas the Coordinator assists with day-to-day operations.

What are popular job titles related to Trio Program Director jobs in Alabama? For Trio Program Director jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trio Program Director jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Trio Program Director jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Trio Program Director jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Trio Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Trio Program Director job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,846 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

NACEE TRiO Programs Project Advisor/Education Specialist - Veterans Upward Bound Program

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Normal, AL • On-site

$39K - $43K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary: $39,500.00 - $43,000.00 Annually
Location : Normal
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300776
Department: NACEE
Opening Date: 03/30/2026
Description
Summary:
Under supervision of the executive director/president, provides academic advising and support services to participants of the Veterans Upward Bound Program.
The Veterans Upward Bound Education Contract Service Consultant will conduct academic assessments, test result analysis, development of educational plans, assist with college planning, conduct workshops and course instruction, career counseling, provide information on postsecondary opportunities, assist in college admissions applications, secondary and postsecondary enrollment and financial aid forms, handle referral and tracking of veterans, visit area partners to meet with veterans, assist in maintaining files of veterans and participant data, act as liaison with partners and prepare program and participant reports.
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Supports the educational component in the delivery and implementation of all program activities and services including but not limited to:
  • Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications.
  • Information on the full range of federal student financial aid programs and scholarships
  • Assistance in completing financial aid applications including FAFSA.
  • Information on veteran education benefits and assistance in completing veteran education benefit applications.
  • Assistance with outreach, recruitment, and identification of eligible participants
  • Assesses students' needs for program services.
  • Provides academic guidance, career, and personal planning to participants.
  • Provides participants with information and guidance on financial and economic literacy.
  • Supports the educational component with organizing cultural, educational, and career related field trips.
  • Supports in the coordination and delivery of workshops and academic services for program participants.
  • Tracks participant attendance and follow-up on continued absentees.
  • Maintains professional relationships with postsecondary institutions and veteran community agencies.
  • Refer participants to outside veteran supportive services.
  • Connections to high quality tutoring.
  • Maintains current and accurate records and files in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education guidelines.
  • Supports the educational component in the completion and updating of participants' data in program files and database.
  • Provides periodic reports on participants academic status and ensures that all participants' files adhere to the U.S. Department of Education standards.
  • Prepares the Annual Performance Report and other related reports as required by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Attends appropriate TRiO conferences and/or professional development trainings as required by the executive director/president.
  • Ensuring all forms of written communication (i.e., letters, memorandums, emails, etc.) for participants and/or the general public meet NACEE VUB requirements.
  • Assists in conducting outreach in the community on behalf of VUB, including presentations and workshops about program services with community organizations and institutions of higher education. Create community contacts relevant to assisting veterans in the community through personal visits to businesses, community organizations, and affiliate groups.
  • Coordinates efforts with other programs serving veterans and disadvantaged students on college campuses and with local veterans' organizations.

Typical Qualifications
Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):
  • BS/BA Degree.
  • Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends. Must be able to travel as required.
  • Must have minimum experience in education counseling or related field of study; with experience working with adult college re-entry population.
  • Applicants must possess good interpersonal skills; able to work in cooperative management settings, and at ease working with students individually or in groups.
  • Preference for candidates who have held a prior position working with veterans or within a university/college/Veteran Resource Center, TRiO program, or other student support service program.
  • Applicants must receive favorable clearance reports from background check, drug test, and fingerprinting.
  • Must have valid drivers' license, proof of current vehicle insurance, a driving record that meets insurers criteria, and be able to use personal vehicle for work. Must have valid first aid and CPR certification.

Supplemental Information
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Must have good organizational skills; effective verbal and written communication skills; public speaking experience; displays professional demeanor; positive attitude and self-image; ability to multi-task; flexibility in adapting to changing assignments as priorities arise; and ability to learn database management applications.
  • Applicant must demonstrate understanding and sensitivity to the needs of first-generation and low-income veterans; understanding of non-traditional students; and the ability to establish a positive rapport with target population.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
01
Do you have a bachelor's of art or bachelor's of science?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you flexible to work evenings, weekends and able to travel as required?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have minimum experience in education counseling or related field of study; with experience working with adult college re-entry population?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have a valid drivers' license, proof of current vehicle insurance, a driving record that meets insurers criteria, and be able to use personal vehicle for work?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you possess good interpersonal skills; able to work in cooperative management settings, and at ease working with students individually or in groups?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you have prior experience working with veterans or within a university/college/Veteran Resource Center, TRiO program, or other student support service program?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you have a valid first aid and CPR certification?
Required Question