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Trio Program Director Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock seeks applications for the position of TRIO McNair Program Director (PD), a 12-month appointment that will report to the Associate Vice Chancellor for ...

Trio Program Director information

See Arkansas salary details

$26.5K

$90.2K

$151.3K

How much do trio program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for trio program director in Arkansas is $90,178.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,300.00 and $96,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Arkansas?

For Trio Program Director jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Trio Program Director jobs?

Cities in Arkansas with the most Trio Program Director job openings:

Project/Program Director

University of Arkansas System

Little Rock, AR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


University Of Arkansas System rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

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Job description

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Jobs for Students".
All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.
Closing Date:
Type of Position:
Professional Staff - Project/Program Administration
Workstudy Position:
No
Job Type:
Regular
Work Shift:
Day Shift (United States of America)
Sponsorship Available:
No
Institution Name:
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.
If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.
For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.
Department:
AVCAA/Student Success - Provisional Positions
Department's Website:
Summary of Job Duties:
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock seeks applications for the position of TRIO McNair Program Director (PD), a 12-month appointment that will report to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Student Success at UA Little Rock. The PD will provide vision and leadership to the comprehensive administration of the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program (McNair). The program director is responsible for planning, implementing, and executing all aspects of the program, including required and permissible services, staff hiring, training and evaluation, budget management, record keeping, and annual and semester reports. This position is governed by state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.
Qualifications:
Required Education and/or Experience:
  • Master's degree in higher education, counseling, adult education, public administration, student affairs, or a related field;
  • Require three years of experience working with low-income, first-generation, and/or underrepresented students;
  • Two years of administration and management experience in an educational and/or administrative setting.

Preferred Education and/or Experience:
  • Doctorate Degree

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Oversee all program operations to ensure excellent student services and program objective attainment;
  • Write and submit grant proposals for McNair competitions;
  • Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate employees;
  • Implement and maintain an accurate and thorough record keeping system for all program activities and student information;
  • Assess the best tools needed to maintain McNair records;
  • Develop and implement effective recruitment plans and strategies to select eligible participants with the potential and motivation for baccalaureate and doctoral completion, including participant monitoring and assessment for successful performance, retention, and graduation;
  • Submit annual performance reports to the United States Department of Education and to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Student Success. In these reports, the PD will evaluate all outcome objectives, activities, services, and adjustments of the program in terms of feasibility and achievement at the end of each semester and at the end of the year;
  • Work with the Program Coordinator and Project Coordinator to plan, monitor and manage program budget and ensure all expenditures are justified and in compliance with federal, state, and campus guidelines. This includes monitoring a shadow budget on a regular basis, conducting budget analyses, determining spending priorities and available funds, and fiscal planning;
  • Oversee faculty mentor selection and training and assist mentors for their mentoring needs and success;
  • In addition, the director will have demonstrated professional experience in designing, managing, and implementing a McNair or other TRIO programs, as well as budgetary and supervisory experience;
  • The director will demonstrate knowledge of Federal regulations and compliance, and demonstrate the ability to meet the objectives and goals of TRIO.
  • Collaborate closely with colleges, community agencies, and campus departments, and programs offering services that are utilized by McNair participants to establish a seamless connection of TRIO services to students;
  • Provide training on counseling strategies to McNair staff. This includes professional staff training, staff meetings, and one-on-one meetings as needed;
  • Serve on campus committees;
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Experience in program assessment including assessment design, assessment administration and evaluation of assessment results;
  • Strong oral, listening, and written communication skills;
  • Strong knowledge and skills in utilizing technology;
  • Experience administering, budgeting, staffing, and evaluating an academic support unit;
  • Experience working in a diverse team environment with a collective focus;
  • Ability to maintain current knowledge of and be able to interpret Higher Education Acts;
  • EDGAR, and Federal Regulations, to ensure compliance in all program areas;
  • Ability to develop and foster relationships and collaborative efforts with federal, state, and UA Little Rock communities to promote program goals and enhance program services;
  • Ability to develop a welcome and inclusive work environment for TRIO staff and students by maintaining an appropriate and effective work schedule to accommodate staff and participants, and a clean, organized, and inviting office environment where staff and program participants feel welcomed and valued.

Additional Information:
Salary Information:
$71,000 - $75,000
Required Documents to Apply:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Letters of Recommendation, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Recruitment Contact Information:
David Montague, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Student Success, drmontague@ualr.edu, 501-916-3204
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS
Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Constant Physical Activity:
Feeling, Grasping, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Reaching, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking
Frequent Physical Activity:
Balancing, Driving, Kneeling, Lifting
Occasional Physical Activity:
Climbing, Crouching, Lifting, Pulling, Pushing
Benefits Eligible:
Yes

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About University of Arkansas System

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The University of Arkansas System is a prominent player in the education industry, based out of Little Rock, AR, in the United States. Serving as the governing body of various public universities, two-year community colleges, and other educational institutions throughout Arkansas, the System plays an integral role in shaping the state's educational landscape. Established in 1871, the University of Arkansas System is characterized by its commitment to education and its deep-seated values of academic freedom, shared governance, and equal opportunity. Through relentless pursuit of its mission - to improve the mind, body, and keep the quality and accessibility of education services at the forefront of its operations, the system has achieved significant milestones, such as being accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Little Rock, AR, US

Year founded

1871

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