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Trio Program Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Trio Program Director information

See Illinois salary details

$31K

$105.7K

$177.3K

How much do trio program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for trio program director in Illinois is $105,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $112,900.00 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 Illinois? For Trio Program Director jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Trio Program Director jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Trio Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Trio Program Director job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,677 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Assistant or Associate Director, TRIO Student Support Services Program

Millikin University

Decatur, IL • On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description
Under the supervision of the project director, the position assists the director with implementing, supervising, and managing the daily operations, including ensuring programmatic outcomes, in accordance with the approved federal Trio Student Support Services grant and applicable Federal legislation and administrative regulations. The positionreports to, advises, assists, and provides executive level support to the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) in achieving University and Student Affairs priorities. This position is responsible for developing and implementing collaborative retention-driven participant experiences.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
Position Specific Responsibilities
• Maintaining a working understanding and knowledge of the approved Federal grant and related legislation and regulations.
• Hiring, supervising, evaluating, and directing the work of all staff in accordance with guidelines in the approved grant and applicable policies and procedures.
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies, outreach, and programs that ensure the annual successful recruitment, screening, and selection of eligible participants.
• Developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies that ensure the annual attainment of approved objectives of student support and retention.
• Developing, proposing, and managing the approved annual budget.
• Ensuring the development, implementation, and evaluation of retention support and other services as stated in the approved grant.
• Conducting program assessments and evaluations of program design and operations.
• Completing annual and other reports.
• Serving as a liaison between the campus and the U.S. Department of Education in consultation with supervisor and the Director of Grants.
Core Responsibilities for All Student Affairs Staff
• Completing or assisting with routine administrative functions as appropriate (e.g., budgeting, report-writing, strategic planning, record-keeping, data collection and management, developing policies and procedures, and evaluation and assessments related to student outcomes and program effectiveness).
• Implementing or assisting with feedback processes to ensure concerns are addressed and improvements are considered.
• Supporting and assisting with signature student experiences (e.g., Admitted Student Days; Campus Visit Days; Orientation and Registration Days; Convocations; Commencements; Homecoming and Family Weekend; Student Welcome Week; Involvement Fairs; Career Fairs; Annual Awards Program; etc.).
• Serving on appropriate university or community committees, councils, and boards as recommended by the supervisor or University President.
• Implementing emergency communication plans and protocols which includes providing direction, oversight, guidance, and support as needed in emergency or crisis situations.
• Seeking and proposing opportunities for ongoing appropriate professional development.
• Communicating effectively university and department goals, achievements, challenges, solutions, practices, changes, and consistently enforcing all policies and regulations.
• Maintaining high ethical standards and integrity by conducting all operations professionally, including acting in accordance with all Millikin University policies and procedures.
• Performing other mission-critical and job-related duties as assigned based on operational needs.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Supervises student leaders
• Supervises graduate assistants as requested.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to succeed in a results-driven professional organization. Transferable skills from relevant experiences in education, not-for-profit, business, or other industries and fields will be considered. Additional qualifications specific to this position are below:
Education and/or Experience
Required:
1. Master's degree required in education, student personnel, counseling, sociology, or other appropriate field from a U.S.- accredited institution.
2. Training experience in education, human services, and public policy or related fields that enhance knowledge of student retention, support services that increase grade point averages and graduation rates.
Preferred:
1. Teaching, preferably at the college level.
2. Related experiences in a college or university setting.
3. Experience supervising staff at any professional level.
4. Experience using software or databases related to the work of the program.
5. Experience providing services to people with disabilities.
6. Experience applying wellness, student development, advising, and/or trauma-informed practices in service-delivery.
Examples of Measures of Success
Success will be measured by at least the following metrics:
• Eligible participants recruited and served
• Participation, satisfaction, academic standing, retention, and degree completion rates
• Post-baccalaureate placement for students participating in services and programs
• Student Learning Outcomes
Application Instructions
Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three professional references to millikin.edu/employment. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment and first day of work is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Millikin University is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups in this field are encouraged to apply. Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Millikin University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive. Millikin offers a competitive salary and full benefit package, including eligibility for tuition waiver. To view Millikin's benefits, please go to https://millikin.edu/about/administration/human-resources/benefits.