1

Trio Program Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Process Owner

Davenport, IA ยท On-site

$77K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... of Trio members, providing direction, leadership, development, and support to direct reports ... Develops, implements, and promotes safety programs and safe work practices, actively participating ...

Trio Program Director information

See Iowa salary details

$30.1K

$102.4K

$171.9K

How much do trio program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for trio program director in Iowa is $102,431.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $109,400.00 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 Iowa?

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

Infographic showing various Trio Program Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,431 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Director of TRIO Student Support Services and Academic Support Center

EICC

Riverdale, IA โ€ข On-site

$57K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Information
Position Title Director of TRIO Student Support Services and Academic Support Center Job Category S10 Job Type Administrative/Professional Staff Supervisor's Title Dean of Career & Academic Location Scott Community College (10) Job Description
Provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and operational management for the federally funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program and the Academic Support Center (ASC) at Scott Community College. Ensures high-quality, equitable academic support services for first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities while advancing institutional goals related to retention, persistence, completion, and transfer. Responsible for federal grant compliance, program assessment, staff supervision, cross-departmental collaboration, and continuous improvement.
This is a full-time position that will report on-site at Scott Community College, Belmont location.
Excellent benefits package:
  • Administrative salaried staff receive Paid time off annually starting at 20 days of vacation, 14 days sick, 2 days of personal time. In addition to paid holidays off, including a week in December.
  • Summer Fridays off - shift rotation for those positions that require daily coverage
  • Retirement plan with 9.44% employer contribution (IPERS or TIAA option), employees contribute 6.29%, plus additional retirement options
  • Health, vision, and dental coverage
  • Employer paid & voluntary Life insurance
  • Employer paid Long Term Disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement for employees and dependents
  • Flexible Spending Account options
  • Professional development and education reimbursement benefits
  • State employee discounts for cell phones, hotels, museums, etc. Employee Assistance Program
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Education, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Student Affairs, or a related field required. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in student support services, TRIO programs, academic support, or related areas required. Demonstrated experience with federal grant management, compliance, and reporting required. Supervisory experience required. Must possess strong leadership, organizational, communication, and analytical skills. Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations and institutional policies required. A strong commitment to equity, student success, and the mission of a comprehensive community college is required.
Preferred Qualifications Physical Demands
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. occasionally, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Salary Starting range: $57,400 - 70,200 Typical Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide overall leadership and direction for the TRIO Student Support Services program in accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulations and grant objectives.
2. Ensure compliance with all federal TRIO SSS requirements including eligibility determination, documentation, reporting, and audit readiness.
3. Oversee grant administration including budgets, carry-forward funds, allowable expenditures, and fiscal monitoring.
4. Prepare and submit annual performance reports, continuation applications, and related federal documentation.
5. Serve as the primary institutional liaison with the U.S. Department of Education and TRIO organizations.
6. Provide strategic oversight of the Academic Support Center, including tutoring services and academic coaching initiatives.
7. Supervise and evaluate professional staff, support staff, and student employees within TRIO and the Academic Support Center.
8. Oversee staffing, scheduling, training, and service delivery to ensure accessible, high-quality academic support aligned with best practices.
9. Collect, monitor, and analyze data related to retention, persistence, graduation, and academic performance.
10. Collaborate with Advising, Financial Aid, Disability Services, Admissions, Career Services, Academic Affairs, and other campus partners to support holistic student success.
11. Participate in institutional committees and strategic planning initiatives related to retention, enrollment management, and accreditation.
12. Document incidents and ensure follow-up actions are completed in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.
13. Is committed to providing quality service that meets or exceeds the expectations of internal and external customers.
14. Other duties as assigned.

EICC Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of Eastern Iowa Community College District not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status, as required by the Iowa Code 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C. 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101, et seq.).
If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact EICC's Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Equity Coordinator, Eastern Iowa Community College District, 101 West Third Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801, 563-336-5222, equity@eicc.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: 303-844-5695. FAX: 303-844-4303; TDD: 800-877-8339 or Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number S229P Number of Vacancies 1 Open Date 08/06/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary