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Trio Program Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 Jun 9, 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 are TRIO Program Directors?

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.

TRIO Program Assistant

TRIO Program Assistant

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$21.28/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Kirkwood Community College rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: $21.28 Hourly
Location : Main Campus, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Type: Full-Time Board-Approved
Job Number: 02859
Division: Student Services
Department: Engagement & Student Support
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
JOB GOAL:
To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
Under limited supervision this individual will work with staff and students involved in two Student Support services (SSS) Grant programs. One program is located on the Cedar Rapids campus, and the other is located on the Coralville campus. This person performs general clerical work at the administrative/supervisory levels, such as composing routine correspondence, assisting with student, staff, faculty and the public, maintain records and provide information that requires knowledge of program, policies and procedures. This position will share time THIS POSITION IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION. CURRENT FUNDING FOR THIS POSITION IS SCHEDULED TO END AUGUST 31, 2030. CONTINUATION OF THIS POSITION BEYOND AUGUST 31, 2030 IS DEPENDENT ON NEW OR INCREASED GRANT FUNDING.
The typical work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
  • Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and accountability for our actions.
  • Champion Service- anticipating needs and creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
  • Perseverance- a commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Greet prospective and current SSS students and direct them to appropriate program personnel.
  • Answer and/or re-direct basic inquiries from internal and external customers either via phone calls, email or in person.
  • Enter and maintain data for a TRIO SSS specific computer database.
  • Coordinate materials for mailings, maintain program records, generate reports, schedule and coordinate meetings and events.
  • Prepare and maintain correspondence, lists, and other documents.
  • Perform various office clerical duties including filing, typing, scanning, maintaining copiers and other equipment, ordering supplies, sorting/distributing mail, etc.
  • Provide clerical support to program staff.
  • Assist with program activities and events.
  • Serve as part of the SSS team to fulfill program goals.
  • Perform other related work duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
  • Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.
  • Be able and willing to represent the College in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve.
  • Must enjoy working with other people and the public and exhibit skill in working accurately with complex details.
  • Must remain calm when confronted with many competing demands for attention.
  • Must develop a comprehensive knowledge of the college's organization and personnel.
  • Must develop thorough knowledge of student information systems
  • Must be a positive individual and possess excellent customer services skills.
  • Be able to handle confidential information in a professional manner.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves sitting most of the time in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) stooping, kneeling, crouching, grasping and walking. Frequent (34-66%) viewing computer and other close visual work and repetitive motion in using the computer to perform job-related functions. Constant (67-100%) communication: talking and listening, either face-to-face or via the telephone.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Associate's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Must have at least one year of experience using word processing and computer equipment. Must be able to type at an acceptable level and have experience with spreadsheets, computerized record systems, and presentation software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
  • Two years related office experience and excellent computer skills and office equipment including-Microsoft Office, fax, printer, and copy machines.
  • Experience in educational setting preferred
  • Individuals who themselves were first generation students, have economic hardship or who have a disability may be given preference
  • Experience working with people with disabilities preferred
EEO/AA STATEMENT:
It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College 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. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of 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) 844-5695FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:.
WHY KIRKWOOD:Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Read more about them !
01
Do you have at minimum an associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have at least one year of experience using word processing and computer equipment?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question