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Trio Program Director Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

TNBR Careers

Part-Time: Resident Advisor

Memphis, TN · On-site

SWTCC - Multiple Campus Locations Job Summary The TRIO Upward Bound program is a federally funded ... Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in ...

TNBR Careers

TRiO Tutor (Pool)

Blountville, TN · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

... program workshops, seminars, and training sessions. Science Tutors are urgently needed to tutor at ... Complete other assignments as directed by supervision. * See our General Employee Responsibilities ...

TNBR Careers

TRiO Tutor (Pool)

Elizabethton, TN · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

... program workshops, seminars, and training sessions. Science Tutors are urgently needed to tutor at ... Complete other assignments as directed by supervision. * See our General Employee Responsibilities ...

All JobsTrio Program JobsTrio Program Director JobsTrio Program Director Jobs in Tennessee

Trio Program Director information

See Tennessee salary details

$29K

$99K

$166.1K

How much do trio program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for trio program director in Tennessee is $98,980.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,100.00 and $105,700.00 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.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Trio Program Director jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Trio Program Director job openings:
Trio Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trio Program Director job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,980 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

Director of Educational Opportunity & TRIO Programs

The University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description


The Director of Educational Opportunity and TRIO Programs provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for pre-college and TRIO initiatives within the division. This individual will directly supervise five TRIO Project Directors: Pre-College Upward Bound (PCUB), Math & Science Upward Bound (MSUB), Academic Enrichment Upward Bound (AEUB), Veterans Upward Bound (VUB), Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), as well as two support staff: Business Manager and an Administrative Assistant. The Director ensures programmatic excellence, compliance with federal regulations, and alignment with institutional priorities. This role is pivotal in fostering collaboration among TRIO programs, pre-college initiatives, and other university partners to strengthen the P-12 to post-secondary pipeline.
Responsibilities
  • Serves as a member of the Vice Chancellor's Leadership Team, working closely with other administrators to support the Division's institutional responsibilities and priorities.
  • Oversee and provide leadership for all TRIO and pre-college programs; including supervision of five Project Directors, a Business Manager, and an Administrative Specialist.
  • Ensure strict compliance with federal guidelines and institutional policies including writing, executing, and reporting on grants.
  • Supervise and develop all staff responsible for pre-college and TRIO programs. Establish clear expectations and evaluate staff performance.
  • Provide mentoring, coaching, and professional development opportunities to direct reports.
  • Promote a culture of collaboration, service excellence, and continuous learning.
  • Complete performance evaluations for five Project Directors, a Business Manager, and an Administrative Specialist.
  • Strictly manage the development and execution of the annual budget for the areas of oversight, ensuring compliance with federal grant regulations and responsible allocation of resources.
  • Provide a clear and comprehensible vision for each program that aligns with Divisional & University Mission, Vision, and Values.
  • Build strong relationships among K-12 school leaders, higher education partners, and business and community organizations.
  • Foster and sustain these long-term partnerships to create systemic, sustainable change in educational outcomes.
  • Develop and implement strategies to maximize student engagement and success in TRIO programs.
  • Contribute to developing overarching strategies and approaches that advance access and engagement for students.
  • Coordinate program engagement strategies that elevate the university's visibility and role as a regional education partner.
  • Represent the university in regional and statewide forums related to educational attainment, college access, and outreach.
  • Advocate for policies and practices that enhance access and student success.
  • Develop and maintain systems to track student progress, program participation, student outcomes, and long-term success.
  • Analyze program data and institutional enrollment trends to assess impact and identify areas for improvement.
  • Undertake special projects or responsibilities at the direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor for College Access and the Vice Chancellor for Access and Engagement.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Education: Master's degree in education, counseling, public administration, or related field.
  • Experience:
    • At least five years of professional experience in designing, managing, or implementing TRIO or comparable higher education programs.
    • Minimum two years of experience in professional staff supervision, budget management, and program development & assessment.
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
    • Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
    • Ability to support academic success, foster community partnerships, and promote student success.
    • Strong emotional intelligence and judgment.
    • Advanced writing and reporting skills.
    • Ability to manage sensitive situations with diplomacy and professionalism.
    • Ability to multi-task and problem-solve.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Education: Doctorate degree
  • Experience:
    • Grant writing and management experience.
    • Strong collaboration and partnership-building skills
    • Significant experience with admissions, enrollment management, and student affairs.
    • Leadership experience in higher education or large-scale community initiatives.
    • Experience working with senior-level K-12 and higher education administrators.
    • Background in securing external funding.
    • Familiarity with federal and state education policy.
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
    • Ability to write grants and secure external funding.
    • Knowledge of federal and state education policy.

Work Location
  • Location: Knoxville, TN
  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits
  • UT market range: MR - 15
  • Anticipated hiring range: $90,000 - $100,000
  • This position is not grant funded
  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
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