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Trio Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Work closely with the Director, Access Coordinators, and the Technology Specialist on the Student ... Collaborate with Dean of Students Office, TRIO, Advising, Tutoring, Housing, First Gen Office ...

Trio Program Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33K

$112.4K

$188.7K

How much do trio program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for trio program director in Chicago, IL is $112,431.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,600.00 and $120,100.00 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 cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Trio Program Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Trio Program Director job openings:

TRIO-Educational Advisor

The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation

Olympia Fields, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation

TRIO Educational Advisor Position 

The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation is looking for energetic, motivated, and service minded individuals to work in our TRIO programs.
This position is subject to grant funding. 

Work Schedule

Minimum 40 hours per week. Schedule to be arranged, but typically, Monday-Friday from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm some nights, weekend work WILL BE required. Will be required to work at least 1 Saturday per month and overnight travel on college tours. This is an EXEMPT position with various work times and hours.
Department Summary: TRIO Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search are educational program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Educational Talent Search designed to help middle and high school students to continue to the next grade level, graduate from high school, and enroll in and complete a college education. The TRIO Educational Talent Search Program at GJTF serves 500 students from target schools in the Southland. Upward Bound serves 60 students in 9th-12th grade with post-secondary attainment.
Duties:

Under minimal supervision of the TRIO Director, the Educational Counselor will work independently to:
Assist with outreach, recruitment, and identification of eligible participants
Serves as liaison between Program, target schools, and community agencies
Develops Individual Academic Plan (IAP) for each student
Counsel and assist program participants in middle school and high school graduation requirements, college financial aid requirements and college admission
Develop and facilitate the career development, self-development, and college placement classes and/or workshops
Coordinate and develop progress reports on students' academic advising sessions and monitors academic progress
Provide guidance to Student Tutor/Mentor
Act as point of contact and liaison between foster care/homeless participants and foster care/homeless resources and target school personnel.
Assess and monitor rigorous secondary school program of study (AP Requirements) for assigned target high school participants
Support and assist participants in completing and submitting postsecondary admissions and financial aid applications
Provide assigned target school participants with information and guidance on financial and economic literacy
Collaborate with TRIO staff to support the transition of middle school participants to high school
Assist with collecting and entry of data for the Annual Performance Report, including collection, accuracy and verification of participants' academic data
Support Program Director and Assistant Director in maintaining Program records in compliance
Develop, coordinate and implement other program related projects as assigned.
Assist with planning and attending college tours, career and cultural excursions, weekend activities
Create and develop workshops for participants
May be asked to assist with Crete Access Granted Students and TRIO Upward Bound participants
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications

Education: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree
Experience: A minimum of one year of professional experience.
Other:

Bilingual/Spanish preferred.
Applicants must have strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Applicants must possess the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information, along with the ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of people, exercise sound judgement, determine priorities, complete assigned projects in a timely manner and work well under tight deadlines.
Strong preference will be given to candidates that have received TRiO-specific training, such as the trainings sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.
Strong preference will be given to candidates who have succeeded in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the project's target population.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Gloria J. Taylor Foundation (GJTF) is committed to a diverse workforce and affirmative action and is an equal opportunity employer. GJTF maintains and promotes a policy of non-discrimination and non-harassment on the basis of race, sex, gender, color, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or genetic characteristics.