Director, Pre-College Access & Pathways

Florida Gulf Coast University; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University seeks a Director of Pre-College Access & Pathways to provide strategic leadership for CROP, Scholars, and TRIO Talent Search. You will oversee grant development, compliance, budgeting, staff supervision, and reporting to expand college access and opportunities.

FGCU emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and innovation. The role requires building partnerships with schools, community organizations, and stakeholders to advance student success and ensure federal,

Qualifications

• Twelve years of directly related full-time experience OR a Master’s degree plus six years related experience.
• Experience with federal student programs and TRIO programs.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, Outlook).
• Combination of education, experience, and certifications may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements programs supporting the goals of CROP, Scholars, and TRIO Talent Search.
• Leads and manages grant applications and renewals for four grants.
• Oversees administrative operations and translates goals into initiatives.
• Directs staff, sets performance standards, and handles hiring/training.
• Manages annual operating budgets for programs including grants and E&G accounts.
• Evaluates operational effectiveness with data analysis and reporting for compliance.
• Collaborates with DOE, Florida DOE personnel, and local educational partners.
• Ensures programs comply with university, state, and federal regulations.
• Develops partnerships and oversees communications and public relations.
• Plans and implements special projects.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Accountability

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Policy compliance

Education

Master’s degree in Education/related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Director, Pre-College Access & Pathways, provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the College Reach-Out Program (CROP), Scholars Program, and TRIO Talent Search. The Director oversees program development and implementation, grant management and compliance, budgeting, staff supervision, assessment, and reporting to advance college access and educational opportunities. The position cultivates partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and public and private stakeholders to support student success, achieve program objectives, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and university requirements.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Develops and implements programs, projects and activities that support the strategic goals and objectives of the College Reach Out Program, Scholars Program, and TRIO Talent Search and serves the educational needs of schools and community organizations.


• Leads and manages the full grant application and renewal process for the four existing grants—CROP, United Way (Lee County), United Way (Hendry County), and TRIO Talent Search. This includes preparing, writing, and submitting all required documentation to ensure compliance with funder guidelines and timely submission of proposals and renewals.


• Provides oversight and direction of the administrative operations of the programs. Translates strategic goals and objectives into operational initiatives.


• Solves operational problems, develops solutions, interprets and administers policies and procedures, and resolves issues and concerns.


• Directs the efforts of and supervises departmental staff, sets performance standards and accountability. Recruits, hires, trains, supervises and evaluates staff to ensure adequate staffing within budget.


• Supports the daily operations and activities of the Talent Search Project, assisting in ensuring alignment with Federal TRIO/Talent Search guidelines, State regulations, university policies, and County School District procedures, under the guidance and oversight of the Senior Director.


• Formulates and administers the annual operating budgets for College Reach-Out Program (CROP), Scholars Program, and TRIO Talent Search to include federal, state, and local/private grants, as well as E&G accounts.


• Evaluates operational effectiveness through ongoing assessment and data analysis; develops and disseminates statistical, analytical, and narrative reports to support data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, and compliance with applicable reporting requirements, including Federal Annual Performance Report (APR) and Florida Department of Education (FDOE) quarterly, midyear, and annual reports.


• Works with the U.S. Department of Education Program Officer, Florida Department of Education Personnel/Staff, Council for Opportunities in Education, Southern Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel, and Florida Association of Educational Opportunity personnel, local superintendents, principals, school counselors and teachers.


• Responsible for ensuring all programs, activities, and series comply with university, state, and federal regulations.


• Responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships throughout the University. Oversees communications, promotions, and public relations for department to achieve departmental goals and objectives.


• Cultivates public and private sector partnerships to develop outreach and educational projects.


• Creates multiple publications including brochures, flyers, announcements, invitations, bulletins, newsletters, and handbooks.


• Plans and implements special projects as assigned.

Other Duties

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either twelve years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, Counseling, School Counseling, Human Services, Psychology or closely related field and six years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.


• Full-time professional experience with federal student programs, TRIO programs, programs serving first generation college students or other similar programs.


• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, and Outlook).


• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.


• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.


• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.


• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, and coordination of people and resources.


• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.


• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.


• Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.


• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and competing demands are involved.


• Ability to use effective decision making and problem solving techniques.


• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.


• Ability to operate personal computers with proficiency and learn new applications and systems.


• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgement in the establishment, interpretation, application, and enforcement of all rules, regulations, and policies.


• Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providing information, guidance, and motivation.

Pay Grade 20

Applications received prior to November 30th, 2026, will receive priority review.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.