Director Student Support Services

Kentucky State University; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kentucky State University is searching for a Director of Student Support Services to lead the TRIO Student Support Services Program. This role focuses on compliance with federal regulations while enhancing student success for low-income and first-generation college students.

Responsibilities include managing staff, overseeing program operations, and developing strategies to improve retention and graduation rates. A Master’s degree and significant experience in student support services are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in higher education or student support services.
• Experience with TRIO programs or similar federally funded initiatives is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and administrative direction for the TRIO Student Support Services program.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations.
• Manage program operations and staff supervision.
• Develop and implement strategies to support student retention and graduation.

Skills

Knowledge of TRIO Student Support Services regulations

Strong leadership skills

Ability to analyze program data

Strong communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director Student Support Services

FT EXEMPT GRANTS-610001 Main Campus, Frankfort, KY, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 2461

TITLE: Director, Student Support Services

DEPARTMENT: Student Support Services

REPORTS TO: Dean of Students

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Dean of Students, the Director of Student Support Services provides leadership, oversight, and administrative direction for the federally funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations, grant requirements, and institutional policies while advancing student retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes for program participants.

The Director manages program operations, staff supervision, reporting requirements, participant services, and strategic initiatives designed to support low‑income, first‑generation college students and students with disabilities. This position exercises independent judgment in program administration, compliance reporting, resource allocation, and student success strategies. This role requires a regular, reliable, and consistent on‑campus presence to effectively perform leadership, compliance, and student support responsibilities and is not suitable for remote work except as approved in accordance with University policy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Serves as the primary point of contact for the U.S. Department of Education Program Officer and other federal, state, and institutional stakeholders regarding TRIO Student Support Services compliance and reporting.
• Leads the preparation, submission, and ongoing management of the Annual Performance Report (APR) and all required federal, monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements.
• Ensures program compliance with all applicable federal regulations, grant requirements, and University policies governing TRIO Student Support Services.
• Establishes, monitors, and evaluates program goals, objectives, and performance outcomes to ensure successful achievement of grant‑funded deliverables.
• Provides leadership, supervision, training, and evaluation of program staff, graduate assistants, and student employees.
• Conducts annual performance evaluations for all program personnel and supports professional development activities.
• Develops and implements student success strategies designed to increase retention, persistence, academic achievement, and graduation rates among program participants.
• Oversees participant eligibility certification and ensures compliance with federal TRIO eligibility requirements.
• Leads onboarding processes for program participants and ensures accurate documentation and record‑keeping.
• Develops and implements academic support, mentoring, coaching, and intervention strategies for program participants.
• Coordinates partnerships with campus departments and external agencies to support holistic student development and success.
• Monitors student progress and provides targeted interventions for students requiring additional academic or personal support.
• Develops outreach, recruitment, and communication strategies to increase program awareness and participation.
• Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities to support and expand program services when appropriate.
• Maintains accurate program records, databases, and reporting systems in compliance with federal and institutional requirements.
• Analyzes program data and prepares reports to evaluate effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Represents the TRIO SSS Program at conferences, trainings, and professional development events to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Maintains a regular, reliable, and consistent on‑campus presence to effectively perform the essential functions of the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of TRIO Student Support Services regulations, U.S. Department of Education compliance requirements, and federal grant management practices.
• Knowledge of student development theory, retention strategies, and academic support programming.
• Knowledge of issues affecting low‑income, first‑generation college students, and students with disabilities.
• Strong understanding of data collection, reporting, and program evaluation in federally funded programs.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and program management skills.
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate professional and support staff.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to analyze program data and use findings to improve student outcomes.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with database systems, Microsoft Office applications, and reporting tools.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• This position has direct supervisory responsibility for program staff and student employees.

OTHER DUTIES

• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, student support services, academic advising, or federally funded program administration is required.
• Experience with TRIO programs or similar federally funded student success initiatives is strongly preferred.

Licensing and Certifications

NA

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment with frequent interaction with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support student programming, reporting deadlines, or institutional events.
• Work requires regular use of computers and office equipment and may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking during student programming activities.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.