Director, TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 85,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a Director of the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center to lead the program in Fort Collins, overseeing services to 2,500 participants and compliance with federal grant requirements.

The role reports to the Executive Director of the Access Center and manages staff, budgets, reporting, and external partnerships to expand access to postsecondary education for historically excluded populations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, liberal arts, behavioral/social sciences, social work, counseling, or higher education administration, or related field.
• Minimum five years’ experience administering multiple TRIO programs for underrepresented populations in higher education.
• Minimum five years’ experience supervising professional and administrative staff.
• Minimum three years’ experience with budgeting, development, implementation, and evaluation; reporting to federal regulators.
• Minimum two years’ experience promoting educational access pathways and post-secondary enrollment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement EOC grant proposal and program; ensure compliance with federal regulations.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with campus programs and external partners.
• Plan, manage budget and ensure CSU fiscal compliance.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Implement program assessment and submit reports to the Department of Education.
• Pursue additional funding resources to augment the grant.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Staff supervision

Grant writing

Data analysis

Outreach

Communication

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Master's degree in education or related field

Tools

Data systems

Financial aid processes (FAFSA/CASFA)

Job description

Position Summary

The Director of the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center is located in Fort Collins, CO, within the Access Center at Colorado State University. The position is a fulltime professional position reporting directly the Executive Director of the Access Center and plays a mission critical role in the Access Center’s effort to expand equitable access to post‑secondary education and training for historically excluded populations. This position provides administrative oversight and implementation of the TRIO EOC program including staff supervision, program services, and implementation of annual performance objectives outlined in the federally‑approved grant application. The Director position oversees recruitment and services to 2500 participants including outreach effort and service in three county areas: Adams County, Larimar County, and Weld County. Full Consideration Date: please apply by Monday, 10/26/2026, 11:59pm (MT).

Essential Job Duties

• Plan, implement EOC grant proposal, manage program, implement policies, procedures, and federal regulations; maintain public relations with US Department of Education.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with key campus programs, administration, faculty, departments, community organizations, businesses.
• Plan, develop, manage budget, monitor, ensure meeting of federal, state, and CSU fiscal rules and policies.
• Hire, train, supervise and evaluate staff and performance.
• Implement formative and summative program assessment, submit reports to Dept of Education.
• Identify and pursue additional funding resources to supplement grant.
• Other related duties.

Supervision

Supervises 5 professional AP staff, 2 part time staff, interns and graduate practicum students as needed.

Conditions of Employment (Administrative Professional)

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Statewide recruitment travel and programing travel.

Minimum Required Degree

As written in approved federal grant: Master’s degree in education, liberal arts, behavioral / social sciences, social work, counseling, higher education administration, or related field from an accredited institution.

Minimum Years of Experience and/or Skills

• Minimum of five years’ progressively responsible professional experience a the director or associate director level administering multiple comprehensive college access TRIO programs and/ou program supports underrepresented populations in higher education.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in supervising professional and administrative staff.
• Minimum of three years’ experience with budget management, program development, implementation and evaluation; reporting and compliance with federal regulations.
• Minimum two years’ experience promoting educational or career access pathways that led to post‑secondary enrollment, and/or completion of dual enrollment, computer and technical skills (CTE), and/or apprenticeship programs.
• Minimum five years’ experience promoting educational access and working with low‑income, first‑generation populations, providing academic assistance and knowledge of post‑secondary enrollment and financial aid processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, including writing, speaking, and use of computer applications.
• Demonstrated commitment and experience working with underrepresented, and disadvantaged individuals (“Disadvantaged,” according to the U.S. Department of Education, signifies an individual who meets low‑income guidelines and who is a potential first‑generation college student A “first generation” individual is a person whose parents have not earned a baccalaureate degree).
• Demonstrated communication skills, including writing, speaking, and use of computer applications.
• Experience with career / technical education and/or apprenticeship programs.
• Demonstrated experience with participant recruitment for program participation.
• Experience with Financial Wellness inclusive of FAFSA, Financial literacy, Financial Aid, and/or CASFA processes and procedures.
• Experience with community outreach and building community partnerships.
• Experience in grant‑writing.
• Experience with data systems, data analysis, and/or data processing.
• Bilingual ability desirable (English/ Spanish).

Salary Range

$85,000-$87,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world‑class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work‑life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.