Director, TRIO Educational Talent Search

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University in Fort Collins seeks a Director of the Educational Talent Search Program, a 12-month full-time professional appointment. You will oversee the ETS grant, implement program services for about 1000 students, supervise staff, and meet federal objectives set in the grant.

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Access Center, you will build partnerships with campus programs, manage budgets, ensure compliance with Department of Education rules, and pursue additional

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required from an accredited institution.
• Minimum five years’ experience administering college access or TRIO programs.
• Three years’ experience supervising staff and budget management.
• Experience with federal regulations and reporting.
• Experience with underrepresented populations and post-secondary enrollment processes.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage ETS grant proposal and program operations.
• Develop relationships with campus programs and community partners.
• Plan, develop, and monitor program budget and compliance.
• Hire, train, supervise staff and evaluate performance.
• Submit required reports to the Department of Education.
• Identify and pursue additional funding resources to sustain the program.

Skills

Communication skills

Bilingual (EN/ES)

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

Position Summary

The Director of the Educational Talent Search Program is a fulltime professional position reporting directly to 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 ETS program including grant federal objectives, implementing program services to 1000 students, providing staff supervision, program services, and implementation of annual performance objectives outlined in the federally‑ approved grant application. The Director position oversees eleven school partnerships including outreach efforts located in Adams County, Larimar County, and Weld County. The salary is $85,000 and the position is a 12‑month full‑ time Administrative‑Professional university appointment with full university benefits package. Estimated start date: October 2026. Position and salary are contingent upon funding by the U.S. Department of Education. Finalists for the position will be required to undergo a background check. Full Consideration Date: please apply by Friday, 10/2/2026, 11:59pm (MT).

Essential Job Duties

• Plan, implement ETS 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 the Department of Education.
• Identify and pursue additional funding resources to supplement grant.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Supervision

Supervises 3‑4 professional AP staff, 4 summer student staff positions, 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.
• Travel -- statewide recruitment travel and programing travel.

Minimum Qualifications (Administrative Professional)

• 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’ experience in administering comprehensive college access or TRIO programs that serve low‑income/ first generation students. Minimum of three 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 three 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

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. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

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. 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.