Director, TRiO Programs

ucf; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Central Florida seeks a Director of TRIO Programs on the Orlando campus to lead federally funded initiatives, including Upward Bound and Student Support Services, serving first-generation and low-income students.

The role drives strategic vision, staff development, grant stewardship, and program evaluation, with responsibilities for alignment to DOE priorities and long-range planning to expand access and student success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of leadership experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience per Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for all UCF TRIO programs in alignment with the Department of Education's mission.
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff, ensuring programs meet established goals and objectives.
• Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and policies related to educational access and success for disadvantaged students.
• Design and manage research components related to Competitive Preference Priorities for all UCF TRIO grants; submits and monitors IRB protocols.
• Oversee the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of TRIO programs.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Grant stewardship

Strategic planning

Budget management

Higher education experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or Master's degree

Job description

TRiO Programs:

TRiO Programs is home to four federally funded pre-collegiate and collegiate grant programs. Our collegiate programs, PRIME STEM and Project BEST are Student Support Services programs. Housed on UCF's main campus, these programs serve undergraduate college students who are first-generation and/or low-income. Both programs offer academic support services, opportunities, and resources to enhance personal skills and academic excellence. Our pre-collegiate programs, Project ACE, and Project EDGE, serve students who attend either Apopka High School or Edgewater High School (Orange County Public Schools). Upward Bound aids a small cohort of high school students to prepare them for post-secondary programs.

The Opportunity:

The Director of TRiO Programs is a transformational leadership opportunity for a passionate leader committed to expanding educational opportunity and student success. This position provides strategic leadership for UCF's federally funded TRiO initiatives, including Student Support Services and Upward Bound programs, serving first-generation college students, students from limited-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities. The director will guide program innovation, staff development, grant stewardship, and long-term planning to ensure meaningful outcomes for the students and communities we serve.

As Director of TRiO Programs, you'll lead a talented team dedicated to empowering students from high school through college completion. This role is ideal for a visionary leader who brings a strong foundation in grant-funded programs, enjoys building partnerships, and is energized by creating innovative programs that help students overcome barriers and achieve their educational goals.

This is a Contracts & Grants (C&G) funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for all UCF TRIO programs in alignment with the Department of Education's mission.
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff, ensuring programs meet established goals and objectives.
• Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and policies related to educational access and success for disadvantaged students.
• Design and manage research components related to Competitive Preference Priorities for all UCF TRIO grants; submits and monitors IRB protocols.
• Oversee the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of TRIO programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of leadership experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience providing leadership and oversight for federally funded educational access, college readiness, student success, or youth development programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex program budgets and ensuring compliance with grant funding requirements.
• Experience supervising professional staff and leading high-performing teams in higher education, K-12, nonprofit, or community-based settings.
• Experience with federal TRiO programs, including Upward Bound and/or Student Support Services programs.
• Experience utilizing data, assessment, and program evaluation strategies to measure outcomes and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience writing, securing, renewing, or administering federal, state, or foundation grants.

The most successful candidates may possess the following qualities: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with students, staff, faculty, school partners, community organizations, and funding agencies. Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and advance a shared vision across complex programs and initiatives.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

The Director of TRIO Programs position is fully funded through, and contingent upon, federal grants from the Department of Education. This is a Contracts & Grants (C&G) funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.

All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H‑1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

Finalist will undergo a Level 1 and 2 background check per UCF requirements for working with minor youth. This position requires a Level 2 Background Check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Clearinghouse prior to employment. For more information, please visit the FDLE Clearinghouse: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/.

Position requires a valid Class E driver's license. This position may involve driving to various locations on and off campus to conduct Univer