Talent Search-South Assistant Director, College Readiness/Retention Programs

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University’s TRIO Talent Search-South program on the Wichita, KS campus is seeking an on-site program specialist. This role focuses on delivering services in compliance with federal TRIO requirements while engaging with students, families and schools to promote college access.

The position manages day-to-day activities, including scheduling, budgeting, recruiting and program administration, with most time spent at South High School and partner sites to support postsecondary

Qualifications

• Master's degree in education or related field is required.
• One year experience developing programming and scheduling for students and staff.
• Two+ years supervisory or managerial experience; travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver TRIO Talent Search services and ensure compliance with federal TRIO guidelines.
• Coordinate program schedules, budgets, and recruitment for South High School and Truesdell Middle School.
• Build relationships with students, families, and school partners.
• Monitor program outcomes and prepare APR/other reports.
• Supervise staff and manage data and documentation.

Skills

TRIO knowledge

Grant administration

Data collection

Student services supervision

Stakeholder communication

Confidentiality

Partnership building

Education

Master's degree in education

Job description

Department:

TRIO Talent Search-South

Campus Location:

Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type:

Full Time

Pay:

Range starting $42,000/yr, adjusted based onqualifications

Work Schedule:

Mon-Fri, 8a-5p, occasional overnights; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement:

No export control requirement.

Job Story

Some people are naturally good at keeping things organized. Othersare naturally good with people. This role needs both. This positionexists to ensure that program services are delivered as approved,documented accurately, and aligned with U.S. Department ofEducation TRIO regulations—while keeping students, families, andpartner schools at the center of the work. Working closely with the Director, this position helps translatefederal objectives into consistent, high-quality services that movestudents toward postsecondary enrollment and success. And whilethere is important program administration behind the scenes, thisis not a desk-only role. A majority of your time will be spent atSouth High School, working directly with students. You’ll buildrelationships, answer questions, follow up when someone needs anextra nudge, and become a familiar, trusted person in the schoolcommunity. You’ll help manage program schedules, recruiting efforts, budgets,documentation, and other administrative responsibilities whileensuring services are delivered as approved and align with U.S.Department of Education TRIO requirements. Organization andcompliance matter, but so does knowing when to put down thespreadsheet and connect with a student. You’ll communicate withstudents, families, school personnel, university partners, programstaff, and leadership, so being able to adjust your communicationstyle and connect with people at different levels isessential. If you’re the kind of person who can manage the details, supportleadership, communicate with just about anyone, and still have theenergy to spend your day working with students, we want to meetyou.

Job Summary

Manages assigned college readiness and/or retention program(s) tomeet business objectives. Oversees the day-to-day programactivities which may include project schedules, budget tracking anddevelopment, recruiting, and project and/or programadministration.

Essential Functions

Collaborates with senior leaders to develop program goals andinfrastructure to align with defined business strategy. Creates newor troubleshoots and improves upon existing processes, proceduresor systems to meet program goals. Manages program through creationof program plans, grant proposals, management tools and/orreporting capabilities. Performs project research and developsplans to effectively use program resources. Develops metrics tomeasure program success against program goals. Manages, recruits,trains and/or leads cross-functional teams and ensures resourcesare appropriately assigned to meet program goals. Recommendsprogram or project budget according to needs. Monitors and adjustsproject and program plans as resource requirements change.Communicates and documents program quality outcomes and progressmetrics to senior program leaders. Regularly contacts participants,counselors, and partners to ensure program success. Addresses andresolves major or complex issues to ensure program goals remain ontrack.

Job Duties

Assigned Schools:

Truesdell Middle School and South High School (plus walk-in supportas needed)

Key Responsibilities

• Support implementation of Talent Search services in compliancewith federal TRIO guidelines and grant objectives
• Serve approximately 360 students annually, ensuring each one receives meaningful, documented, and compliant federal TRIOservices.
• Assist with staff supervision, training, and servicemonitoring
• Oversee student service delivery, progress tracking, anddocumentation
• Support data management, evaluation, and Annual Performance Report(APR) preparation
• Maintain partnerships with schools, families, and communitystakeholders
• Assist with budget monitoring and program operations
• Maintain accurate records and preparing reports to support federalperformance measures

Required Education and Experience:

• Qualifications for this position are strictly defined by theapproved grant proposal.
  See the education qualifications in the "Additional Information forPosting" section below.
• Qualifications for this position are strictly defined by theapproved grant proposal.
  See the experience qualifications in the "Additional Informationfor Posting" section below.

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of TRIO Talent Search-South program purpose,objectives, and required services as defined by the U.S. Departmentof Education
• Familiar with federal grant administration, compliance, andrecordkeeping requirements
• Knowledge of postsecondary education preparation, includingacademic planning, career exploration, and financial aidprocesses
• Capable of data collection, performance reporting, andconfidentiality requirements
• Skilled in assisting with administration and coordination offederally funded educational programs
• Understand how to monitor delivery of required TRIO servicesand documenting participation and outcomes
• Capable in supervising and supporting staff engaged in studentservices
• Skilled in effective communication with students, parents,schools, and institutional partners
• Ability to ensure program services are implemented inaccordance with approved grant objectives and federalregulations
• Familiar with or able to learn how to translate federalrequirements into consistent daily program operations
• Support partnerships with secondary schools and families topromote college access
• Exercise sound judgment in matters involving compliance,confidentiality, and student support

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior TRIO/GEAR UP experience or other educational opportunityprograms or organizations.

Additional Information:

Position Requirements:

Master's degree in education, social service, psychology orrelated field.

One year's experience developing programming and scheduling forstudents and staff.

At least two years' experience working with low-income andpotential first generation college students.

Two years' or more supervisory or managerialexperience.

The chosen candidate is expected maintain membership in TRIOprofessional associations; write articles for the quarterlynewsletter; and travel to local, regional, and national trainingseminars/conferences.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate acomputer and other office equipment including but not limited tophone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicatewith others and accurately exchange information. Ability to travelin a vehicle for distances including but not limited to acrosscity, county, and state.