TRIO Talent Search Project Director

Cleveland Community College; Shelby (NC); On-site; USD 51,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland Community College seeks a Project Director for the TRIO - Talent Search program. You will design, implement, and evaluate the program, provide services to middle and high school participants, and support project coaches, counselors, and staff.

Some travel, day/evening/weekend hours required, multi-year grant funded. The role emphasizes leadership in program administration, reporting, and student tracking while ensuring compliance with Talent Search requirements and fostering

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Psychology, Sociology or related field.
• Three or more years of experience providing services for TRIO-eligible students or underrepresented students.
• Demonstrated ability to administer programming including personnel supervision and evaluation.
• Prior experience in academic advising and counseling at a postsecondary institution.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and database software.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with school personnel, parents, students, and community professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Talent Search program and supervise activities for re-entry students and CCP pathways.
• Oversee participant identification, eligibility, tracking, and compliance with program records and security.
• Monitor program budget and ensure responsible stewardship of funds.
• Develop administrative policies to ensure compliance by all staff.
• Recruit, train, evaluate, and retain program personnel.
• Coordinate staff development and ongoing team meetings to review progress.

Skills

Leadership

Program administration

Budget management

Relationship building

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Master’s degree in Education/ Psychology/ Sociology or related field

Tools

Spreadsheets

Database software

Job description

This position will be responsible for designing, implementing, administering, and evaluating the TRIO -Talent Search program. The Project Director will provide services to participants in middle and high schools. This position will monitor compliance with all Talent Search requirements by developing, directing, and evaluating the project, including preparation of reports and student tracking records, provide support to Talent Search Project Coaches, school counselors, and others, and assist with retention and completion initiatives. This position requires day, evening, and occasional weekend hours and requires travel. Multi-year grant funded position by the U.S. Department of Education.

• Serve as the lead coach, taking primary responsibility for re-entry students and Cleveland Early College High School activities and connections.
• Supervise participant identification and eligibility verification, assessment, selection, tracking, and monitor program records systems and security.
• Monitor and be a good steward of program budget.
• Develop administrative policies that ensure compliance by all Talent Search staff.
• Recruit and recommend qualified personnel for hiring, training, evaluation, and retention/dismissal.
• Design and implement program staff development activities.
• Schedule ongoing team meetings to assess individual participant progress and ensure education plans of participants are current.
• Coordinate re-entry to an alternative high school diploma program and facilitate the transition for participants who choose to enroll in Cleveland Community College.
• Provide leadership on field trips including in loco parentis decision making and crisis management.
• Assist with the implementation of the Talent Search program to include providing the following services to participants, in some manner, as determined by the Talent Search Project Director:

• Connections to academic tutoring and providing academic tutoring
• Secondary course selection/initial postsecondary course selection
• Preparing for college entrance exams and completing college admission applications
• Information on the full range of federal student financial aid programs, scholarships, and assistance with completing financial aid applications
• Guidance on and assistance in secondary school reentry, alternative education, GED programs
• Connections to education or counseling services, financial and economic literacy, financial planning for postsecondary education
• Career counseling or activities
• Information and activities to acquaint youth with the range of career options
• Exposure to campuses of institutions of higher education, cultural events, academic programs
• Workshops and counseling for families
• Mentoring programs-serve as a mentor and coordinate mentoring programs
• Programs and activities specially designed for students that are underrepresented in postsecondary education

• Participate in school related activities in which CCP pathways can be promoted.
• Provide appropriate referrals to the correct resources to address an issue of concern beyond the scope of this position.
• Conduct effective communication strategies with faculty and staff, parents/guardians, and local employers.
• Communicate and network with partners to ensure accurate and current resource information is being disseminated.
• Attend meetings of the Success Coach Team.
• Assist counselors with dropout prevention.
• Participate in new student orientations and recruitment activities for the College.
• Assist with CCP and CECHS registration within appropriate pathways, graduation, and other College-related duties.
• Participate in professional and staff development opportunities.
• Actively participate in Student Services planning, evaluation, and program review.
• Treat students and colleagues respectfully, speak to others courteously, and behave in such a way that creates a workplace environment that is marked by trustworthiness, honest but polite communication, and interpersonal interaction that are both personally cordial and professionally appropriate.
• Serve on committees as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned and other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Salary Range

Salary Range Based on experience. Starting salary $51,230-$76,845.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in Education, Psychology, Sociology or related field.
• Three or more years of experience providing services for TRIO -eligible students, underrepresented college students, or under-prepared students.
• Demonstrated ability to administer programming including personnel supervision and evaluation.
• Prior experience in academic advising and counseling at a postsecondary institution.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and database software.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with school personnel, parents, students, and community professionals.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work or meet in the evenings and/or on weekends, with advanced notice.
• Ability to provide leadership in anticipating and responding to change.
• Ability to work effectively and collegially with others.
• Ability to use productivity software, including a general knowledge of word processors and spreadsheets, the ability to send and receive email, and to complete and submit electronic forms.
• Employees are expected to perform essential computer skills (log on/off a computer, manage and organize files, print/scan forms using a copier, maintain and recall secure passwords and change password(s) routinely per college procedures).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Provide exceptional customer services with people internal and external to the institution.
• Effectiveness in the following College organizational competencies:

• Translating College purpose, values, and vision into organizational action
• Collaborating and facilitating
• Creating and innovating
• Anticipating and responding to change
• Providing vision and leadership

• Familiarity with and appreciation for the mission of a comprehensive community college.
• Flexible and adapts to change.
• Ability to multi-task with multiple departments and activities of others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Personal background similar to that of the students to be served.
• Work experience with a TRIO program.

Physical Demands

ADA requirements for this position include critical thinking skills with the ability to process information, analyze data, make assessments, and exercise good judgment to make decisions; possess ease of mobility within the work environment and other areas of campus; and effective use of all forms of communication (oral, visual, auditory), including use of computers. Be able to lift weights up to 10 pounds on a regular basis.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is your highest level of education?
  • GED
  • High School Diploma
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • PHD