Academic Services Project Director

Project Director: UCCS TRIO Student Support Services Program

Undergraduate Education

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Project Director: UCCS TRIO Student Support Services Program to join our team! The work location for this position is on-site. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

 This position is funded by a US Department of Education TRiO Student Support Services grant awarded September 2025 and is contingent upon availability of continued annual funding for an estimated five years.

Salary Range: $63,938.00 - $75,000.00. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications.

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail twelve waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
• Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

The Project Director for the UCCS TRiO Student Support Services Program provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the design, development, implementation, administration, supervision, evaluation and activities for this U.S. Department of Education grant-funded program. This role is responsible for ensuring strong student engagement, delivering holistic and effective support services, maintaining compliance with federal regulations and grant objectives, and using data to drive continuous improvement. The Director oversees all aspects of program delivery, supervises professional staff, manages the program budget, and reports program outcomes data to the U.S. Department of Education, providing comprehensive academic support services to 140 eligible college students with a range of academic needs, who are first-generation, low-income students and/or have a disability.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Administer the SSS Project 
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate SSS staff through clear goal-setting, regular feedback, formal performance evaluations, and professional development opportunities while fostering a student-centered, collaborative team environment focused on achieving program outcomes
• Provide accountability for Project resources and ensure fiscal management
• Plan/coordinate academic and developmental support programs and priorities
• Provide academic and career advising, assistance with the financial aid process, and Academic Success Plan development to a caseload of approximately 40 SSS students
• Collaborate with campus resources to offer services to SSS students generally as part of campus offerings and specifically as part of SSS workshops
• Serve as a liaison with the U.S. Department of Education
• Coordinate the recruitment, screening and selection, and continued engagement of 140 program participants annually, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines and supporting long-term student retention and success
• Create effective relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators on campus and at partnering campuses
•  Promote students’ matriculation into graduate/professional schools through Graduate School visits, fairs, and preparation
• Coordinate industry visits to in-demand industries
• Design and implement a comprehensive Project evaluation plan to guide data-informed improvements and enhance outcomes for program participants
• Participate in state, regional, and national TRiO meetings/trainings to ensure compliance with current SSS policies and federal regulations and serve as a knowledgeable resource to assist campus colleagues in understanding and meeting program requirement
•  Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual reports that monitor progress toward achieving Project objectives
•  Monitor and report on progress on implementation of Competitive Preference Priorities
• Ensure timely, accurate submission of compliance reports to the Department of Education, including documentation of student participation and budget expenditures, in full accordance with federal requirements
• Other duties as assigned

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: October 22nd, 2025
• Potential interview dates: November 3rd, 2025
• Potential start date: December 1st, 2025

All employees of the University o Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) are required to complete training on policies and procedures administered by the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), under the supervision of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Institutional Equity/Title IX Coordinator. Required training includes: understanding and reporting conduct prohibited by the sexual misconduct, protected class nondiscrimination, and conflicts of interest in cases of amorous relationships policies, related retaliation, and compliance with accommodations regarding disability, pregnancy or related conditions, and religion. All employees are also designated as “responsible employees” and are required to report conduct prohibited under these policies, and student disclosures of pregnancy or related conditions directly to the OIE and to provide OIE’s contact information to any student disclosing pregnancy or related conditions. More information is available at: Policies and Resolution Procedures | Office of Institutional Equity (uccs.edu). 
 

Note: This job description outlines this role's general responsibilities, qualifications, and physical requirements at UCCS. It is not an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. The university reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities as needed to meet the university's needs.

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, student affairs in higher education, social work, or related field from an accredited college/university is required
• At least 3 years experience designing, managing, or implementing an SSS or similar Project focusing on student success and retention
• Five years experience administering a higher education or other Project
• Three years experience supervising student and/or professional staff
• Demonstrated fiscal management experience and knowledge; records management, personnel management, supervision, and program assessment
• Demonstrated knowledge of current student retention practices and student development theory
• Demonstrated sensitivity to, and understanding of working with low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities who are academically under-prepared
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the Project’s population
• Ability to interpret and apply federal law and grant regulations; grant management experience
• Demonstrated outcome-driven project management skills, including organization and the ability to prioritize and multi-task with attention to detail

UCCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.