Metropolitan State University of Denver
Executive Director of TRIO and Student Support Programs
Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80285
Executive Director of TRIO and Student Support Programs
Join to apply for the
Executive Director of TRIO and Student Support Programs
role at
Metropolitan State University of Denver .
Position Summary: The Executive Director of TRIO and Student Support Programs is responsible for providing programmatic oversight and leadership for key Student Affairs functional areas, supervising the leadership (directors) and ensuring the vitality of Epic Scholars and other federal grant‑funded programs. As a leader within the Division of Student Affairs, the Executive Director actively contributes to divisional and institutional strategic planning, sets priorities, leads major initiatives and projects, and critically contributes to success and belonging initiatives across the division and the institution. The Executive Director balances strategy and leadership with direct engagement with students, meeting their needs and ensuring inclusive experiences at MSU Denver.
Metropolitan State University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer.
IND208
This is a temporary grant‑funded position with funding available for a 5‑year cycle and the possibility of extension if additional funding is secured.
70% – Direct the TRIO SSS Program
Direct grant activities and staff in support of grant objectives; integrate grant activities with University initiatives that support student success.
Lead to continue the TRIO SSS grant and explore related grant opportunities.
Stay abreast of higher‑education policy changes that impact TRIO and guide operations accordingly.
Supervise TRIO SSS staff, including hiring, training, and management.
Provide direct student service to a caseload of TRIO SSS participants.
Ensure timely submission of all reporting to the Department of Education per grant requirements.
Manage the TRIO SSS budget and any auxiliary funds; ensure compliance with all fiscal regulations.
20% – Supervision of Epic Scholars and other federal grant programs
Supervise lead staff managing Epic Scholars and other federal grant programs, including hiring, training, and management.
Stay informed of policy changes that impact these programs and educate key staff.
Examine departmental activities with a critical lens focused on student outcomes and social identities.
Identify liaison points within the institution and empower staff to build professional relationships that support student success.
Work with departmental leaders to maximize program capacity and eligible student participation.
Develop strategic opportunities to strengthen existing programs or create new initiatives; guide leaders to promote program success.
Ensure alignment between functional objectives and institutional/divisional priorities.
Support effective assessment of program activities and apply learning from assessments.
10% – Other administrative duties
Serve on University committees or working groups as needed.
Lead initiatives addressing access, retention, completion, and post‑graduation outcomes.
Write grants and pursue alternative funding to support program goals.
Refer students or staff to relevant services; facilitate professional development focused on access and student achievement.
Develop and implement programming and professional development initiatives that promote a positive campus culture and student belonging.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in education, sociology, human services, psychology, counseling, social work, public administration, organization management, or related fields.
At least five years of professional experience designing, managing, or implementing a TRIO or comparable higher‑education program.
Two years of experience in:
Program staff supervision
Budget management
Program development and management
Curriculum design
Program assessment and evaluation
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate degree
Effective written, presentation, and training skills
Expertise working with low‑income, first‑generation, and other underrepresented populations
Knowledge of best practices for persistence and ability to apply theory to program and student development
Proficient grant writing and collaborative partnership building
Background in overcoming barriers faced by SSS‑eligible students
Grant writing or grant management experience
Experience working with faculty
Experience supervising student staff
Conversational Spanish
Work Hours
Full‑time, 40 hours per week, exempt
Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with occasional evening and weekend work required
Limited remote work option
Light travel to conferences when necessary
Salary for Announcement We anticipate the qualified candidate to be placed between $93,850 – $105,000. The final salary will be set based on internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
Instructions to Apply For full consideration, please submit the following documents:
Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences, qualifications, and interest in the position
Three professional references will be required of the finalist. One reference must be a prior supervisor.
This position will remain open until filled. Please apply by November 24, 2025 for consideration.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
If you are an internal applicant, please apply via the Career tab within the WorkDay Menu.
Important Note:
Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate how they meet all required qualifications.
Benefits The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and includes medical, vision, dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, life and supplemental insurance, retirement plans, and other programs such as long‑term disability coverage. Visit the MSU Denver benefits website for details: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks Metropolitan State University of Denver conducts background checks on all finalists prior to employment to ensure a safe and secure environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
Diversity Statement Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access‑oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first‑generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver. We create an equitable learning and working environment for individuals committed to equity and inclusion, fostering a culture of belonging for all community members.
Posting Representative Araceli Cortez acortez7@msudenver.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Executive Director of TRIO and Student Support Programs
role at
Metropolitan State University of Denver .
Position Summary: The Executive Director of TRIO and Student Support Programs is responsible for providing programmatic oversight and leadership for key Student Affairs functional areas, supervising the leadership (directors) and ensuring the vitality of Epic Scholars and other federal grant‑funded programs. As a leader within the Division of Student Affairs, the Executive Director actively contributes to divisional and institutional strategic planning, sets priorities, leads major initiatives and projects, and critically contributes to success and belonging initiatives across the division and the institution. The Executive Director balances strategy and leadership with direct engagement with students, meeting their needs and ensuring inclusive experiences at MSU Denver.
Metropolitan State University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer.
IND208
This is a temporary grant‑funded position with funding available for a 5‑year cycle and the possibility of extension if additional funding is secured.
70% – Direct the TRIO SSS Program
Direct grant activities and staff in support of grant objectives; integrate grant activities with University initiatives that support student success.
Lead to continue the TRIO SSS grant and explore related grant opportunities.
Stay abreast of higher‑education policy changes that impact TRIO and guide operations accordingly.
Supervise TRIO SSS staff, including hiring, training, and management.
Provide direct student service to a caseload of TRIO SSS participants.
Ensure timely submission of all reporting to the Department of Education per grant requirements.
Manage the TRIO SSS budget and any auxiliary funds; ensure compliance with all fiscal regulations.
20% – Supervision of Epic Scholars and other federal grant programs
Supervise lead staff managing Epic Scholars and other federal grant programs, including hiring, training, and management.
Stay informed of policy changes that impact these programs and educate key staff.
Examine departmental activities with a critical lens focused on student outcomes and social identities.
Identify liaison points within the institution and empower staff to build professional relationships that support student success.
Work with departmental leaders to maximize program capacity and eligible student participation.
Develop strategic opportunities to strengthen existing programs or create new initiatives; guide leaders to promote program success.
Ensure alignment between functional objectives and institutional/divisional priorities.
Support effective assessment of program activities and apply learning from assessments.
10% – Other administrative duties
Serve on University committees or working groups as needed.
Lead initiatives addressing access, retention, completion, and post‑graduation outcomes.
Write grants and pursue alternative funding to support program goals.
Refer students or staff to relevant services; facilitate professional development focused on access and student achievement.
Develop and implement programming and professional development initiatives that promote a positive campus culture and student belonging.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in education, sociology, human services, psychology, counseling, social work, public administration, organization management, or related fields.
At least five years of professional experience designing, managing, or implementing a TRIO or comparable higher‑education program.
Two years of experience in:
Program staff supervision
Budget management
Program development and management
Curriculum design
Program assessment and evaluation
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate degree
Effective written, presentation, and training skills
Expertise working with low‑income, first‑generation, and other underrepresented populations
Knowledge of best practices for persistence and ability to apply theory to program and student development
Proficient grant writing and collaborative partnership building
Background in overcoming barriers faced by SSS‑eligible students
Grant writing or grant management experience
Experience working with faculty
Experience supervising student staff
Conversational Spanish
Work Hours
Full‑time, 40 hours per week, exempt
Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with occasional evening and weekend work required
Limited remote work option
Light travel to conferences when necessary
Salary for Announcement We anticipate the qualified candidate to be placed between $93,850 – $105,000. The final salary will be set based on internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
Instructions to Apply For full consideration, please submit the following documents:
Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences, qualifications, and interest in the position
Three professional references will be required of the finalist. One reference must be a prior supervisor.
This position will remain open until filled. Please apply by November 24, 2025 for consideration.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
If you are an internal applicant, please apply via the Career tab within the WorkDay Menu.
Important Note:
Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate how they meet all required qualifications.
Benefits The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and includes medical, vision, dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, life and supplemental insurance, retirement plans, and other programs such as long‑term disability coverage. Visit the MSU Denver benefits website for details: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks Metropolitan State University of Denver conducts background checks on all finalists prior to employment to ensure a safe and secure environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
Diversity Statement Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access‑oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first‑generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver. We create an equitable learning and working environment for individuals committed to equity and inclusion, fostering a culture of belonging for all community members.
Posting Representative Araceli Cortez acortez7@msudenver.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr