Director of TRIO Programs

The Department of Student Belonging in the Division of Academic Success & Student Affairs is seeking a Director of TRIO Programs on the Manhattan and Salina, Kansas campuses. The Director will provide visionary leadership and effective management...

  • 521265
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Student Belonging
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Mar 27 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The director provides visionary leadership and effective management of TRIO programs (SSS and ESS) on the Manhattan and Salina campuses. Ensure alignment with federal grant guidelines, K State’s strategic objectives, and institutional policies while delivering high-impact, student-centered services that advance retention, academic progress, and graduation outcomes for eligible students.

About Us

Since 1972, TRIO ESS has focused on student success by providing comprehensive support for students that are 1st generation, income limited, and/or have a documented disability. TRIO ESS accepts 300 students each year, offering 1-1 services that help participants maintain a good GPA, persist year-to-year, and graduate on time.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 5 years of relevant experience
  • Valid driver’s license


Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.

The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the strategic, financial, leadership and operational skills essential for directing complex academic student services functions. These competencies are typically developed and validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in educational administration or a related field.
  • Experience writing grants with a proven track record of success in competitive grant processes.
  • Experience working with students in a higher education setting.
  • Supervisory experience, including mentoring, evaluating, and supporting staff.
  • Experience working with low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented student populations.
  • Experience writing TRIO grants preferred.
  • Experience in budget management, including oversight of federally funded or institutionally funded programs.
  • Experience supervising staff and providing leadership in a programmatic or organizational setting.
  • Experience managing, implementing, and evaluating a grant-funded program or similar initiative, ensuring compliance with regulatory, fiscal, and reporting requirements.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

     1. Letter of interest detailing experience as it applies to this position
     2. Resume
     3. Three professional references with contact information

Application Window

Applications close on: March 27, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$79,926.000 - $83,000.000 annually

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.