Job Details

Director of TRIO Student Support Services

Virginia Western Community College is a two-year public institution of higher education operating under the Virginia Community College System, a statewide system of community colleges. The College operates under the policies established by the State Board for Community Colleges and the Virginia Western Community College Local Advisory Board.

Virginia Western is located on a 70-acre campus in southwest Roanoke, VA. The service region of the College includes Roanoke, Salem, Roanoke County, Craig County, Franklin County, and southern Botetourt County. The College was established in 1966 and has grown from an initial enrollment of 1,352 to its current annual enrollment of over 9,000 students in credit courses and more than 1,400 enrollments in fast-track workforce and continuing education courses.

Virginia Western Community College is seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to serve as the TRIO Project Director for our Student Support Services Program which offers eligible students (e.g., first-generation, low-income, documented disability) additional support to achieve academic success. The Director for TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) provides strategic, mission-aligned leadership for a federally funded student success initiative designed to support first-generation, low-income, and disability-eligible students. This position leads all program operations, which include administration, compliance, supervision, assessment, and student success efforts, to ensure a high-quality student experience and the fulfillment of grant performance objectives. The Director serves as a campus leader and student advocate who fosters collaborative partnerships that strengthen access, retention, and completion outcomes.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership and direction for the TRIO/SSS Program in alignment with federal regulations, institutional goals, and the approved Plan of Operation.
• Review applications, verify eligibility, determine academic needs, and make final determinations for student acceptance into the SSS program, followed by the assignment of students to Academic Success Coaches.
• Prepare, certify, and submit all required U.S. Department of Education (DOE) reports by established deadlines, and maintain open communication with the DOE Program Officer and the college's Grants Office.
• Manage the program budget, authorize expenditures, reconcile fiscal records, and ensure responsible stewardship of grant and college resources.
• Develop, implement, and assess program evaluation procedures, using data to support continuous improvement and stronger student outcomes.
• Conduct intake interviews with prospective and newly admitted participants and explain program services and expectations.
• Provide holistic academic and career advising, including guidance on curriculum choices, course planning, and major exploration.
• Determine the need for placement testing and coordinate referrals when appropriate.
• Guide students through the financial aid process, including application assistance and understanding available resources.
• Manage a caseload of approximately 25–40 students and monitor academic progress through Navigate and ongoing advising sessions.
• Work collaboratively with students to develop individualized goals and educational plans that emphasize time management, effective use of campus resources, resilience, and problem-solving.
• Administer and interpret academic and career assessments to support major and career decision-making.

This is a restricted faculty position dependent upon the conditions of the federal TRIO grant under the Department of Education. Funding for this position has been secured through August 31, 2030.

KSA's/Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in education, counseling, student personnel, or related field.
• Minimum five years in student affairs, academic advising, or counseling in higher education
• Leadership experience in student support, TRIO, or related educational programs, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Knowledge of advising and coaching principles and practices.
• Experience in budget and personnel management.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to connect with students and staff in a supportive, encouraging way.
• Record-keeping, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Ability to analyze challenges, think critically, and make sound, student-centered decisions.
• Current computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.

TO APPLY: Direct link to full posting and to apply:

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factor.