OPEN UNTIL FILLED - Review of applications will begin 11/28/22    

Provide administrative leadership, including planning, supervision, and coordination, of the TRiO Education Opportunity Center (EOC) program at Gaston College (GC). The Project Director will be required to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships, work as a team member, promote the initiative, advise participants, achieve established goals and objectives, and fulfill federal reporting requirements. This position supervises Outreach Specialists and support staff of the EOC and reports directly to the Vice President – Education Partnerships.

1. Under the supervision of the Vice President- Education Partnerships, plan, train, supervise, and evaluate TRiO EOC project staff.
2. Coordinate participant outreach to support the completion of adult high school/high school equivalency, college application, FAFSA completion, financial literacy, and enrollment and monitoring procedures.
3. Prepare budgets, reports, news releases, and the TRiO EOC newsletter.
4. Work cooperatively with team members and colleagues, contributing positively and constructively to the achievement of team and College objectives, and provide a high level of service to customers by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and partnerships.
5. Work with and provide information to the Program Specialist with the Department of Education.
6. Act as liaison with GC faculty and staff, transfer institutions, and community agencies.
7. Represent the Project College-wide and in the community.
8. Maintain good working relationships with Financial Aid and Admissions Offices at postsecondary institutions. 
9. Maintain confidentiality regarding student affairs and administrative responsibilities as appropriate.
10. Travel to community agencies and other local partners for recruitment and related meetings. 
11. Maintain a high standard of professionalism in representing the College, including confidentiality in all aspects of the position’s responsibilities and adherence to policies, procedures, and other established guidelines.  Adhere to professional accountability and accept responsibility for managing situations and problems.
12. Participate in professional development and College activities such as Admissions procedures and Financial Aid policies. 
13. Work closely with local agencies and other support services in the service area to develop a plan and schedule for identification and recruitment activities for the EOC.
14. Provide related data, reports, and information to internal departments and others when requested.
15. Ensure Project meets all program objectives and reports to the US Department of Education are submitted accurately and on time.  
16. Perform EOC- Opportunity Specialist duties as needed.
17. Present program information to various local non-profit organization boards.
18. Distribute project newsletter to local community locations and organizations.
19. Conduct information sessions for community agencies and promote program at community support fairs and events. 
20. Review and assess referrals from non-profit, education, and community agencies.
21. Assist with updating information materials, brochures, flyers, website, and social media.
22. Anticipate, prevent, and resolve problems and conflicts under the area of supervision.
23. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree from a nationally accredited institution in counseling, education, behavioral sciences, or a related field required.

• At least three years of experience designing and implementing programs for disadvantaged students. (Required)
• Experience in admissions, recruiting, or student services at the postsecondary level required
• At least two years of experience in a supervisory role required. 
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills. 
• Experience managing budgets and staff, tracking data, reporting systems and retention strategies.
• Knowledge of federal compliance regulations for the Department of Education's TRiO Programs.  
• Training in program development and evaluation preferred
• Knowledge of admissions and financial aid procedures and processes preferred
• Working experience with high school/adult high schools/HSE populations preferred. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Generally, works in a traditional climate-controlled office environment and requires the ability to sit for extended periods.
• Some walking, standing, and bending required, and the ability to lift and maneuver items weighing up to 25 pounds required.
• Work environment can be stressful at times in dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines.
• In addition to regular office hours, position sometimes requires overtime and/or evening hours.  
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to drive in a personal vehicle throughout Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland Counties required.