The Project Director works with the Federally grant-funded program, TRIO Talent Search, within the Office of TRIO and Outreach Programs. The Project Director will assist the Director of Outreach Programs in the management of the Talent Search project and provide eligible student participants with financial, academic and transitional programming in 6th through 12th grades. The Talent Search Project Director and their staff works with four of the Lee County School District schools, to include Dunbar High School, East Lee County High School, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School, and Lehigh Acres Middle School and their community partners to promote a college-going culture and facilitate the transition of high school graduates into post-secondary education. The Talent Search staff will be housed out of these school sites and will be required to travel.

Florida Gulf Coast University is committed to establishing and maintaining an inclusive working and learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of the campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview.

At FGCU, we collectively stand against any individual or group that practices any form of racism, discrimination, intolerance, hate expressions, or disrespect. We are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, religious beliefs, abilities, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, family statuses, and military backgrounds. FGCU strives to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our University stronger. The University community recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive institution and holds these ideals as paramount for the current and future success of the institution.

We seek colleagues who promote and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position as we believe that our University will grow and move forward through a commitment of equality for all.

• Assists the director or other appropriate administrator in long-term planning, strategic alignment, and management oversight of academic engagement program/department.
• Participates in the strategic planning for assigned areas and assists the Director in developing and implementing the overall departmental strategic plan.
• Supervises the day-to-day activities and operations of the Talent Search Project and ensures the operations and activities are in compliance with Federal guidelines for TRIO/Talent Search Project, State guidelines and regulations, FGCU policies and procedures, and Lee County School District policies and procedures.
• Prepares and manages the annual Talent Search budget according to the U.S. Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and University policy under the supervision of the Outreach Programs Director.
• Compiles and analyzes data; prepares reports for applicable agencies including the Federal Annual Performance Review (APR); publishes and disseminates information under the supervision of the Director of Outreach Programs.
• Promotes the services and activities of the Talent Search Program.
• Oversees the dissemination of Talent Search information and maintains contact with school and community organization personnel to obtain referrals of eligible students
• Serves as a liaison with U.S. Department of Education Program Officer, Council for Opportunities in Education, Southern Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel, and Florida Association of Educational Opportunity personnel, local superintendents, principals, school counselors and teachers.
• Supervises the development and implementation of programs and workshops that meet the regulations and guidelines of the TRIO Program focusing on topics that provide opportunities for cross-cultural awareness, academic enrichment, interaction, financial literacy, leadership, college and career exploration, and motivation for Talent Search participants.
• Maintains confidential information such as student records, grievance issues, and personnel matters.
• Assists in the development of qualitative and quantitative goals for the Talent Search Program, oversees the collection of evaluation materials, and implements needed changes and revisions based on the evaluations.
• Recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff to ensure adequate staffing within budget.
• Oversees the Post-High School Graduation Mentoring Program and the other summer programs held annually on campus.
• Maintains regular contact with school districts, superintendents, principals, school counselors and teachers in the recruiting field. Establishes relationships and collaborates with other organizations hosting TRIO programs or programs with first generation college students or at-risk students.
• Manages the security and accuracy of the department electronic records to meet federal education reporting requirements and compliance.
• Assists in Development, administration and analyzing of annual assessment of program. Prepares and evaluates statistical, analytical, and narrative reports to be used for decision making and program improvement.
• Participates in formulating and implementing policies and procedures.
• Ensures an inclusive, engaging and respectful work environment and culture.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, School Personnel, Guidance and Counseling, Human Services, or closely related field.
• Two years of professional, full-time experience with federal student programs, TRIO programs, or first-generation college students.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
• Experience creating and managing a budget for a program.
• Experience in administration of a program serving at-risk students.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Valid driver license and the ability to travel throughout the community to schools to attend meetings or programs.

• Five years of professional, full-time experience working with programs for disadvantaged youth, TRIO programs, or first-generation college students.
• Familiarity with career and college exploration and preparation for precollege students.
• Demonstrated experience working with TRIO programs; assessing program performance; hiring, supervising and conducting performance appraisal for staff.
• Experience with Banner, Workday or similar software systems.
• Experience with Student Access for TRiO Programs.
• Demonstrated experience with grant writing.

• Knowledge and ability to ensure compliance with FERPA regulations regarding student information in both electronic and paper format.
• Knowledge of best practices for under-represented populations.
• Knowledge of budget control principles, practices and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively within a diverse community and willing to contribute to a team effort.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet close deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments.
• Ability to commit to diversity, disability, and cross-cultural issues.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes equity and inclusion.
• Ability to supervise staff, provide training, and conduct annual performance evaluations.
• Ability to initiate and coordinate programs and services, and work in a team-based environment.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Ability to utilize data and information to make decisions and projections.
• Demonstrated ability to put the needs of the participants foremost to retain and graduate under-represented populations.