Upper Midwest HERC

The UMN Morris Student Support Services (SSS) assistant director works collaboratively to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where SSS first generation students, students from low-income households, and students with disabilities thrive. The program provides academic support, financial wellness/ literacy education, FAFSA assistance, career and graduate school exploration, and cohort-building programs.  This position reports to the TRIO Student Support Services Director.

This position is also available as a Success Coach/Coordinator (Student Services Professional 2 Student Advocacy & Support, 8462AC). The position is supported by the U.S. Department of Education Student Support Services grant funded through August 31, 2025; UMN Morris intends to apply for future SSS funds.

Teaching, Advising and Student Support (50%)

• Coordinate TRIO SSS First Year Experience programming. Teach Morris First Year Experience transition and success courses, coordinate orientation and support programming, and provide mentoring and coaching for 40 first year project participants
• Monitor student academic progress reports. Work collaboratively to foster students' academic and career success and address concerns
• Coordinate intervention for at risk students aligned with student life response team protocols 
• Serve as an Academic Recovery Program coach for identified participants
• Maintain student records; log student contacts, academic success plans, and referrals

Program management, Development, and Collaboration  (30%)

• Assist with planning and implementing the SSS plan of operation
• Lead participant recruitment, selection, and first year success processes
• Work collaboratively with project partners to advance the project goals and objectives; lead financial triage and TRIO SSS Grant Aid processes 
• Assist with peer mentor training and supervision
• Engage in scholarly, leadership, professional development, and/or creative activities with a focus on effectively supporting TRIO SSS eligible students
• Participate in state, regional, and national TRIO and similar conferences and meetings and campus governance for professional development and enhanced collaboration

Program Assessment and Compliance Support (20%)

• Work with the project director to create, administer, and analyze utilization data, surveys, focus groups, and other assessments for project evaluation
• Assist with database management, lead participant engagement tracking, and contribute to annual performance reporting
• Assist with financial record keeping
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and university regulations and policies including TRIO SSS legislation and regulations

Essential qualifications (appointment level and work duties will reflect qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree
• Four years of experience working with students including those who are first generation  college students, from low-income households and/or students with disabilities
• Training in educational success and retention strategies for historically underserved populations.
• Knowledge of educational opportunity programs
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to diverse student populations and the ability to contribute to the University's commitment to a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree strongly preferred (required for teaching duties) 
• Professional experience working in a higher education setting
• Knowledge of first year experience programming and professional experience advising, coaching, or mentoring college students
• Professional and/or student experience in a Student Support Services or other TRIO program. 
• Professional experience working with American Indian students, students of color, and/or students from rural areas
• Background that includes overcoming barriers similar to those of participants

About University of Minnesota Morris

The University of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) provides a rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education, preparing its students to be global citizens who value and pursue intellectual growth, civic engagement, intercultural competence, and environmental stewardship.As a public land-grant institution, UMM is a center for education, culture, and research for the region, nation, and world. UMM is committed to outstanding teaching, dynamic learning, innovative faculty and student scholarship and creative activity, and public outreach. Our residential academic setting fosters collaboration, diversity, and a deep sense of community.

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