Associate Director/ Student Support Services

The Associate Director of the TRIO Student Support Services - Disability (SSS-D) Program will play a pivotal role in utilizing data to support student success, implementing effective caseload management techniques, and overseeing the recruitment process. This role manages a designated at-risk caseload, ensuring high-quality support and accurate data tracking to assist students in their development of academic, non-cognitive skills, and life skills necessary for retention in college; and ultimately graduation. Responsibilities include leading new student recruitment initiatives to ensure a program size of 100, oversight of caseload management among SSS-D professional staff, hiring, training, and supervising professional staff and student employees, supervision of student employees, and utilizing data to optimize program outcomes. The Associate Director facilitates clear communication, ensures alignment with program goals, and supports collaborative efforts among SSS-D staff, LSU's Office of Disability Services, and other campus partners. Maintain basic knowledge of TRIO legislation and regulations and attend trainings as assigned. Organization, attention to detail, and commitment to fostering student success and team effectiveness are also essential to this role.

Program Leadership & Administration (40%):

• Lead daily operations of the SSS-D program in alignment with federal grant objectives and institutional policies.
• Hire, train, and supervise 1 full-time program staff to ensure effective delivery of services to SSS-D participants.
• Provide ongoing coaching, supervision, and performance feedback to full-time staff to ensure consistent delivery of program services and adherence to TRIO requirements.
• Develop and implement professional development opportunities for SSS staff in conjuction with the Director, including training in caseload management, data documentation, high-impact advising practices, and compliance with federal regulations.
• Assist the SSS Director in long-term planning, evaluation, and strategic alignment of SSS initiatives.
• Oversee recruitment, eligibility verification, intake interviews, and selection process of eligible SSS-D participants.
• Manage the completion of digital and physical student files.
• Oversee and manage assignment of student caseloads to ensure comprehensive support for academic and personal success.
• Coordinate information sessions, table sits, and presentations to inform prospective students and stakeholders about the program's services and benefits.
• Maintain detailed records of student interactions, plans, and outcomes in compliance with program requirements.
• Collaborate with LSU's Office of Disability Services to align accommodations, accessibility technology, and advocacy for students with disabilities.
• Provide training to TRIO SSS-D staff, including tutors and student employees to assist the Director in meeting retention efforts and APR goals for the federal regulations.
• Monthly budget meetings with the SSS Director to aid in monitoring of program expenditures, maintaining financial records, and ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of Education and LSU fiscal responsibilities.

Student Success & Support (25%)

• Provide academic and personal advising to a designated at-risk caseload of SSS-D students with a focus on their persistence to graduation.
• Design and coordinate workshops, tutoring, mentoring, and professional development activities tailored to SSS-D students.
• Assist students with navigating accommodations, self-advocacy, and transitioning into graduate school and career opportunities.
• Facilitate partnerships with Office of Disability Services and other campus partners to create experiential learning opportunities for SSS-D participants.

Data Assessment & Reporting (25%):

• Utilize data proactively to address student needs.
• Use data-driven insights to develop strategies that support student retention, graduation, and overall success.
• Provide the SSS Director with bi-weekly data reports that provide insight, gaps and assessments for caseload management.
• Analyze and interpret data to evaluate the effectiveness of services and identify areas of improvement.
• Monitor data for compliance with grant requirements and federal regulations, ensuring data aligns with reporting and evaluation standards.
• Assist in preparing the SSS-D Annual Performance Report (APR) for annual submission to the U.S. Department of Education.

Hiring, Supervision, and Training of Student Employees; Other Duties (10%):

• Manage the hiring process for student employees (office workers and tutors) in Handshake, which includes posting job announcements, screening applicants, and interviewing applicants.
• Provide onboarding and training for student employees.
• Monitor student employee job duties and time sheets, including signing off on reports in WorkDay.
• Other duties as assigned by EMSS leadership.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and five years of professional experience.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Our ideal candidate possesses the following qualities:

• Master's degree in related field.
• Three years of experience in higher education, preferably within TRIO or similar student support programs.
• Minimum 3 years of demonstrated competence in instruction, tutoring, or counseling of students similar to those eligible for SSS-D participation.
• LSU is dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individuality. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications as listed but has substantial experience in the key job responsibilities, we encourage them to apply.
• Familiarity with federal TRIO regulations and guidelines is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in staff development.
• Knowledge of caseload management techniques and best practices in student support.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to utilize data for program improvement.

As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health related matter they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.

Your continued employment with the University is contingent upon the availability of adequate funding. If your position is funded entirely or in part by gift funds, continued funding is a condition of employment. Thus, if the funding agency (1) withdraws funds already promised or (2) cancels funding prior to the expiration date of this appointment, your employment will be subject to immediate termination. 

This position regularly engages in financial matters including handling credit cards, cash, grant funds, or other university funds, and must undergo a credit check per FASOP HR-04.

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university's ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at or email   For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.