This full-time position is funded through the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant (RPED) within the Division of Student Affairs. The Program Director will report to the Dean of Students and provide oversight of grant activities and supervision of grant-related staff.
The Director will serve as a liaison between educational partners, TBR, college faculty and staff, and partners associated with the execution of the grant. The Director will also be expected to serve as a Success Coach for an assigned school within the Columbia State service area. A primary goal of transition coaching is to ensure students successfully acclimate to the workforce and/or postsecondary education. This position will be expected to integrate into their assigned high schools by building relationships with students, teachers, staff, and administrators.
*This is a grant-funded position through 2027. Functions will be college-supported for an additional year. Continuation beyond the initial program is not guaranteed and is contingent upon funding.
Essential Functions
• Manage the implementation of grant tasks and activities.
• Supervision and evaluation of grant staff.
• Develop an annual plan based on grant activities and outcomes for the office based on data generated within the office, College, state, and Department of Education to implement student success strategies.
• Collaborate with community partners, school counselors, college Career Services, and faculty on offering assessments and activities that assist in learning about in-demand and high-skilled occupations within the service area.
• Work collaboratively with Columbia State College Success Advising staff to ensure continuity of tailored success advising.
• Develop strategies to attract prospective students to the college in accordance with enrollment and student success goals.
• Perform data mining and analysis of assessment data, academic success data, advising, and academic support data.
Coordinate events and training for educational partners and staff and coordinate meetings critical to the grant.
• Participate in college and grant evaluation and assessment activities.
• Prepare and/or assist in preparing monthly/quarterly/annual reports to inform college leadership of progress towards RPED metrics/student outcomes.
• Serve as a Success Coach for a caseload of students.
o Assist students in articulating their goals after high school and develop plans to achieve them.
o Organize and direct small group and individual postsecondary counseling sessions.
o Identify and assist in removing barriers to postsecondary education, such as education costs, transportation, food insecurity, internet accessibility, and childcare. Refer students and families to resources as needed.
o Provide advising to high school students about early post-secondary opportunities.
o Counsel high school and college students on financial aid and academic requirements for career pathways
o Solves issues related to the enrollment process and reviews students’ enrollment requirements and degree audits.
• Support the college’s new student orientation program with areas such as facilitating sessions or other logistics.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Dean of Students.
• Supports the values and institutional goals as defined in the College's Strategic Plan.
• Support development, oversight of programs and services that result in enrollment, progression, retention and graduation growth for the service area.
Supplemental Functions
• Division of Student Affairs initiatives
• Service on college committees
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Supervise student workers or temporary employees
Education, Training, and Experience
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree required in education or related field.
- Experience managing/coordinating grants, special projects, or initiatives.
- Min. 2 years of experience in higher education, preferably in a community college setting
- Ability to analyze data for program improvement.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree preferred with additional doctoral coursework or leadership training.1
- 2 years of supervision experience
- Experience working with high school students.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Possess and maintain knowledge about ADA, policy and law changes applicable to the college setting.
• Adhere to state and federal legal, ethical, and TBR/Columbia State policy standards.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize projects and tasks.
• Computer skills for daily workflow (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, etc.).
• Adhere to FERPA guidelines for disseminating student records and information.
• Cooperate as a team player to achieve department, division, and organizational goals.
Working Conditions
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
• Requires regular travel to extended campuses and assigned school districts.
• Extensive use of laptop computer.
Hiring Salary Range (Annual): $55,000 - $68,740
This in-person position is based on the Columbia TN Campus
Special Note to Applicants:
Salary offers are determined based on documented education and relevant full-time experience. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all qualifying credentials and experience are clearly reflected on their resume for consideration.
All applications must be submitted online. Applications submitted by email, mail, or in person will not be accepted. The application will remain open until filled.
About Columbia State Community College:
As Tennessee’s first community college (established in 1966), Columbia State is committed to student success both in and out of the classroom, as well as economic and community development in our nine-county service area. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Columbia State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:
- Vacation and Sick Leave
- 14 paid holidays
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- Retirement plans
- Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
- Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents
Columbia State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:
Executive Director of Human Resources
humanresources@columbiastate.edu
1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
931-540-2501