Widener University is seeking a Project Director to manage the activities of our recently funded Department of Education Title III Grant (“Strengthening Institutions”). The focus of the project is to enhance our student success infrastructure throughout the University and to continue to execute on our strategic priority of AI integration throughout the curriculum for all Widener students.
Reporting to the Vice-Provost, the Director is responsible for project operations, assessment activities, budget management, regulatory compliance, and reporting requirements. Through collaboration with faculty, staff, and campus partners, the Director advances institutional priorities and ensures effective implementation of Title III initiatives that strengthen academic support and student success.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
Grant Leadership & Administration
- Serve as the primary liaison with the U.S. Department of Education and oversee all aspects of Title III grant administration.
- Provide strategic leadership to ensure successful implementation, compliance, and achievement of grant objectives.
- Ensure adherence to federal regulations, grant requirements, institutional policies, and reporting deadlines.
- Perform related duties necessary to support effective grant operations and compliance.
Project & Personnel Management
- Direct and coordinate grant-funded initiatives to achieve project goals, performance measures, and outcomes.
- Recruit, supervise, and evaluate grant-funded personnel.
- Monitor project timelines, deliverables, and operational effectiveness.
- Foster collaboration among project teams and campus stakeholders to support continuous improvement and sustainability.
Fiscal Management & Compliance
- Develop, manage, and monitor grant budgets in accordance with federal and institutional requirements.
- Review and authorize expenditures to ensure responsible stewardship of grant funds.
- Maintain fiscal records and support financial reporting, audits, and compliance reviews.
Data, Evaluation & Reporting
- Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting to measure project effectiveness and support informed decision-making.
- Prepare and submit required performance, financial, and compliance reports.
- Coordinate evaluation activities and monitor progress toward grant objectives and performance indicators.
- Use assessment results to recommend and implement improvements that enhance project outcomes.
Institutional Collaboration & Student Success
- Partner with academic and administrative units to integrate grant initiatives into institutional priorities and operations.
- Support strategies that improve student retention, persistence, and graduation outcomes.
- Build campus-wide partnerships that strengthen institutional capacity and sustain project impact beyond the grant period.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Office of the Provost and Widener University.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Master’s degree from an accredited university; preferred in Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, or related fields.
- Three (3+) years working with educational programs for student success, retention, and academic achievement. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Experience managing compliance and reporting requirements, overseeing budgets, and maintaining accurate grant records and documentation.
- Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data in collaboration with external evaluators to support program assessment and continuous improvement.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Strong ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while contributing to shared goals and organizational success.
- Experience working within a college, university, or other higher education setting.
Preferred:
- Doctoral degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution.
- Experience managing or supporting federally funded programs and initiatives.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Standard office environment with occasional standing, bending, stooping, or kneeling.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
