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Office of Academic Opportunity Programs

The Office of Academic Opportunity Programs (AOP) at UMBC is dedicated to expanding access to higher education and supporting the academic success of first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. AOP administers multiple federally funded TRIO programs, including Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science, Educational Talent Search, McNair Scholars, and Student Support Services. Through academic advising, mentoring, research engagement, and college access initiatives, AOP empowers students to excel academically, persist through degree completion, and pursue advanced degrees. The office is part of the Division of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and plays a central role in UMBC’s commitment to inclusive excellence and student success.

The Assistant Director of Student Support Services (SSS) in the Office of Academic Opportunity Programs (AOP) provides leadership in planning, coordinating, and implementing activities that promote the academic success, persistence, and graduation of first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities at UMBC. Under the direction of the Director of Student Support Services, the Assistant Director oversees day-to-day operations of key program components, including academic advising, mentoring, skills development workshops, and student engagement initiatives. The Assistant Director is responsible for monitoring participant progress, ensuring compliance with federal TRIO regulations, and maintaining accurate data for reporting and evaluation. This role collaborates closely with campus partners in academic affairs, student affairs, and financial aid to ensure SSS participants have equitable access to institutional resources. The Assistant Director also contributes to strategic planning, staff supervision, and program assessment efforts aimed at meeting and exceeding federally funded project objectives.

UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $67,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full-time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

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For 16 years in a row, UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For! 

A hybrid telework schedule may be available. 

The Assistant Director for TRIO Student Support Services plays a key role in supporting the success of first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities at UMBC. In this position, you will:

• Provide holistic academic advising, personal coaching, and mentoring to help students navigate college and achieve their academic and career goals.

• Lead recruitment and onboarding of SSS participants and support outreach and retention efforts that promote persistence and graduation.

• Design and facilitate engaging workshops on academic skills, financial literacy, graduate/professional school preparation, and cultural enrichment.

• Monitor student progress, maintain accurate records, and assist with assessment, data collection, and federal performance reporting.

• Collaborate with campus partners—including tutoring, counseling, financial aid, and career services—to ensure coordinated student support.

• Supervise and develop peer mentors, student workers, and program staff involved in SSS programming.

• Assist the Director in implementing and evaluating all components of the SSS program while ensuring compliance with federal TRIO regulations.

• Support grant writing, budgeting processes, and preparation of federal and institutional reports.

• Represent and promote SSS through presentations, campus engagement, and community partnerships.

• Perform additional duties that advance the mission of TRIO and the Office of Academic Opportunity Programs.

• Master's degree in an academic discipline, preferably in education or counseling.
• Two years of administrative, teaching, advising, or program management experience in higher education or a pre-college academic support setting.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver workshops or training
• Experience working with first-generation, low-income, and/or students with disabilities
• Demonstrated adaptability and collaborative leadership style.

• Experience working with TRIO Programs
• Familiarity with learning theory, college access, and student success practices.

A background check will be required. 

Upload a cover letter, a resume, and three professional references

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant-funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave  
• 15 Days of Sick Leave  
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

Salary: $67,000 - $76,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.