Job Summary

Purdue University is seeking an experienced higher education professional to assume the role of Program Coordinator for Horizons Student Support Services (a TRIO Program). This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established and respected team who serve 340 first-generation, limited-income students in ways that enhance their success. This 5-person team is located at the main Purdue location in West Lafayette, Indiana and situated in space purposely designed for their work and well-positioned for student engagement. It is organized with other access and success programs as a part of the Student Success Programs department.

The Program Coordinator oversees the Horizons Peer Mentoring Program, instructs the Horizons Peer Mentor Training and Practicum courses, and serves as a staff advisor for the Horizons Student Support Club. The Program Coordinator provides additional opportunities for growth and development by facilitating and engaging directly in Horizons students’ professional learning experiences beyond the classroom, career attainment, and works to prepare students for graduate school admission.

Additionally, the Program Coordinator provides ongoing case management to support student success, including ensuring required documentation is completed accurately and on time in alignment with institutional and federal guidelines. The successful candidate will bring at least two years of relevant professional experience, strong facilitation and advising skills, and a demonstrated ability to build community and deliver engaging programming. This is an ideal opportunity for a student success professional who is energized by equity-driven work and committed to helping students thrive and persist to graduation.

This is a primarily in-person, on-site position located in West Lafayette, Indiana.

The priority deadline to apply is February 27, 2026. Cover letters are required with all applications

About Horizon Student Support Services

Horizons Student Support Services is a federally funded program and part of numerous TRIO programs across the country which contribute to the mission of President Lyndon B. Johnson's legislative War on Poverty. In his attempt to relieve the economic state of the country, President Johnson established The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which was initiated to address serious social and cultural barriers to education in America. The TRIO programs were originally established by the federal government in 1965 to ensure equal educational opportunity for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstances. The Higher Education Amendments of 1968 led to the emergence of Student Support Services.  Horizons Student Support Services has served Purdue University for over 45 years, providing guidance and support to the students of TRIO since 1978. Candidates should explore the Horizons website and review the Horizons annual report from 2024-25.

What We're Looking For:

As the Program Coordinator you should have:

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, Higher Education, Psychology, College Student Personnel, or related field. 
• Two years of professional experience in student affairs/services in higher education or a career development setting.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Ability to use data to assess student outcomes and drive continuous program improvement
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and lead projects from conception to execution with minimal supervision

As the Program Coordinator, you would bring:

• Knowledge of career assessment instruments and instructional design with classroom management experience
• Experience in providing student leadership development and/or managing a mentor program
• Understanding of and appreciation for different individuals with the ability to work with students and staff from all backgrounds and identities
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to manage various tasks and handle confidential information with discretion
• Team oriented with the ability to work independently

Additional Information:

• Purdue’s benefits package is generous and includes tuition remission opportunities for the main campus and for Purdue University Global programs
• Purdue will also provide support for professional development and relocation
• The annual salary for this position is $49,500
• Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Career Stream

Professional 2
Pay Band S055
Job Code #20004220
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University