Assistant Director - Upward Bound Program

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The Department of Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) Upward Bound Program has an outstanding opportunity for Assistant Director (Program Operations Specialist).
For over 50 years, the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) has advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Washington, a campus that sits on tribal land. Through our programs and partnerships, we create pathways for diverse populations to access postsecondary opportunities, nurture and support their academic success, and cultivate a campus climate that enriches the educational experience for all. This legacy of work continues to drive excellence at the UW and together, we help the university work toward its vision for becoming a more just and equitable campus community. More information about the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity is available at uw.edu/OMAD.
Under the supervision of the Director for TRIO Upward Bound, the Program Operations Specialist provides critical input in the development, implementation, and coordination of the UB program, which is designed to help low-income and first-generation students succeed in high school, enroll in college, and obtain a postsecondary degree. The Program Operations Specialist works collaboratively with the Director in the development and implementation of UB objectives, procedures, practices, and policies. The Program Operations Specialist develops and monitors systems to ensure successful implementation of the program.
The Program Operations Specialist position requires the use of sound judgment and knowledge of school district and higher education policies, including rigorous secondary curriculum and graduation requirements and postsecondary admissions, financial aid, and career development. The position also requires an understanding of TRIO policies and regulations, and the educational landscape for low-income and first generation student populations. This position requires the ability to collaborate with UW campus administrators, faculty, and staff; Seattle and Kent school administrators, counselors, teachers, and staff; and higher education and community partners to provide optimal services to students. This position requires the ability to utilize multiple systems for collecting, organizing, and presenting information including databases, web sites, and content management systems. The Program Operations Specialist must be able to coordinate group activities, help select, train, and supervise staff, have excellent communication skills, and be able to work with students, high school and college staff and faculty, and parents/caregivers.
The Program Operations Specialist will work with UW staff to promote and develop strategies, activities, and resources to ensure college readiness and success of low-income first generation students. This position requires the ability to collaborate with UW departments, faculty, and staff to identify innovative curricula and best practices for supporting UB students who are motivated to pursue higher education. The Program Operations Specialist will also work closely with OMA&D and admissions staff on college recruitment strategies, advocacy, and coordination of admissions offers to UB participants who choose to attend the University of Washington.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide project management of the Upward Bound plan of operations including developing timelines, monitoring progress toward grant deliverables, and evaluation. Maintain the program’s policy and procedures manual with up-to-date information about operations and compliance with federal and university policies. (15%)

Assist the UB Director in executing a six-week academic summer academy for 125 high school youth including academic, college planning, and social activities. Plan and execute college, career, and cultural field trips during the academic year and the Upward Bound Summer Academy. (15%)

Serve a lead for Upward Bound data management to include student Upward Bound participation data and progress toward grant objectives. Prepare data for required Department of Education reports. (15%)

Prepare monthly budget reports to track program expenditures and forecast future expenses (10%)

Lead Upward Bound recruitment efforts including providing presentation at partner high schools. Work with UB staff to review, select, and enroll program participants who meet eligibility requirements and reflect the diversity of target schools. (10%)

Design program brochures, annual reports, and quarterly newsletter. (10%)

At peak times, deliver college planning services to Upward Bound students such as college/scholarship application support and FAFSA support (10%)

Represent the UB program in meetings and other functions both on and off campus. Network and represent the program to grant partners, community-based organizations, and school communities (5%)

Serve as lead on hiring, training, and supervising student tutors and office assistants. (5%)

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Lead Responsibilities:
Lead for the development of a comprehensive needs assessment for students and monitoring of progress towards meeting benchmarks. Co-lead with Director for development of program procedures, practices, and policies. Lead for student recruitment planning and implementation at the target high schools. Lead for implementing programming and curricula for college, career, and cultural field trips.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Hire, train, and supervise student tutors and office assistants. Assist the director in supervising Summer Academy instructional staff for a six-week academic program
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in education, social work, counseling, or similar field required, master's degree preferred.

At least 3 years administrative experience in educational programs.

At least 2 years experience with educational programs that serve middle/high school/or college students from underrepresented minority, low income or first generation backgrounds and demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations required.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Experience providing advising or counseling to students in preparation for college entrance and knowledge of postsecondary institutions, admissions, financial aid and career development required.

Must be able to organize and plan program activities and services, manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet program deadlines.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking and articulating ideas clearly in person and in writing required.

Demonstrated information and technical literacy and experience including data collection required.

Ability to coordinate group activities and to help select, train and supervise part-time staff required.

Desired:

Past TRIO participant, and/or bilingual preferred. Experience with federal regulations and with federal TRIO programs, which support the educational development of low-income, first generation college attendees, and underrepresented students preferred. Personal experience overcoming barriers similar to those of the students served by the project preferred.

Understanding of partner schools and communities, and Washington state college access programs and college admission requirements preferred.

Please provide cover letter and DEI written responses will be required for final candidates.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.