Assistant Director, Upward Bound

The Assistant Director is responsible for managing the overall operations of the Upward Bound program. This role includes supervising staff, ensuring compliance with federal TRIO regulations, and overseeing strategic planning and data-driven initiatives to improve student recruitment, retention, and academic success. The Assistant Director also serves as a primary liaison with campus partners, community organizations, and the U.S. Department of Education to strengthen program impact and foster collaborative relationships.

• Assists the Director with strategic planning, program development, and overall management of Upward Bound.
• Oversees academic year and summer components, including advising, tutoring, college prep, and enrichment activities.
• Manages recruitment, selection, and orientation of participants; provides academic advising, college/career planning, and personal development support.
• Monitors student progress using data systems; maintains accurate records and ensures compliance with TRIO regulations and institutional policies.
• Supervises and trains staff; coordinates onboarding and professional development aligned with TRIO best practices.
• Cultivates relationships with schools, families, and community partners; coordinates college visits, cultural trips, and summer residential experiences.
• Supports federal reporting, budget monitoring, procurement, and vendor contracts to align with grant guidelines.

• Performs all other duties as assigned

Direct Reports:

• Supervises Part-time and Full-time employees

Delegation of Work:

• Regularly assigns work to subordinate(s)

Supervision Given:

• Trains and counsels subordinate(s). Provides feedback to a supervisor regarding other employees' performance, but does not make hiring and dismissal recommendations

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social sciences, or related field

Required Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of related job experience
• Experience with TRIO programs or similar initiatives, including advising, mentoring, or supporting first-generation, low-income, or academically at-risk students.
• Background in higher education or secondary education, with demonstrated experience working with high school students, teachers, counselors, and campus partner

License/Certification:

• None Required

• Consistently demonstrates a positive attitude
• Adaptive and receptive to change

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of TRIO regulations and grant compliance, including allowable activities, participant eligibility, and federal reporting requirements (APR).
• Expertise in college access and readiness, including financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships, admissions, and academic success strategies.
• Understanding of secondary and postsecondary education systems, curriculum standards, school district policies, and partnership development.
• Strong program management and evaluation skills, including budgeting, assessment, and data-driven decision-making.

Skills:

• Strong organizational skills to oversee academic year services and summer components.
• Proficiency in youth development principles, cultural competency, and best practices for supporting first-generation and low-income students.
• Proficiency in tracking student progress, preparing APR reports, and using data systems such as Blumen.

Abilities:

• Ability to supervise, motivate, and support staff to ensure high-quality program delivery.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with students, families, schools, and community partners.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal TRIO regulations to maintain compliance and accurate reporting.
• Ability to plan, organize, and manage complex programs, including academic-year services and summer residential components.
• Ability to manage staff, delegate tasks, and provide professional development.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment and in outdoor areas 2 to 4 hours

Physical Demands:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements
• Individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks.
• Work involves regular exposure to inclement weather and/or extreme temperatures.
• Must have the ability to move items of up to 35lbs.
• May occasionally drive the university's vehicle

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions. Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Communications Effectively

• Communicates clearly, concisely, and with courtesy.
• Carefully listens to customer or thoroughly reads correspondence, and uses good judgment to respond appropriately. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
• Communicates requests for further action or resources to appropriate individuals with tact.

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

• Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.
• Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity.

Operations Management

• Manages department or section operations consistent with department/section goals and objectives.
• Administers the department/section budget ensuring effective utilization of financial resources and appropriate disbursement of funds.
• Fosters a cooperative and productive work environment through motivation, encouragement, and mentorship of staff.
• Ensures department/section compliance with university and department policies, procedures, and work rules.
• Keeps management apprised of department/section activities and issues requiring senior management input.

Supervision

• Supervises the work of staff employees.
• Sets clear goals and expectations within reasonable timeframes.
• Motivates staff through constructive feedback, challenging assignments, and recognition of achievements.
• Provides mentorship and guidance by sharing expertise and best practices.
• Supports staff by providing essential resources, professional development opportunities, and open communication.
• Promptly addresses performance issues with appropriate measures and discretion.

Problem Solving

• Formulates plans and strategies to proactively resolve anticipated problems.
• Prudently responds to unforeseen problems through careful consideration and analysis of problem and relevant information and circumstances.
• Recognizes and apprises appropriate university administrator when resolution requires senior management input and/or approval.

Building External Relationships

• Demonstrates the ability to build rapport and develop relationships with external constituents.
• Displays a genuine interest in constituents' ideas and concerns and pursues mutual interests and aspirations between the university and external constituents.
• Builds trust and forms alliances through shared respect and cooperation.

Support Proficiency

• Possesses comprehensive knowledge and skills with multiple hardware and software systems.
• Effectively applies expertise to identify and troubleshoot user issues.
• Competent to install and configure new systems.
• Willing to share expertise and provide technical support to others.

Student Success Direct Support

• Assists and/or advises students and/or prospective students with academic plans and course selection, financial options, career plans, and/or student opportunities.
• Contributes to student success through careful monitoring of student progress within caseload.
• Promotes student success through regular and persistent outreach to student caseload.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Shares relevant knowledge and insight to apprise students of programs and services available to them.
• Listens and responds to student requests and concerns with patience and understanding.
• Treats students with respect.