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University of Minnesota

Upward Bound Director

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400

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About the Job The Upward Bound Vision Quest program is a federally funded college preparatory program for low-income and first-generation high school participants that serves a total of 135 students in four schools in Minneapolis and one in Duluth. The UBVQ program works with students, parents, schools, and the community to develop partnerships and provide services and supports that promote participant success. Services are offered on‑site in the schools and are designed to prepare students to succeed in applying for, and finishing, post‑secondary education.

The Project Director has overall authority, autonomy, and responsibility to the US Department of Education for all aspects of program design, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The position implements all strategic leadership and management of the program. A new 5‑year grant cycle started in 2022‑2023.

Program Design and Implementation (30%)

Determine service needs, design and implement program interventions

Develop and oversee the six‑week summer program

Initiate and foster strategic partnerships with schools, districts, University, and community agencies

Develop and oversee supplementary grant programs

Act as primary liaison between the program and the University, target schools, parents and communities

Program Management (25%)

Develop, forecast and oversee annual program budget

Allocate resources, approve and monitor all program accounts and expenses

Oversee student recruitment, verify student eligibility and provide final decisions on accepting new program participants

Implement formative evaluation processes

Work with staff to identify and resolve issues that impact student academic progress toward high school graduation and college readiness

Act as the primary contact and maintain good communications with the US Department of Education

Regularly visit, and provide support to the Duluth site

Stay abreast of and integrate current best practice in preparing low‑income first‑generation students for college

Oversee program communications with stakeholders

Reporting and Administration (20%)

Compile and submit the Annual Performance Report

Prepare and approve financial reports as required

Develop, revise and oversee implementation of written program policies and procedures

Prepare or coordinate reports relating to service delivery, evaluations, and student progress to schools, parents and others as required

Develop grant proposal for each 5‑year grant cycle

Staff Supervision (20%)

Develop and administer internal processes, policies, assessments, and strategies to recruit, hire, onboard, train, and manage staff

Oversee the hiring process, and supervise 4 professional staff and up to 15 temporary / student staff each year

Monitor staff job performance and provide regular feedback; complete annual performance reviews and implement recommendations from the review

Provide annual and other training for staff

Work closely with the Duluth Coordinator to ensure appropriate supervision of Duluth professional and student staff

Identify areas for staff professional development and coordinate training

Other (5%)

Other duties as required

Qualifications Required Qualifications:

BA/BS degree plus at least eight years of relevant experience, or master's degree plus at least six years of relevant experience.

Minimum of 5 years working with low‑income, first‑generation, and disadvantaged youth in an educational program; experience in student assessment, curriculum development, and program evaluation; ability to effectively represent the project to diverse groups

Minimum of three years experience in financial administration, grant administration (preferably TRIO or other federal grants), and budget management.

Demonstrated commitment to educational equity, and ability to develop strong networks with the University, target schools, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in a relevant field (human services, education, counseling, youth development, etc.)

Minimum of five years experience designing, managing, implementing, and evaluating a TRIO or other similar program that serves low‑income and first‑generation high school students and the ability to effectively represent the project to diverse groups.

Experience in student assessment and curriculum development, preferably at the high school level

Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diversity within the Upward Bound student population.

Experience managing diverse teams including students and professional staff with a focus on professional development

Experience completing Annual Performance reports

Strong written and computer skills, including working with databases

Experience providing services to and/or developing curriculum for English Language Learners

Consideration of personal experiences or overcoming barriers similar to those of TRIO program students

Pay and Benefits Pay Range:

$79,000 - $86,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment:

100% Appointment

Position Type:

Faculty and P&A Staff

Work Environment:

This position is located in the Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area and is a hybrid work environment with 1 to 2 days remote work available during the week.

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program

Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

University HSA contributions

Disability and employer‑paid life insurance

Employee wellbeing program

Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity

Financial counseling services

Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How to Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.

Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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