Director TRIO Upward Bound

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Job ID

364824

Location

Twin Cities

Job Family

Student Services

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Job Code

9362MD

Employee Class

Acad Prof and Admin

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About the Job

Position Overview

Are you passionate about empowering students to succeed in higher education? The University of Minnesota is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Program Director to lead our TRIO Upward Bound program in college access and readiness programming and development for first generation and low-income high school-aged youth. In this pivotal role, the Program Director is responsible for an operating budget of 3 million dollars over a 5-year grant cycle, ensuring the grant is administered in accordance with all federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures. This position has direct oversight and responsibility for all program design, planning, implementation and evaluation of all program services and operations. Your leadership experience will guide the Trio Upward Bound team of professionals to provide year-round academic support, social development and college-readiness support services to 100+ low income, first generation high school students. The primary purpose of the work performed is to oversee programming targeted toward increasing equitable preparation for and access to higher education for underrepresented students from 4 Minneapolis Public Schools. This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager.

In addition to the skills sets listed below, we recognize that this position requires candidates to have capacity to engage with community partners, to build and supervise staff with emotional intelligence and integrity, and to be a collaborator with our TRIO Student Support Service and McNair Scholars Programs and ambassador for educational opportunity programs, locally, regionally and nationally.

Job Responsibilities

Program Design and implementation (60%)

• Meet U.S. Department of Education (USED) mandated program objectives as outlined in the approved federal grant. Stay abreast of changes to legislation and regulations impacting grant programming.
• Set, monitor and update the strategic plan, service calendar and overall direction for the program with input from diverse stakeholders and in accordance with college-readiness best practices. Oversight of all program initiatives to ensure high quality and support for program participants.
• Ensure program services and practices are equitable and accessible for all students and advocate on behalf of students regarding equity in access to and exposure to resources to assist in the academic and socio-behavioral development of students. Partner with academic departments, student service departments and community programs to develop academic and socio-behavioral development support programming.
• Develop and implement workshops for students and families on financial literacy, career development and other holistic college readiness topics.
• Represent the program and maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders including: district and grant-targeted school leaders in the Minneapolis Public Schools, University of Minnesota CEHD leaders, diverse community agencies, legislators, students and families.
• Build campus-wide awareness and understanding of TRIO Upward Bound by providing presentations and networking to establish strong working relationships with leadership, faculty, and staff in a manner that best serves participants' interests.
• Oversee recruitment, admission, enrollment and tracking of approximately 350 current and past program participants for upwards of 10 years post initial date of program entry. Verify student eligibility and program compliance with Federal requirements.
• Development of programming by identifying student needs, outcomes, and resources, and evaluating effectiveness to support key student service initiatives: admissions, orientation, advising, instruction, academic support, social capital building and leadership development.
• Manage internal formative assessments on student intervention and other program services.
• Analyze and summarize data to understand student progress trends and make recommendations for improvement of best practices to enhance retention and academic progress towards HS graduation and college-readiness.
• Prepare and submit annual program performance reports to the U.S. Department of Education.
• Manage all evaluation and data reporting of the program including annual progress reports to college and University stakeholders and the US Department of Education. Chaperone students to conferences, evening activities, college visits and classroom field trips and/or assigns professional staff.
• Attends the Department of Education national training, state conferences, regional conferences, national conferences, and local workshops.

Grant Accountability and Program Administration (20%)

• Serve as Principal Investigator for the grant and maintain fiscal internal controls as a responsible steward of taxpayer money.
  • Directly responsible for the oversight of an operating budget of 3 million dollars over a 5-year grant cycle and for securing future funding.
  • Set and administer annual budget as funded by the US Department of Education.
  • Authorize and monitor allowable expenditures and processes related to expenditures.
  • Develop grant proposal as required each budget cycle.
• Manage and oversee scholarship programs distributing over $80,000 in scholarship monies annually.
• Secure funding for, manage and oversee supplemental service grants including USDA summer foods program grant and City of Minneapolis STEP UP Explore work-readiness program grant.
• Manage ongoing data reporting and evaluation of the program, including annual summary of progress to target school principals and regular reporting to CEHD and USED as required.
• Oversees program marketing materials and program communications with stakeholders including semester program newsletter, program website and social media accounts.
• Oversees and/or develops and maintains program procedural and policy manual for full and part-time staff and program handbooks for students and parents/guardians.

Staff supervision (15%)

• Hire and provide direct supervision to professional and administrative staff. Monitor job performance by providing regular feedback, opportunities for development, annual performance evaluations and appropriate corrective action as needed.
• Provides support and identify opportunities for continuing professional development and training for the TRIO UB staff to ensure performance goals are met in terms of identified areas for growth and developments.
• Provide training for staff on program regulations and legislation, safely and liability for working with youth and privacy rights in accordance with Federal, state and University of Minnesota policies and regulations.

Service to the unit, college, University, and broader community (5%)

• Collaborate with EOP Program Directors and serve as a leader with the Student Services team, and consult with members of the team on initiatives, operations and management of the unit. Analyze and provide input on policies and processes that impact student progress; and develop new policies and practices as appropriate. Stay abreast of current trends and philosophies in student services, engage in scholarly or creative activities in the areas of academic progress, equity and diversity, curricular material development, and service delivery.
• Consistent with grant guidelines and parameters, serve on College or all-University committees at the Assistant Dean's request.
• Participate in dissemination of best practices in educational opportunity program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an education or human development field, college student personnel psychology, counseling, social work, or related field and 8 years of relevant experience or a master's degree with 6 years of relevant experience to include the combination of:
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience with federal TRIO programs, academic support programs/cross disciplinary team with program development and evaluation to include reporting and compliance with federal regulations.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in equal education opportunity programs advising and teaching diverse students: low-income, first-generation college students, English language learners and students with disabilities.
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in areas of staff supervision, training, budget management, program and curriculum development.
• Demonstrated commitment to equal educational opportunity in student access, development and outcomes.
• Demonstrated expertise in areas of multicultural student development, diversity, curriculum development, evaluation, and education policy.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills written, oral and through the use of technology.
• Ability to travel locally, nationally and occasional global travel required. (out of town travel 5%). Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Doctorate degree in education or human development field, college student personnel psychology, counseling, social work, or related field.
• Experience with program management at a large research university in areas such as admissions, recruiting diverse students, advising and program marketing, publications and electronic media, securing resources and support.
• Ability to represent the program and the University of Minnesota to students, Minneapolis Public Schools, community partners and other stakeholders.
• Programming leadership and classroom teaching experience, particularly with high school youth.
• Ability to manage program budget: determine allowable, allocated costs.
• Database management, report and grant writing ability.
• Consideration of personal experiences of overcoming barriers similar to those of UB and TRIO eligible students.
• Direct experience in TRIO programs including understanding of program regulations and compliance issues.

About the Department

We are proud to proclaim our Upward Bound Program has been at the University of Minnesota for 58 years! This is a federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Education equal educational opportunity program designed to generate within our students (and parents), the skills and motivation necessary to both graduate high school and enter and graduate successfully complete a postsecondary degree. TRIO UB annually serves 100+ low-income and first generation college bound youth from four high schools in Minneapolis. We develop and provide intensive, year-round academic services and enrichment programming to engage students, parents, schools' administrators and community partners to advance both individual and systemic change.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college at the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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

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 be given 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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail 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:

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

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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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