TRIO Upward Bound Program Director - Minneapolis based

Full Time
Minneapolis, MN
Posted
Job description

Required Qualifications:

  • BA/BS with at least 8 years experience in a relevant field (education, counseling, youth development, etc.) or a master's degree with at least six years of relevant experience.
  • Minimum of five years experience working with a TRIO or other similar program that serves low income and first-generation high school students.
  • Minimum of three years experience in financial administration, grant administration (preferably TRIO or other federal grants) and budget management.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field (education, counseling, youth development, etc.)
  • Minimum of five years experience designing, managing and implementing a TRIO or other similar program that serves low income and first-generation high school students.
  • 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


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%)

  • Set, forecast and implement an 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

***This is a Professional and Administrative position***

Salary Range: $71,000 - $74,000 annually

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.

Complete applications must include:

1) Cover letter addressing qualifications listed in job description

2) Current resume

3) Contact information for three professional references

Please send any inquiries to Karen Nichols at knichols@d.umn.edu

This position opened on March 7 and will remain open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications on April 3, 2023.

Smoking, chewing tobacco and the use of electronic cigarettes prohibited on all UMD property, including indoor facilities, campus grounds and University vehicles.

If you have started receiving retirement annuity payments from the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) or Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) your eligibility for this position may be impacted. Please contact UM Benefits at 1-800-756-2363 for any eligibility limitations.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact a University of Minnesota Access consultant at 612-624-3316.

The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. Veterans and individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.


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

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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax


The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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.

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