Upward Bound Program Director

About the Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

JOB SUMMARY

The Mills Institute Upward Bound Program (MIUB) is a federally funded college preparatory program that offers assistance to low-income and first-generation college-bound students. MIUB is dedicated to helping participating students in the Oakland Unified and West Contra Costa Unified School Districts graduate from high school with a solid foundation necessary for entering college (i.e. completion of required coursework and possession of a strong GPA) as well as supporting the college application process. MIUB supports participants during their college years to ensure persistence and, ultimately, graduation. The Mills Institute Upward Bound Program is one of the oldest and largest in the country and is central to the Institute's commitments to educational equity, and gender and racial justice.  

The Upward Bound Program Director has overall responsibility for MIUB, including recruitment and selection of students; hiring and evaluating staff; managing the budget; overseeing the curriculum and workshops; evaluating diagnostic tests; coordinating the project evaluation; preparing proposals and reports and attend meetings to represent the program.  

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven history of successful grant writing and development, and expertise in budget management. Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with low income first generation (LIFG) students.  

• Familiarity with target areas of Oakland and West Contra Costa and community resources. Understanding of the needs of families from diverse, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.  

• Strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of personnel training and development.  

• Counseling, supervisory, and residential experience.  

• Experience with database operations and in filing Federal reports such as APR.  

• Knowledge and prior utilization of Blumen Database and other office applications such as FileMaker, Microsoft Access, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.  

• Knowledge of TRIO Programs, Federal Regulations, US Dept of Education policies and procedures.  

• Ability to pass a background check.  

• Must have a valid California driver's license and safe driving record.  

• Knowledge and skills required for this position are typically acquired through the completion of a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Education or related field with five to seven years equivalent work experience for a UB/TRIO/Educational Equity Program of similar size and scope that includes a summer residential program.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Serve as a liaison to the target schools, community agencies, and general public. Articulate the mission and vision of Upward Bound (UB) with the students and parents of partner schools to build the program and recruit students. Inspire the next generation of students to come and participate in Upward Bound. (10%) 

• Recruit, train, supervise and develop advisors and residential staff associated with the program. Recruit, train, supervise and evaluate counseling and office staff. Confer regularly with staff to plan and coordinate activities, assign and review work, assist with difficult or unusual tasks, resolve problems as needed. Conduct and document the student recruitment process, career & academic counseling services, caseload contact and evaluation reports. (10%)