Director (UT Mindset College Ready GEAR UP Director)

Job Posting Title:

Director (UT Mindset College Ready GEAR UP Director)

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Hiring Department:

Curriculum and Instruction

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2026

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

The university provides employees a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance (premiums covered 100% for full-time benefits-eligible employees), retirement plans, and paid leave, in addition to other programs and services.

Purpose

The Director oversees the UT Mindset College Ready (MCR) GEAR UP grant, awarded in 2024, and provides leadership and direction to ensure successful implementation. The role involves managing partnerships, supervising staff, and maintaining compliance with grant requirements.

This position will be located in the Houston area with the expectation of required, frequent trips to central Texas based on an agreed-upon schedule. This position will require driving.

Responsibilities

• Function 1: Provide leadership and direction for the UT Austin GEAR UP Mindset College Ready (MCR) grant activities, ensuring successful implementation and compliance. This position will require driving to off-site meetings.

• Function 2: Supervise, train, motivate, and empower staff, ensuring clear communication, setting expectations, and providing administrative support. Select, develop, and supervise staff for grants and contracts as assigned.

• Function 3: Oversee the preparation of budgets and reports, ensuring annual reports for the sponsor are completed accurately and on time.

• Function 4: Maintain communications among grant and contract partners, including agencies, school districts, and resource providers. Act as a liaison with community organizations to meet program requirements and division goals.

• Function 5: Develop and implement actions to enhance project value. Troubleshoot challenges and determine actions with the team.

• Function 6: Support overall organizational goals and management responsibilities, contributing to the Institute’s mission and objectives.

• Function 7: Other related functions as assigned.

 

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in related field such as Education, Business Administration, or Public Affairs/Administration. 3-5 years of experience administering K-12 or higher education student services or academic development programs. Experience with federal programs and grants. Experience working with multiple partners in a program or major service delivery project. Excellent knowledge of college readiness issues and challenges facing low-income, first-generation student populations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Extensive knowledge of the administrative structure of a large research university.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience as a program director, assistant director, or comparable position. Previous experience with GEAR UP. Experience with grant and contract development, writing, and submitting proposals. Familiarity with UT Austin systems and contract processes.

Salary Range

$100,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions with repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation. This job will require frequent travel.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and continge