Assistant Director Classic Upward Bound Program

Creighton University; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Creighton University in Omaha seeks an Assistant Director to ensure compliance with federal regulations and grant objectives while leading program operations, student services, and community partnerships to boost college access, retention, and success for low-income, first-generation students.

The role collaborates with metro-area high schools, university departments, community organizations, families, and staff to deliver advising, recruit students, and develop pre-college workshops,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, student affairs, social work, or related field; master's preferred.
• Three+ years' experience in college access, TRIO, Upward Bound, or similar programs.
• Experience with low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented student populations.
• Knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships, and career planning.
• Experience with program coordination, data management, and federal grant compliance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, and student information systems.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly to schools and events.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic, career, and financial aid literacy advising for high school participants.
• Assist students with graduation planning, admissions, FAFSA, scholarships, and career exploration.
• Monitor participant progress through case management, documentation, and follow-up.
• Recruit eligible low-income, first-generation students into Upward Bound programs.
• Develop and implement workshops on college readiness, career planning, financial literacy, leadership and student success.
• Assist in daily administration of the Classic Upward Bound program and grant compliance.
• Assist in supervising the Upward Bound tutoring program.
• Support Student Success divisional efforts to improve persistence and retention.

Job description

Job Description

This position helps ensure compliance with U.S. Department of Education/Labor regulations and grant objectives while providing leadership in program operations, student services, and community partnerships. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with metro-area high schools, Creighton University departments and programs, community organizations, families, and program staff to increase college access, retention, and success for low-income, first-generation students.

Essential Functions

• Deliver individual comprehensive academic, career, and financial aid literacy advising for high school participants; assist students with high school graduation planning, college admissions, FAFSA completion, scholarship applications, and career exploration; evaluate and monitor participant progress through regular case management, documentation, and follow-up.
• Recruit eligible low-income, first-generation students into both the Classic Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math Science programs.
• Develop and implement academic and pre-college preparatory workshops focused on college readiness, career planning, financial literacy, leadership development, and student success. These are delivered on Creighton’s campus, in local schools, during Saturday Morning School, and through the Summer Academy.
• Assist the Director in the daily administration and operation of the Classic Upward Bound program, including activities that support grant objectives, data collection, compliance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and grant requirements, and coordination of special projects, workshops, college visits, and summer programming.
• Assist in the supervision of the Upward Bound tutoring program.
• Contribute to Student Success divisional efforts that support the persistence, retention, and overall success of Creighton students as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, student affairs, social work, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience working with college access, TRIO, GEAR UP, Upward Bound, educational outreach, or similar programs.
• Experience working with low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented student populations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships, and career planning.
• Experience with program coordination, data management, and federal grant compliance preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, databases, and student information systems.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to travel regularly to target schools and program events.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of educational equity, college access, and student development principles.
• Strong communication skills, leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze program data and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Skilled in establishing effective relationships with students, families, educators, and community partners.
• Commitment to serving diverse populations and promoting educational opportunities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

About Us

Creighton University is committed to providing a safe and non-discriminatory educational and employment environment. The University admits qualified students, hires qualified employees and accepts patients for treatment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or other status protected by law. Its education and employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other programs and activities, are administered without unlawful discrimination. Creighton complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities. Applicants with disabilities needing reasonable accommodations to complete the application or hiring process should contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. Creighton University seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to the University's mission and values.