Assistant Director- TRIO Communication Upward Bound

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); Vor Ort; USD 41.000 - 50.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Wichita State University in Wichita, KS, invites applications for a full-time TRIO-Communication Upward Bound program coordinator. You will manage college readiness and retention activities, coordinate with university partners, recruit participants, and oversee day-to-day operations.

Working with high school students and families, you’ll develop curriculum, monitor budgets, and lead cross-functional teams while ensuring compliance and reporting requirements are met.

Qualifikationen

• Experience coordinating TRIO, GEAR UP, college access, or educational outreach programs is a plus.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills for diverse student populations.
• Ability to read a room, engage students and families, and build trusting relationships.

Aufgaben

• Manage college readiness and retention program activities to meet objectives.
• Oversee day-to-day program operations including schedules, budgets, and reporting.
• Recruit participants and coordinate with university partners and schools.

Kenntnisse

College access

Student advising

Curriculum development

Program coordination

Communication skills

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree or higher in education/related field

Jobbeschreibung

Department: TRIO-Communication Upward Bound

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary set $45,000/yr

Work Schedule: Generally Mon-Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM, regular weekends and some evenings; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement:No export control requirement.

Job Story

You can talk career goals with a school administrator, coordinate a program with university partners, and then turn around and connect with a room full of high school students. You know how to read the room, meet people where they are, and make connections that stick.
Working with students, families, schools, and university partners, you’ll help create experiences that make college and future opportunities feel more accessible to the students you serve. You’ll build relationships throughout the school and community, collaborate with other TRIO programs and university departments, and help shape an academic-year curriculum that keeps students engaged, curious, and moving forward.
High school students don’t always respond to a formal presentation or a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. You’re comfortable bringing personality, creativity, and a little playful energy into your work while keeping your goals clear and your professionalism intact. You can meet students on their level without losing sight of the bigger picture.
You’re also someone who can build rapport quickly with students and their families. You understand that trust comes from being approachable, following through, and making people feel seen and heard, not just through showing up with information to deliver. You’re organized enough to turn ideas into plans, flexible enough to adapt when those plans need to change, and people‑focused enough to know that the best programs are built around the students they serve.

Job Summary

Manages assigned college readiness and/or retention program(s) to meet business objectives. Oversees the day‑to‑day program activities which may include project schedules, budget tracking and development, recruiting, and project and/or program administration.

Essential Functions

Collaborates with senior leaders to develop program goals and infrastructure to align with defined business strategy. Creates new or troubleshoots and improves upon existing processes, procedures or systems to meet program goals. Manages program through creation of program plans, grant proposals, management tools and/or reporting capabilities. Performs project research and develops plans to effectively use program resources. Develops metrics to measure program success against program goals. Manages, recruits, trains and/or leads cross‑functional teams and ensures resources are appropriately assigned to meet program goals. Recommends program or project budget according to needs. Monitors and adjusts project and program plans as resource requirements change. Communicates and documents program quality outcomes and progress metrics to senior program leaders. Regularly contacts participants, counselors, and partners to ensure program success. Addresses and resolves major or complex issues to ensure program goals remain on track.

Job Duties

• Attend field trips with high school students
• Facilitate summer programs
• Creation of curriculum for programs

Required Education and Experience:

• Qualifications for this position are strictly defined by the approved grant proposal.
  See the education qualifications in the "Additional Information for Posting" section below.

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiar with college access, admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and career readiness processes, including advising, student support services & post‑secondary educational systems.
• Understands educational challenges faced by first‑generation, low‑income, and underrepresented student populations.
• Familiar with student engagement strategies as well as effective presentation and facilitation skills.
• Knowledgeable related to curriculum, curriculum resources &/or delivery of information to audiences.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs and student development activities.
• Knowledge of community resources, educational partnerships, and outreach practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with students, families, school personnel, and community partners.
• Strong organizational skills to coordinate activities, events, and student services.
• Motivate, mentor, and inspire high school students to pursue postsecondary education.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong commitment to educational equity, student success, and fostering pathways to higher education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with TRIO, GEAR UP, college access, or educational outreach programs serving first‑generation, low‑income, and underrepresented students.
• Advising and mentoring high school students, coordinating college preparation activities, and supporting postsecondary enrollment initiatives.
• Experience developing partnerships with K‑12 schools, community organizations, and higher education institutions, along with proficiency in program management, student data tracking, and compliance reporting.

Additional Information:

Required Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in education administration, communication, or related field.
Required Experience: Working with TRIO participants or similar youth, and previous supervisory experience.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to travel in a vehicle for distances including but not limited to across city, county, and state.