Upward Bound Coordinator (HR Title: Program Coordinator)

Southern Methodist University Inc; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Health benefits

Retirement programs

Job summary

SMU seeks an on-campus Coordinator for the Upward Bound program to advise and mentor area high school students participating in SMU College Access initiatives. You will provide career coaching and help with college preparedness, including FAFSA and scholarship applications.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and at least two years in education or related fields. Fluency in Spanish and strong communication skills are essential as you build partnerships with area high schools and support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in education, social work, human services, counseling or related field is required.
• Experience working in youth programs, especially TRIO programs, strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide educational support and advising for Upward Bound students.
• Coordinate services and monitor student participation in program activities.
• Develop and deliver outreach and recruitment to area high schools and parents.
• Assist students with FAFSA and financial aid applications.
• Follow up with graduates to ensure transitions to college or postsecondary success.
• Support Summer Melt activities and provide referrals to education and career services.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Spanish fluency

Counseling/advising

Organizational skills

Time management

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web-based applications

Email

Data management systems

Job description

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMUSMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities.

SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Coordinator for the Upward Bound program works directly with students at area high schools who participate in SMU College Access programs. The Coordinator provides advising, mentoring, and career coaching services to students. The Coordinator is responsible for developing partnerships with area high schools, managing program recruitment efforts within assigned schools, and verifying student eligibility. The Coordinator also develops and delivers academic enrichment programs to support students' successful transition to college and placement. Additionally, the Coordinator assists with student outreach and selection and manages Summer Melt activities.

Essential Functions

Educational Support and Student Advising

Provide educational support activities for Upward Bound students at assigned partner schools or through the on-campus Summer Academy. Educational enrichment activities include mentoring, secondary education advising, tutoring, and college entrance exam preparation.

Assist Upward Bound students with completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and other financial aid and scholarship applications to prepare for entry into postsecondary education. As needed, assist students with secondary school reentry, alternative education options, or GED preparation and enrollment.

Student Services Coordination

Coordinate services for each Upward Bound student based on identified student needs and plans for transitioning to college. Develop and monitor Upward Bound students participation in program activities. Research and present materials and other resources that support each student's educational goals. Ensure that services provided to Upward Bound students align with the mission of the partner school.

Coordinate outreach for assigned schools

Make presentations to classrooms of eligible students at target schools and to parent groups/guardians at the SMU campus regarding SMU College Access Programs. Maintain lists of prospective students and find students who both (1) qualify and (2) can benefit from the Pre-Collegiate TRIO programs. Meet with prospective students and parents/guardians (if necessary) to share program benefits and answer questions.

Outreach and Recruitment

Coordinate outreach efforts at assigned schools. Present information about SMU College Access Programs to classrooms of eligible students at target schools and to parent/guardian groups on the SMU campus. Maintain lists of prospective students and identify students who both qualify for and can benefit from the pre-collegiate TRIO programs. Meet with prospective students and their parents/guardians, as appropriate, to explain program benefits and answer questions.

Follow up

Follow up with recent graduates during the "Summer Melt" program to ensure that they have successfully graduated from high school or transitioned to college. Provide support and referrals to education and career services that assist students as they navigate educational and career transitions.

Summer Melt Support

Follow up with recent graduates through the Summer Melt program to ensure they have successfully graduated from high school or transitioned to college. Provide support and referrals to educational and career services that assist students as they navigate educational and career transitions.

Other Duties

Complete other tasks as assigned that support the overall mission of the College Access Department.

Ability to work

Some evening and weekend hours are required for supervision of program activities for students.

Work Schedule and Travel Requirements

Some evening and weekend hours are required to supervise student program activities. The position requires frequent travel (weekly) to area high schools for student meetings and program activities. In-state and out-of-state travel to visit colleges and universities will be occasional, approximately two to three times per year.

Funding Contingency

This position is contingent upon grant or contract funding.

Qualifications Education and Experience

A Bachelor's degree is required.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience in education, social work, human services, counseling or related field is required.

Experience working in youth programs, especially those programs serving at-risk, low-income, disabled youth, and TRIO work experience is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate must be fluent in written and spoken Spanish.

A counseling or social work license and/or a middle or secondary school teaching license are preferred.

Candidate must possess or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver's license and successfully complete the University's defensive/safe driving course.

Candidate proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office, web-based applications, and email, is required. Proficiency in data management systems is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Physical Reach above shoulders

Carry/lift 25 lbs.

Sit for long periods of time

Handle objects (dexterity)

Stand

EnvironmentalDrives motorized equipment

Deadline to Apply: November 18, 2026

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by November 4, 2026.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution. SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU. The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.