Upward Bound Director

Brandeis University; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Brandeis University is seeking a Director of Upward Bound to lead a federally funded program in Waltham, MA. You will recruit students, oversee a team of instructors and mentors, and drive program outcomes while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and university policies.

The role involves partnership development with Waltham High School, local nonprofits, and Brandeis departments to expand student opportunities and college access for first-generation and low-income students.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 3–5 years of relevant experience, including program development, academic advising, and team supervision.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and enroll students, deliver informational sessions for parents, and design activities during the year and summer.
• Supervise and inspire a diverse team including the Program Coordinator, graduate instructors, and mentors, ensuring a collaborative environment.
• Track participation, evaluate program success, and manage budgets while maintaining compliance with policies.
• Advise and mentor students, providing academic and personal guidance to help them thrive in high school and beyond.
• Forge partnerships with school staff, nonprofits, and Brandeis departments to amplify program impact.

Skills

Program development

Academic advising

Team supervision

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

About the Program

Join Brandeis University as the Director of Upward Bound! Are you passionate about making a lasting impact on students' lives and empowering first-generation and low-income high schoolers to achieve their college dreams? Brandeis University invites applications for the Director of Upward Bound, a pivotal role in guiding the next generation of scholars from Waltham High School toward academic success and higher education. The Upward Bound program at Brandeis serves 60 motivated students, focusing on boosting grades, retention, graduation rates, and knowledge of the college application process. With a mission rooted in equity and access, the program builds strong partnerships with Waltham High School staff and community organizations to transform aspirations into achievements.

What You will Do

• Engaging Students and Families: Recruit and enroll students, deliver engaging informational sessions for parents, and design impactful activities during the academic year and summer.
• Building a Team: Supervise and inspire a diverse team, including the Program Coordinator, graduate instructors, and undergraduate mentors and tutors, ensuring a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Driving Outcomes: Track participation, evaluate program success, and manage budgets while maintaining compliance with federal and university policies.
• Providing Support: Advise and mentor students, offering both academic and personal guidance to help them thrive in high school and beyond.
• Collaborating Widely: Forge partnerships with Waltham High School staff, local nonprofits, and various Brandeis departments to amplify program impact.

What We Are Looking For

• A Master’s degree and 3–5 years of relevant experience, including program development, academic advising, and team supervision.
• A track record of success in supporting college preparatory initiatives, including instruction, assessment, and standardized testing.
• Familiarity with TRiO or similar programs is highly valued.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is a plus, enhancing your ability to connect with diverse families and students.

Budget management

The maximum budget for the position is $69,000. This position is fully grant-funded through the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and is contingent upon continued DOE funding. The current appointment runs through August 31, 2027, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and institutional needs.

Why Join Us

This is a full-time, grant-funded role offering a unique opportunity to lead a federally supported program. As we enter the final year of the current five-year grant cycle, Upward Bound at Brandeis is a thriving program ready for your leadership and vision.

Pay Range Disclosure

The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").

COME WORK WITH US

Brandeis University is a great employer for all the same reasons it is an outstanding university. Its commitment to inclusion, dedication to lifelong learning and commitment to excellence are just a few of the reasons our workplace culture shines bright. We take pride not only in maintaining this culture, but expanding it - by recruiting and retaining outstanding employees who share our values and enrich Brandeis University overall. Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").

Application & Accessibility Information

Applicants who require accommodation in the job application process are welcome to contact Human Resources at 781-736-4474 or via email, [e-mail]. The health and safety of the Brandeis community is important. While not required, we strongly recommend that employees are fully vaccinated. For additional information feel free to review the Human Resources Office website. Certain positions at Brandeis University may require a background check. To review this policy, visit our website at http://www.brandeis.edu/human-resources/onboarding/index.html