Upward Bound Director

Brandeis University; Waltham (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Brandeis University in Waltham, MA invites applications for the Director of Upward Bound, a federally funded program guiding high school students toward college.

You will lead a diverse team, recruit and mentor students, manage budgets, and collaborate with Waltham High School and community partners to expand access and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 3–5 years of relevant experience, including program development, academic advising, and team supervision.
• Experience supporting college preparatory initiatives, including instruction, assessment, and standardised testing.

Responsibilities

• Engaging Students and Families: Recruit and enroll students, deliver informational sessions for parents, and design activities during the year and summer.
• Building a Team: Supervise and inspire a diverse team, including the Program Coordinator, graduate instructors, and mentors/tutors.
• Driving Outcomes: Track participation, evaluate program success, and manage budgets while ensuring compliance with policies.
• Providing Support: Advise and mentor students, offering academic and personal guidance to help them thrive.
• Collaborating Widely: Partner with Waltham High School staff, nonprofits, and Brandeis departments to expand impact.

Skills

Program development

Academic advising

Team supervision

Budget management

Bilingual (Spanish)

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

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.

About the Program:

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.

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.

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

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").