Upward Bound Program Director

Jobtailor; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Milwaukee, WI seeks a senior program leader to oversee the federally funded TRIO Upward Bound initiative. You will align operations with Department of Education guidelines and institutional goals to ensure compliance and successful performance.

You will develop long-range plans, manage budgets, supervise staff, and coordinate data, reporting, and partnerships with schools and community organizations. A Master’s degree and relevant experience are required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, liberal arts, or a related field.
• At least three (3) years of professional experience with program coordination or management in education, counseling/advising, pre-college programming, and/or student support services.
• Experience working with low-income, first-generation, underrepresented, and/or academically disadvantaged students.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the federally funded TRIO Upward Bound program.
• Align program operations with U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant guidelines and institutional goals.
• Develop and implement short- and long-range program plans.
• Ensure compliance with the Higher Education Act and applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Communicate with the U.S. Department of Education regarding grant performance and compliance.
• Monitor performance objectives and implement continuous improvement strategies.
• Prepare and submit Annual Performance Reports, budgets, and federal documentation.
• Lead development and submission of the competitive five-year federal grant renewal.

Skills

Program Coordination

Compliance With Federal Regulations

Curriculum Development

Budget Management

Staff Supervision

Strategic Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Mentoring

Recruitment

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the federally funded TRIO Upward Bound program
• Align program operations with U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant guidelines and institutional goals
• Develop and implement short- and long-range program plans
• Ensure compliance with the Higher Education Act and applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations
• Communicate with the U.S. Department of Education regarding grant performance and compliance
• Monitor performance objectives and implement continuous improvement strategies
• Prepare and submit Annual Performance Reports, budgets, and federal documentation
• Lead development and submission of the competitive five-year federal grant renewal
• Maintain data systems tracking participant eligibility, services, outcomes, and performance measures
• Oversee academic year and summer programming, including instruction, tutoring, mentoring, college readiness workshops, and enrichment
• Develop curriculum aligned with college access and academic skill-building objectives
• Ensure advising and support services for participants and families
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate professional staff, student employees, and instructional personnel
• Manage budgets, payroll, contracts, and resource allocation
• Implement risk management, student safety protocols, and youth protection policies
• Recruit eligible low-income, first-generation, and academically at-risk high school students
• Build partnerships with schools, school districts, and community organizations
• Collaborate with campus units to support transition to postsecondary education
• Represent Upward Bound and the Center for Pre-College Programs at meetings, events, and conferences
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, liberal arts, or a related field, conferred at time of application
• At least three (3) years of professional experience with program coordination or management in education, counseling/advising, pre-college programming, and/or student support services
• Experience working with low-income, first-generation, underrepresented, and/or academically disadvantaged students
• Must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States at start date
• Must complete required employment eligibility verification form upon hire
• Finalist candidates must provide three professional/supervisor references
• Employment requires a criminal background check
• References must answer questions regarding past findings or pending allegations of sexual violence and sexual harassment

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in program management and compliance with federal education guidelines, including the Higher Education Act. Proven ability to lead and develop educational programs that support low-income and first-generation students while ensuring effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Program Coordination
• Compliance With Federal Regulations
• Curriculum Development
• Budget Management
• Staff Supervision

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Program Planning
• Data Management
• Performance Monitoring
• Grant Writing
• Student Support Services

Soft Skills

• Strategic Leadership
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Mentoring
• Recruitment

Certifications & Qualifications

• Master’s Degree

Industry Keywords

• TRIO Upward Bound
• Higher Education Act
• U.S. Department of Education
• First-Generation Students
• Low-Income Students