Associate Director, Student Educational Opportunity

University of Wyoming • Laramie, WY

5d • $73,800 - $94,140 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Student Educational Opportunity (SEO) will plan, coordinate, and oversee the operational, financial, and personnel functions of several federally grant-funded educational access programs. These programs are housed in the office of Student Educational Opportunity and provide services to underrepresented students at UW and in secondary schools across Wyoming. The role involves supervising Project Directors (PDs) to ensure efficient and effective delivery of participant services, compliance, and audit readiness. The Associate Director will also act as PD during vacancies, coordinate grant-writing processes, and lead staff in developing and managing operational policies and procedures related to federal budgeting, personnel, and reporting requirements.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in education, administration, social sciences, or a field related to SEO programs and services
• 3 years' work-related experience
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to manage and administer large-scale, educational grant projects over a wide geographic area.
• Knowledge and understanding of federal legislation and regulations governing SEO’s grant-funded programs.
• Familiarity and/or experience with writing competitive grant proposals.
• Understanding of the academic, financial, and personal/social needs of low-income and first-generation students underrepresented in college enrollment and completion.
• Familiarity and/or experience with UW’s WyoCloud, HCM, and OSP/REDD financial, personnel, and grants management systems.
• Ability to identify and manage sources of cost-share and matching funds for grant-funded programs.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive, cooperative relationships with SEO stakeholders at UW as well as across and outside of Wyoming, including periodic in- and out-of-state travel.
• Ability to use proprietary databases to collect and analyze data, assess the success of SEO programs in achieving their goals, facilitate strategic planning, and clearly and effectively communicate program needs and outcomes with stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs subject to federal compliance and reporting.
• An individual who is familiar with the barriers to educational access and success faced by the students served by SEO programs, and who demonstrates an understanding of the challenges and needs of these student populations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and supervise Project Directors’ (PDs) administration of SEO programs including planning, monitoring, and revising budgets; staff hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation; and efficient and effective provision of services to program participants to meet or exceed federally mandated project objectives.
• Maintain updated and accurate knowledge and understanding of federal legislation and regulations and institutional policies and procedures to ensure SEO programs remain audit-ready and compliant.
• Lead SEO programs’ annual collection and reporting of complete and accurate participant services and program objective attainment data.
• Direct SEO grant-funded programs during PD vacancies, including personnel supervision, budgeting, provision of participant services, and federal reporting.
• Initiate, monitor, and revise SEO-wide policies and procedures related to changes in UW or federal requirements and/or new SEO initiatives or requirements pertaining to personnel and budget management, service provision, and file organization and data entry.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate up to five Project Directors.
• Coordinate, supervise, and lead SEO programs’ grant-writing processes to ensure submission of high-quality grant proposals that fulfill all application requirements and have a high likelihood of receiving continued funding.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with institutional, state, regional, and national stakeholders to promote understanding, and facilitate expansion, of programs and services to meet the needs of low-income and first-generation students across Wyoming.
• Provide information and data in multiple formats for multiple audiences in a timely manner.
• Maintain a professional approach to problem solving and act as a role model for staff management of unexpected or challenging circumstances.
• Act as Appointing Authority in Director's absence.
• Represent SEO on university, statewide, regional, or national committees or advisory boards that address issues related to educational access and student success.
• Participate in administrative and student-centered activities conducted by SEO and UW programs.
• Engage in recurring in- and out-of-state professional development and supervisory travel by car and plane, including overnight stays.
• Periodic evening and weekend hours and professional commitments required.

Benefits

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager