Program Operations Specialist (STEM-Focused)

University of Washington Medical Center•Yakima, WA

1d•$69,720 - $86,508•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D), College Access Unit, has an outstanding opportunity for a Program Operations Specialist (STEM-Focused) to join the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Rural Initiative in STEM Education and Undergraduate Preparation (RISE UP). This position plays a key role in advancing the goals of the GEAR UP program by supporting the implementation of comprehensive college and career readiness services across fourteen partner middle and high schools. The role collaborates closely with the GEAR UP Director, Program Operations Specialist - Service Manager, Assistant Director, and the central office team to deliver high-quality, data-driven programming and STEM programming that promotes student success. This position leads the development, coordination, and implementation of STEM-focused initiatives designed to increase student engagement, academic achievement, and awareness of postsecondary opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Program Operations Specialist - STEM works to ensure that programming aligns with GEAR UP grant objectives and effectively serves first-generation, low-income, and underserved students. This position is based out of the GEAR UP office in Toppenish, WA. The UW supports some hybrid remote work so long as it meets the business needs of OMA&D as determined by the position’s supervisor and unit leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, STEM-related fields, social sciences, public administration, or a related discipline and 4 years of relevant experience.
Experience working with middle and/or high school students, particularly first-generation and low-income populations.
Experience working with U.S. Department of Education–funded federal grants (e.g., TRIO, CAMP, GEAR UP) or similar programs.
Experience providing college access services to students and families within a K–12 educational setting.
Knowledge of Washington State postsecondary education systems, including colleges, universities, technical schools, and apprenticeship pathways, with the ability to support middle and high school students in making informed decisions about their educational and career futures.
Must have a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in education, STEM education, social work, or related field.
Experience working with federally funded programs (e.g., GEAR UP, TRIO).
Experience supporting or delivering college access-based and STEM programming.
Using data driven outcomes for programming design.
Using online database systems for federal reporting.
Bilingual/bicultural experience and ability to work in multilingual environments.
Experience working with school districts and community‑based organizations.
Knowledge of Yakima, Grant, Kittitas and Skagit Counties and partner schools, regional initiatives and communities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, SharePoint, WorkDay and data‑tracking systems.
Enthusiastic about the UW, has a strong work ethic, and exercises sound judgment, professionalism, and maturity.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of STEM-focused programming, including STEM enrichment activities, career exploration events, experiential learning opportunities, and exposure to postsecondary STEM pathways.
Collaborate with the Program Operations Specialist (Program Manager) to align programming with approved curriculum frameworks, learning outcomes, and grant expectations.
Coordinate STEM-related events such as workshops, STEM camps, campus-based institutes, site visits, and partnerships with higher education and industry professionals.
Identify and integrate best practices in STEM engagement, particularly for first-generation and underserved students.
Plan, coordinate, and implement GEAR UP programming in collaboration with program leadership and another Program Operations Specialist (Program Manager).
Support execution of academic-year and summer programming, including college readiness initiatives, college campus visits, career exploration activities, and large-scale program events.
Provide guidance, consultation, and technical support to school-based GEAR UP Site Coordinators related to program implementation, STEM activities, and grant-aligned programming.
Support the Program Operations Specialist and Assistant Director in the development and delivery of family engagement programming, including STEM-focused family events, college planning workshops, and financial aid education.
Ensure programming activities are implemented in compliance with federal grant requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of program goals.