Upward Bound Director- Warren County

Hinds Community College•Utica, MS

About The Position

The Upward Bound Project Director plans, directs, monitors and evaluates activities and programs designed to assist low income and/or potential first generation college students and/or students with high risk academic failure in completing high school and entering into post-secondary education in accordance with all applicable regulations. The director also oversees the preparation and submission of reports as required.

Requirements

Master’s Degree, preferably in Education, Administration/Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, Student Personnel, Social Work and/or related fields.
Three to five years of experience working with high-risk or disadvantage students in program such as Federal TRIO programs.
Knowledge of public school procedures and operations.
General knowledge of higher education and financial aid procedures.
Experience in writing and administering grants.
Experience with budget management.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Able to frequently travel to targeted high schools.
Able to work some evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Success in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the project’s target population (low income, first generation college students or high risk academic failure).
Supervisory experience including conducting staff development and team building skills.
Experience increasing academic performance and retention and graduation rates, and a record of developing programs that enabled low-income and first generation students to enroll and complete postsecondary education.
Sensitive to the needs of disadvantaged students.
Understanding of and commitment to the comprehensive community college mission.
Public relations, marketing and advertising skills.
Detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
General knowledge of public school operations, higher education, and financial aid procedures.
Ability to interpret accurately applicable regulations and to administer the project accordingly.
Ability to supervise and work with others effectively.
Ability to create and facilitate student-centered environments.
Understanding of and ability to work with low income, first generation and at-risk students.
Knowledge of contemporary and innovative methods of instructional delivery and curriculum development including the use of technology for instructional delivery.
Ability to work as a team player in a diverse working environment.
Must be able to follow oral and written directions and have the ability to establish effective working relationships with high school and college faculty and students.
Ability to creatively motivate, empower and recognize students.
Visual, auditory and ambulatory ability.
Strong organizational and conflict management skills.
Empathetic and positive relationship builder.
Knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to perform the function of the position as outlined.

Responsibilities

Establish annual goals and operational plans for the unit based on the U.S. Department of Education regulations and college goals.
Define and direct new and revised services pertaining to the laws of the Higher Education Act and College long-term goals.
Initiating, developing and cultivating relationships and partnerships with College and Community members to collaborate on Upward Bound goals and objectives as they pertain to persistence, graduation and post-secondary enrollment and graduation.
Oversee the work of the Upward Bound academic year and summer program staff.
Direct the team’s professional development.
Plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of students.
Provide supervision and direction of the Upward Bound staff such that the Upward Bound project objectives are addressed.
Develop and maintain communication and effective working relationships with the U.S. Department of Education, the target schools, the college community and all other project stakeholders.
Serve as the Upward Bound liaison to the target schools and to Hinds Community College-Utica Campus.
Coordinate services to Upward Bound students with district service providers.
Provide leadership and oversight for all aspects of the academic year and summer components of the Upward Bound project.
Evaluate all aspects of the Upward Bound Project in accordance with prescribed evaluation procedures.
Submit reports timely and as required.
Other duties as may be assigned.