Upward Bound Program Director

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Prescott, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott, Arizona campus is seeking a dedicated and student-centered Upward Bound Director to lead and manage its federally funded TRIO Upward Bound program. This position plays a vital role in preparing students for success in postsecondary education by providing academic instruction, student support services, educational programming, and opportunities for personal and academic growth. The Director is responsible for ensuring the program meets the objectives and requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education (DoE), including academic-year and summer programming, grant administration, fiscal management, staff supervision, and program assessment. Through collaboration with university faculty, staff, community partners, and federal agencies, the Director will help students develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed at the university level. The Director will also monitor student progress and maintain required reporting to assess program outcomes and identify opportunities for continued improvement.

Requirements

• Master’s degree, preferably in Educational Administration or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in student support, grant management, and program management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of grant administration and fiscal management.
• Experience managing educational programs and student support services.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, and staff development skills.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and evaluate academic and student development programming.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet reporting deadlines, and make independent decisions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with university stakeholders, community partners, and external agencies.
• Valid driver's license.
• Completion of mandated reporter training.
• Successful completion of required background checks.
• Compliance with FERPA requirements.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Academic Coordinator to develop and implement program timelines, curricula, student services, and educational activities in accordance with grant requirements.
• Collaborate with the Academic Coordinator to ensure academic programming includes instruction in mathematics, laboratory science, composition, literature, and foreign language.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with university faculty, staff, and administration to support program objectives.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive needs assessment system in accordance with U.S. Department of Education and TRIO program requirements.
• Prepare and submit required annual programmatic reports accurately and by established deadlines.
• Monitor student progress and evaluate program outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in the selection and evaluation of program personnel and coordinate with Human Resources to ensure applicants meet institutional requirements.
• Collaborate with the Academic Coordinator and Lead Resident Assistant to develop and oversee the summer program schedule.
• Collaborate with the Academic Coordinator to coordinate the development, implementation, and oversight of training for Upward Bound staff and faculty.
• Conduct staff meetings to assess program effectiveness, address challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide direction and supervision to program personnel and student staff in support of program goals.
• Develop, implement, and maintain fiscal tracking processes in coordination with the Assistant Dean of Research.
• Monitor and reconcile program budgets using institutional financial reports and required Department of Education fiscal reporting.
• Oversee the program’s Blumen tracking system to support assessment, data management, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Research and Administration (OSRA) and the Department of Education to maintain communication and ensure grant compliance.
• Monitor program expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of grant funds.
• Serve as the program’s liaison with the university, community organizations, federal and state agencies, and other TRIO programs.
• Oversee the daily operations and coordination of Upward Bound program services.
• Develop, implement, and maintain program policies and procedures in collaboration with university leadership.
• Ensure program activities and procedures align with university risk management requirements and policies governing work with minors.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by grant and university leadership.

Benefits

• Enjoy up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year.
• 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
• 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period.
• 15 days of personal leave for non-exempt employees or 18 days for exempt full-time employees in your first year.

What This Job Offers

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