Veterans Upward Bound Program Director

Universities of Wisconsin • Milwaukee, WI

3d • $55,000 - $62,000

About The Position

The Director of Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the program. This position ensures that all grant objectives and compliance requirements are met while fostering an environment that supports the academic and personal growth of veteran participants. The Director executes strategic goals and operational plans, organizes and implements programming and services, manages staff performance, monitors program outcomes, and oversees budget execution. The role requires consistent evaluation of program effectiveness, preparation of annual performance reports, and ongoing engagement with campus and community stakeholders to advance the mission of the Veterans Upward Bound program and the Center for Pre-College Programs. The Director also leads the development and submission of the program’s competitive five-year grant renewal to the U.S. Department of Education.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in educational administration, social work, counseling, or a related field.
• Experience working with adults and/or veterans in an educational, advising, or student support capacity.
• Experience designing and facilitating academic, college readiness, or student success programming.
• Experience managing program budgets and ensuring compliance with institutional, state, or grant requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of and experience administering U.S. Department of Education TRIO programs or other federally funded grants.
• Experience in community outreach, recruitment, public speaking, and relationship-building with external partners.
• Experience supervising professional and/or student staff.
• Experience with program evaluation, data collection, outcomes assessment, and reporting systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to veteran student success and educational access in higher education.
• Experience working with low-income, first-generation, or educationally disadvantaged adult populations.

Responsibilities

• Program Design, Implementation & Student Services Oversee the design and implementation of academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, and college readiness programming.
• Plan workshops and activities that support academic, personal, and career development for participants.
• Personnel, Budget & Operational Management Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff, promoting professional development and fostering a collaborative, student-centered work environment.
• Manage and monitor program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence to funding regulations.
• Strategic Leadership, Compliance & Program Oversight Provide strategic leadership and vision for the Veterans Upward Bound program in alignment with institutional and federal priorities.
• Develop and execute program goals and objectives in accordance with U.S. Department of Education TRIO guidelines.
• Monitor program performance, evaluate outcomes, and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Use data to inform program improvements and strategic planning.
• Grant Administration, Reporting & Data Management Lead the development and submission of the competitive federal grant renewal and other funding proposals.
• Prepare and submit required internal and external reports, including the Annual Performance Report (APR), in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain data systems to track participant progress, measure outcomes, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Recruitment, Partnerships & Institutional Engagement Develop and implement recruitment strategies to identify and enroll eligible veterans through partnerships with community organizations and agencies.
• Build partnerships with campus departments, veteran-serving agencies, and community organizations to enhance services and visibility.
• Represent Veterans Upward Bound and the Center for Pre-College Programs at meetings, events, and conferences.
• Participate in institutional committees and initiatives that promote access, opportunity, and student success.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of Veterans Upward Bound, Center for Pre-College Programs, and the Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success.

Benefits

• UWM offers a comprehensive benefits package and contributes toward the cost of several benefit plans.
• Employees with a qualifying position also receive an extensive leave package including vacation, sick leave (with no expiration), personal holiday, and paid legal holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees