Project Director, TRIO Upward Bound

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The TRIO Upward Bound Program (UB) is a 5- year, federally funded (U. S. Department of Education), grant designed to support its participants in their preparation for college entrance. Participants in TRIO UB are potential first-generation or income-eligible and demonstrate academic need. The Project provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.

Areas of program services include academic tutoring, academic advising, academic instruction (math, science, reading/writing, foreign language), counseling, financial literacy, college and career readiness, assistance with college planning, mentoring, and cultural exposure. The current grant cycle is  and can be subject to change.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of TRIO Upward Bound (UB) provides strategic, administrative, and financial leadership and oversight for all aspects of the federally funded TRIO UB Program at Paine College. This position has full authority as designated by the U.S. Department of Education and is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the management of all project activities and services designed to support low-income students and potential first-generation high school students.

The Director ensures program compliance with federal regulations, supervises staff, manages the program budget and works collaboratively across campus to promote student success and retention. The Director advocates for and serves the target population while maintaining the program's goals of increasing the rate at which participants complete high school and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership and Compliance

* Interpret and implement federal guidelines, objectives, and performance goals to ensure accountability and full compliance.

* Provide overall leadership and daily management of the TRIO UB Program in accordance with the approved grant and all U.S. Department of Education regulations.

* Oversee the planning, development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of all TRIO Program services (advising, tutoring, instruction, student success initiatives, services requirement, cultural enrichment, etc.).

* Develop and maintain annual schedules and timelines to ensure delivery of grant objectives and activities.

* Advocate for the needs of first-generation and low-income students.

* Serve as primary liaison with institutional leadership, college campus, target high schools, parents, community partners, state association, regional association, and the U.S. Department of Education.

* Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all TRIO Upward Bound communication outlets.

* Prepare and submit competitive grant application and interim and annual performance reports to the U.S. Department of Education.

* Ensure the approved grant is implemented as outlined.

* Conduct Program and College business in a professional and ethical manner that includes the College's core values Excellence, Appreciation of Heritage, Integrity, Fiscal Responsibility, and Service.

* Ensure that all activities are conducted within the established College policies, FERPA guidelines, and other applicable laws pertaining to grant management, education, and employment.

Budget and Resource Management

* Develop and manage the program budget to ensure compliant, effective use of federal funds.

* Monitor expenditures, coordinate procurement, prepare financial documentation, and maintain financial records in accordance with federal and institutional requirements including EDGAR.

* Submit annual program budget each year to the U.S. Department of Education for approval.

Supervision and Staff Oversight

* Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff including Program Coordinators (2), Part-time Office Manager/Budget Assistant, Instructors, Residential Staff, Tutors and Mentors.

* Provide supervision, required TRIO-related training, professional development, and performance management for staff.

* Plan, lead, and provide guidance on human resource activities, such as hiring, performance evaluations,…