Assistant Director; UT GUIDES Project Director

Assistant Director (UT GUIDES 2018 Project Director)

Hiring Department: Curriculum and Instruction

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled

Hours:

40 hours per week

FLSA Status: Exempt

Earliest

Start Date:

Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to continue until Sep 30, 2026

Location: Austin, TX

The Institute for Public School Initiatives (IPSI) is a center within the College of Education at the University of Texas  support of the college mission to address pressing challenges in education and health, IPSI commits resources and services to prepare students for academic success, increase college readiness, and provide educators with high‑quality professional learning. This fixed‑term position, ending September 30, 2026, supports funding renewal possibilities and continues the federally‑funded GEAR UP project awarded in 2018.

• Provide leadership and direction for UT GUIDES 2018 grant activities, ensuring successful implementation and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Supervise, motivate, and empower College Success Coaches; provide coaching, feedback, and conduct annual performance appraisals.
• Manage the annual budget, monitor spending, review and approve requests, and ensure grant expenditures are allowable and progress meets required match/in‑kind commitments; collaborate with the IPSI business team on contracts.
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with partners—businesses, institutions of higher education, and community organizations; lead communications and manage contracts; act as liaison with community partners to meet program requirements.
• In collaboration with the external evaluator and IPSI data & research team, oversee all data collection and reporting on the grant, including the Final Performance Report.
• Represent IPSI/UT GEAR UP at national/statewide conferences, directors’ meetings, and other convenings; inform stakeholders about GEAR UP outcomes and share success stories.
• Develop and implement actions to enhance project value, troubleshoot challenges, and determine corrective actions with the team.
• Perform other related functions as assigned.

Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Public Affairs/Administration, or a related field. 8+ years of experience administering K‑12 or higher education student services or academic development programs. Experience with federal programs and grants, and with multiple partners in program or service delivery projects. Excellent knowledge of college readiness issues for low‑income, first‑generation students. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Extensive knowledge of the administrative structure of a large research university.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Prior experience as a program director, assistant director, or comparable position. Previous experience with GEAR UP and grant and contract development, writing, and submitting proposals. Prior supervisory experience. Familiarity with UT Austin systems and contract processes.

$85,000+ depending on qualifications.

• May work around standard office conditions with repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with contact information; at least one reference must be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for this opening. Background checks, including a criminal history background check, are required for finalists.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

The University of Texas at Austin will not discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Employees who have access to compensation information as part of their essential job functions cannot disclose pay to individuals who lack such access, except as permitted by law or a formal investigation.