Upward Bound Academic Coordinator

Position Announcement

Academic Coordinator for Upward Bound Program

Independence Community College (ICC) seeks applications for the position of Academic Coordinator for the Upward Bound Program. Upward Bound is a federally funded grant program. Independence Community College, a small, rural, residential community college in southeast Kansas, serving the needs of full/part‑time students and student athletes, has initiated continuous quality improvements through the AQIP accreditation process, and is a Character First organization.

Independence Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ICC encourages and promotes a diversified workforce.

Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program whose purpose is to identify, select, and assist high school students with academic potential. The Academic Coordinator facilitates school, family and community support for Upward Bound participants and develops curriculum and student academic programs. This individual serves as an academic advisor to Upward Bound students and reports to the Upward Bound Director.

The Academic Coordinator is required to have a Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or a related field. A Master’s degree and previous experience working with students and school personnel are preferred. The Academic Coordinator should have knowledge of issues affecting the academic potential of low income, potential first‑generation college bound youth and the ability to coordinate academic support programs for the target population.

The Academic Coordinator must be able to work with supervision and independently, be organized, and be comfortable designing and implementing academic curriculum and support services. Either a copy of, or authorization for, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is required. The Academic Coordinator must maintain a valid driver’s license throughout the position.

This position reports to the Upward Bound Program Director and is a full‑time, 12‑month classified salaried position. The position comes with vacation, personal, and sick leave, and an excellent insurance program. The salary range is $35,000–45,000 per year and is commensurate with education and experience.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time; ability to move freely around campus and other locations.
• Ability to communicate in person, in writing, and by telephone; ability to speak clearly; mental capacity to make decisions and follow through with directions.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach and grasp as required to perform responsibilities.
• Ability to perform repetitive keyboard and computer mouse functions.

• Plan and conduct bi‑monthly site visits and lesson plans at all target schools.
• Plan and conduct monthly workshops.
• Plan and conduct campus visits and career/cultural trips.
• Plan and oversee academic component, tutoring, etc. of summer program.
• Plan and provide intensive personalized advising services to high school seniors.
• Communicate and meet regularly with counselors and school staff at all target schools.
• Recruit for program year round, including attending special recruiting events at target schools and in community.
• Assist with the intake process for new students.
• Monitor students’ academic progress, including monthly grade checks, and refer students to tutoring as needed.
• Oversee tutoring.
• Conduct bi‑annual SPS (Student Plan for Success) meetings with students individually.
• Conduct student/parent progress meetings once per semester.
• Conduct exit interviews with graduates.
• Track prior participants.
• Regularly evaluate program and services provided.
• Assist with future planning.
• Document all contacts and services provided.
• Seek and attend professional development opportunities annually.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and community.
• Assure timeliness of reports and communications with information management skills.
• Collaborative, collegial, and responsible work habits.
• High degree of ethical standards, including adherence to general rules of safety, confidentiality, procedures, and fair labor standards.
• Commitment to high professional standard, including professional growth.
• Time management skills and a high degree of organizational skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines, tasks, projects and assignments.
• Competency at filing and bookkeeping procedures.
• Electronic media literacy, including Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher).