Assistant Director Of Trio Upward Bound

The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) is seeking a dynamic and motivated Assistant Director ofUpward Bound to join our team and contribute to the success of our Upward Bound Program.  Upward Bound is a federally funded program  designed to provide academic support, mentorship and college readiness services to high school students from underserved communities, with the goal of increasing their access to and success in higher education. The UMF Upward Bound Department is funded federally by two programs, the Foothills Upward Bound and River Valley Upward Bound. During the academic year, business days are split between the office and target high schools; however, there may be a need for mornings, evenings, and weekend hours depending on the need of the position. This role provides day-to-day oversight and coordination of programming, evaluation, and record-keeping. In addition, there is supervisory oversight of temporary staff, direct services, and student support.

Essential Duties

• Provides follow-up services to students in target high schools including academic advising and support, personal counseling, family contact, and advocacy at the target schools.
• Implements Individualized Academic Plans (IAP)'s for participants located in the target schools.
• Facilitates the coordination and implementation of a comprehensive assessment of all student progress to meet the project objectives. This includes selecting appropriate evaluation methods, administering assessments, collecting data, and working with staff to evaluate results.
• Supervises and trains Target School Advocates, including communication and coordinating responsibilities.
• Facilitates the coordination and implementation of a comprehensive assessment of all student progress to meet the project objectives. This includes selecting appropriate evaluation methods, administering assessments, collecting data, and working with staff to evaluate results.
• Initiates recommendations to the Director for program change.
• Manages the development and creation of Individualized Academic Plans for all students.
• Coordinates with Upward Bound staff to reassess the Individual Academic Plan (IAP)'s each year.
• Administers alumni follow-up components, including data collection and analysis.
• Designs after-school curriculum and coordinates the development of individual follow-up curriculum throughout the academic year.
• Provides support for and participates in the planning, implementing, and supervising college trips, cultural activities, reunions, and other academic year activities.
• Provides transportation for students when necessary.
• Oversees the daily operations of the summer component, including staff training and supervision, evaluation, and budget monitoring.
• Coordinates and implements academic components of the summer program.
• Assists in the identification, recruitment, and selection of Upward Bound participants.
• Assists in the management and evaluation of the projects, including record-keeping, program performance, maintaining and submitting data for the Annual Performance Reports, data analysis, monitoring the budget, and writing grants.
• Coordinates and implements summer stipend disbursements and monitors spending and supply acquisition by summer staff.

Required Competencies

• Supervision: The ability to effectively navigate challenges, foster a positive team environment, and drive department success. Demonstrates integrity and strong work ethic; serves as a role model for team members. 
• Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. 
• Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to collaborate in the department as well as all stakeholders. 
• Adaptability: The ability to react positively and effectively to change.  
• Problem-Solving and Decision Making: Observe and evaluate the outcomes of implementing the solution to assess the need for alternative approaches and to identify lessons learned; ability to make ethical decisions and to exercise principled judgment and initiative when necessary, and to do so with a high level of attention to detail. Excellent problem-solving skills and a solution-based disposition. 
• Technology Utilization: Included, but not limited to: PeopleSoft (MaineStreet), Concur, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and Zoom. To be able to quickly learn and work effectively with new technology as well as the changing landscape of campus focus, administrators/leadership, and strategy. 

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in education or related field and one (1) plus years of relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree with two (2) or more years of relevant experience (i.e., advising, counseling, or teaching).
• Supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of postsecondary academic programs and financial aid.
• Valid driver's license (in good standing based on UMS standards). 

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in a TRIO program. 
• Experience in supplemental educational curriculum development, grades 9-12. 
• Experience and knowledge of educational data and analysis. 
• Experience in academic and program assessment and evaluation.
• Understanding of the educational barriers faced by low-income and first-generation students.