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Program Manager, Upward Bound

Applications Close: Oct 18, 2026

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI, USA

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Program Manager, Upward Bound

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Program Manager, Upward Bound at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose

The Upward Bound (UB) Program Manager is vital in empowering low-income, first-generation students to pursue higher education. This role involves leading efforts to identify, recruit, and enroll high school students into the program while providing tailored college preparatory and academic support services to help them succeed.

From recruitment to graduation preparation, the UB Program Manager oversees various services designed to meet the students’ individual needs. These services include guiding participants through intake and assessment, offering academic advising and programming, connecting them to tutoring resources, supporting them in selecting colleges, completing applications, and navigating financial aid processes like Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to managing participant services, the Program Manager ensures the daily operation of the program by supervising full-time, part-time, and temporary staff. Their leadership helps create a supportive and effective environment for high school students transitioning into postsecondary education. This position reports to the Director, Office of Federal TRIO Programs.

Essential Functions

Develop, implement, and manage programming for the TRIO Upward Bound Program to enhance the educational success of participants each year, while ensuring compliance with grant objectives, U.S. Department of Education regulations, and University policies.

Lead the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, supervision, and evaluation of full-time and part-time staff, fostering a collaborative team dedicated to developing and delivering an innovative academic and college preparatory curriculum that supports students’ academic growth and smooth transition into higher education.

Establish and maintain partnerships with WSU staff and faculty, target schools, and youth-serving community partners to recruit new students to the program and ensure the success of continuing participants.

Prepare and monitor grant budget. Complete annual financial reports. Allocate resources and manage expenditures in accordance with federal, University, and departmental policies, and procedures.

Develop and manage organized recordkeeping and data collection systems to track participant eligibility, services provided and assess program outcomes. Maintain and update participant files while monitoring their performance, retention, program completion, postsecondary enrollment, and progress toward college graduation.

Prepare and submit the UB grant proposal and annual performance reports in accordance with Department of Education guidelines to maintain funding.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education Master's degree

Master’s degree from an accredited university in education, education administration, educational leadership, higher education, counseling, social work, human services, or related field.

Experience Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience)

5 years of full-time professional experience in student access/success programs.
3+ years of academic and administrative experience.
Experience with program management and budget management.
Experience designing, managing, or implementing similar programs.
Experience working with high school or college students, within a TRIO/EOP Program preferred.
Experience with grant proposal writing, management, and reporting preferred.
Experience using Blumen, Banner, or other data management systems preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong leadership, motivational, programming, and organizational skills.
Strong interpersonal, communications, presentation, and information management skills.
Knowledge of learning theories, learning styles, educational methods, and demonstrated ability to apply student development theories
Demonstrated commitment to serving and preparing underserved participants for academic success and post-secondary enrollment.

School/College/Division:

Generic Division

Primary department:

H9212 - Office of Academic Student Affairs (H9212)

Employment type:

Regular Employee
Job type: Full Time
Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

Compensation type: Annual Salary
Hourly rate:
Salary minimum: TBD
Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

Office environment

Job openings:

Number of openings: 1
Reposted position: No
Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.