Upward Bound Program Director, Windham High School

JOB SUMMARY

The University of Connecticut’s Center for Access and Postsecondary Success (CAPS) seeks applicants to serve as the Upward Bound Program Director (Senior Student Services Program Administrator) for the Windham High School program. Based out of the UConn Storrs Campus, the Program Director will be responsible for the management and day-to-day administration of college preparation programming for first-generation and/or low-income high school students at Windham High School.

The Program Director will hire, train, supervise, and evaluate professional, instructional, and student staff; manage the approved budget for the program; prepare institutional, state, and federal reports; coordinate programming with campus units and community organizations; and evaluate program effectiveness. The Program Director will also serve as a resource to students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders on matters relating to college access, educational equity, student engagement, and postsecondary success.

Works under the direction of the CAPS Associate Director for College Access.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans and administers day-to-day program operations and monitors compliance with departmental, institutional, state, and federal policies and procedures.
• Leads in development and implementation of college outreach and preparation programming to achieve goals aligned with increasing postsecondary enrollment and persistence for students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
• Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises staff. Assigns staff tasks in accordance with program objectives and evaluates completion of assignments.
• Monitors approved budgets; prepares budget reports and projections in collaboration with department fiscal staff.
• Ensures compliance with university, state, federal, and foundation operational, fiscal, and grant requirements, and prepares necessary reports.
• Engages, plans, and organizes engagement activities with school personnel, district leaders, and local/state education organizations for program promotion, student recruitment, and collaborations to enhance opportunities for high school students attending targeted high schools and meet program outcome metrics.
• Provides support to parents/guardians to help them support students in navigating college and financial aid application processes and transitioning to college.
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with university stakeholders, school and community members, and educational opportunity/TRIO organizations.
• Completes annual program evaluation and formative assessments; Collects data, analyzes outcomes, and identifies issues and/or opportunities affecting objectives. Makes recommendations for program improvement based on evaluation and assessment results.
• Assists in grant and development initiatives, including fundraising and writing grant proposals to secure resources to support the delivery of services.
• Must be able to travel to/from campus site, UConn campuses, target school, and community organizations
• The position requires working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 6-7 years of related experience; OR Master's degree in a related field and four years of related experience.
• Two years of experience must be serving as an advanced team member or working as a project lead.
• Demonstrated experience working with students who are first-generation to college, from low-income backgrounds, and/or other populations underrepresented in higher education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the challenges faced by students who attend under-resourced schools, and who are first-generation to college, from low-income backgrounds and/or populations underrepresented in higher education.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience working in college access programming and/or postsecondary preparation for K-12 students.
• Demonstrated experience in budget and/or fiscal management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated administrative abilities in strategic planning, budgeting, resource management, and staff supervision.
• Experience with organizational, institutional, state, and/or federal reporting.
• Demonstrated experience with program evaluation and/or assessment.
• Experience in coordinating professional development workshops and training.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated Ability to identify and solve problems independently.
• Demonstrated strength in oral, written and verbal communication.
• Grant writing and/or grant management experience.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The starting salary is $75,786. An offer of employment, if made, will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s skill and experience, as determined by the University.

For more information about benefits and other offerings available to University employees, we encourage you to review the Human Resources website and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves header at the top of the page. Under Benefits & Leaves, select Benefits to access an overview as well as additional information on topics such as paid time off, benefits, retirement, and other resources. As you explore these pages, please note that this position is covered by the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA) and look for information specifically identified for UCPEA, as provisions may vary by employee group.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499799 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

This job posting will remain open until filled, with preference given to applications received by September 1, 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.