Program Director - Upward Bound Indian River County

Director of the Upward Bound Program

Join Our Mission to Empower Students! We are seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as Director of the Upward Bound Program, a federally funded TRIO initiative dedicated to helping economically and educationally disadvantaged high school students achieve academic success and pursue higher education. This role is ideal for a passionate professional with a strong background in educational program management, student support services, and compliance oversight.

If you have a master's degree, proven leadership experience, and a commitment to making a difference in students' lives, we invite you to bring your expertise to our team and help shape the future of the next generation.

At Indian River State College, you'll do more than just build a careeryou'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty. In return, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote your well-being, secure your future, and enhance your work-life balance.

Comprehensive Health Coverage

We prioritize your health with Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Life insurance and Supplemental plans to help you stay physically and mentally well with access to essential wellness resources.

We offer PPO and HMO plans with an affordable cost. (PPO / HMO option with $50 per month for individual coverage and $180 per month for family coverage)

Retirement Plans for a Secure Future

Plan for a bright future with our robust retirement options, rarely matched in the private sector. Secure your financial future with state retirement options through the Florida Retirement System (FRS) and additional investment opportunities like tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.

Generous Paid Time Off

Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with ample vacation, personal, and sick leave. Recharge and return to work refreshed and motivated.

Employee Discounts

Enjoy exclusive discounts on various services, including tickets to popular attractions in the area.

Professional Growth Opportunities

Build your career with purpose by engaging in meaningful projects and professional development opportunities. Indian River State College provides the tools and support needed to help you reach your full potential.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skill Requirements

The qualifications and skill requirements for this position include :

• Master's degree in guidance / counseling, higher education, administration, sociology or related area;
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience;
• Direction of educational and enrichment programs for economically and educationally disadvantaged youth - preferably in academic and career advising;
• Demonstrated capability related to the specific needs of the program;
• Prior experience in an administrative position, including supervision of others and budgetary responsibilities;
• Working knowledge of and understanding of the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) specific to compliance, cost principles, and administrative responsibilities that govern TRIO programs;
• Familiarity with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-21, along with the Federal Register and how they apply to cost principles;
• Proven work experience in all areas of office administration;
• Proven leadership / supervisory capabilities;
• Exceptional organizational skills;
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written;
• Ability to maintain strict accuracy and be detail oriented;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and be self-motivated;
• Proven knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows based computer applications;
• Ability to successfully respond to "Request for Proposals";
• Ability to interact diplomatically with the public, support staff, and College administrators in a professional, diplomatic, timely, and confidential manner.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

The essential job functions and responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to :

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The specific duties and responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to :

Coordinating and collaborating Upward Bound activities and objectives with the Academic Coordinator / Counselor, Tutors, Instructors, Indian River County School District, other key stakeholders, and members of the Upward Bound organization in order to accomplish program goals and objectives; Training, supervising, and evaluating Upward Bound Program staff; Identifying qualified youth with potential for education at the postsecondary level and encouraging them to complete secondary school and enrolling in a program of postsecondary education; Implementing and designing academic programs for the purpose of improving high school student's grades and test scores; Publicizing the availability of student financial assistance for persons who seek to pursue postsecondary education; Reporting regularly to the Vice President of Student Affairs on the program's overall attainment of project objectives and any corrective action(s) to be taken to address problems which may arise; Developing and maintaining an Upward Bound Policies and Procedures Manual; Implementing program objectives, methods, and evaluation; Coordinating the development of appropriate curriculum materials for instructional units including mathematics, science, foreign language, composition, and literature; Maintaining and developing positive relationships with the campus community, target school personnel, service organizations, other key stakeholders, and the target community; publicizing Upward Bound goals, services, and accomplishments; and developing appropriate descriptive materials; Planning and authorizing the expenditure of Upward Bound funds; Maintaining appropriate records and reporting program activities to the U.S. Department of Education; ensuring compliance with the specifications of the grant and federal regulations; Supervising the identification, recruitment, and selection of Upward Bound students; Coordinating visits to colleges and universities, cultural and social events; Supervising and coordinating all program components; after-school, weekend and Saturday Programs, summer residency, and Bridge Program; Administering program evaluations; collecting, interpreting, and maintaining evaluations of the program by staff, students, and target school personnel; Preparing Upward Bound Continuation application; Coordinating and supervising an Upward Bound Parent Association; Having familiarity with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-21, along with the Federal Register and how they apply to cost principles initiating effective marketing techniques to promote the program throughout the institution and the community; Completing other duties and responsibilities as directed by the Vice-President of Student Affairs.

Physical Requirements

This position requires an ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, lift, reach up, stoop, and carry items occasionally in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds. It also requires manual dexterity to operate standard office machines, such as, copier, fax, calculator, telephone, and other equipment as necessary. IRSC expects its employees to follow proper safety standards while employed by the College.

This description is intended to indicate typical kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring every specific duty and responsibility of the particular position. This job description is not intended to be a contract for employment, and the employer reserves the right to make any necessary revisions to the job description at any time without notice.