Program Specialist, Upward Bound (Grant-Funded)

Salary: $40,535.07 - $42,417.00 Annually

Location : Winter Haven

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 202500181

Org: Upward Bound - East

Opening Date: 08/14/2025

Closing Date: Continuous

Description

Under the direction of the Director of Upward Bound Program, performs a variety of specialized duties related to the office operations of the Upward Bound program, including budgetary and record-keeping functions, outreach, and communications. This position is a regular, full-time, grant-funded, 12-month per year, classified as a temporary position.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions/Duties:

Prepares and processes operational documents related to purchasing, contracts, and other administrative activities, including timekeeping records.

Assists in establishing program standards and goals and in the evaluation of program results.

Assists supervisor in assuring that program activities and operations follow rules and regulations of program, including college mission, requirements of categorical or grant funding agency, or state or federal law that established program.

Effectively utilizes computer software to create, edit, compile, and translate data into reports, summaries, and graphic formats.

Collects data, reconciles discrepancies, and prepares descriptive, statistical, and evaluative reports related to assigned program areas.

Assists in the coordination and production of student events, programs, training workshops, internships, mentorships, publications, special services, and/or other related functions.

Designs questionnaires, selects samples, and conducts surveys among community populations to assess needs, interests, relevant background information, and resources for special interest programs.

Participates in the interviewing and assessment of program participants.

Participates in the design and writing of bulletins, brochures, news releases, and other materials to publicize or provide information on college programs and services.

Classifies accounting transactions and maintains, reconciles, and closes accounts associated with program budget.

Assists in the selection, orientation, and training of program students

Assists in the maintenance of program participants' files and records.

Reviews and processes various forms, applications, and records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with basic program requirements

Prepares letters, memoranda, bulletins, tables, and other material using a variety of software applications, and proofreads the same.

Assures that clerical processes of the office are running smoothly and efficiently on a day-to-day basis, including supplies, photocopying, telephones, and emails.

Attends meetings and takes minutes of proceedings.

Provide training and work direction to student employees.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Required Skills:

Mission, objectives, and goals of assigned program area.

Eligibility requirements of assigned program area.

Community resources, organizations, and services common to community colleges.

Computer software such as word-processing, spreadsheet, database management of a specially funded program (BLLUMEN), Microsoft 365 including Teams, and Zoom.

Clerical practices and procedures including, but not limited to letter, memorandum, and report formats.

Capabilities and operation of standard office equipment.

Basic practices and procedures used in processing and recording of accounting information and transactions.

Proper business English, spelling, punctuation, and grammatical usage.

Customer service techniques for public contact in person, on the telephone, and in written communication.

Capabilities of computer systems, software, and hardware used in assigned program.

Analyze and prioritize workload and initiate self-directed tasks.

Understand, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, and procedures pertaining to assigned program.

Communicate effectively with individuals from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and different levels of academic achievement.

Gather and data enter program related information tactfully and accurately.

Prepare clear, comprehensive, and effective reports, correspondence, publicity materials, and oral presentations.

Work effectively and cooperatively with students, staff, faculty, and the public.

Provide technical assistance to team and Program Director.

Keep information confidential and act in an ethical and professional manner.

Maintain a variety of logs, files, and records accurately.

Meet schedules and deadlines.

Critically review source data and detect and correct errors.

Learn basics of budget preparation.

Learn specialized computer applications.

Input data neatly and accurately.

Working Conditions/Additional Information

This position is a full-time on-campus position located at our Winter Haven campus. (Remote/hybrid options are not available.)

This position requires a high amount of travel.

Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends for events and programs.

Must be able to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as needed including occasional overnight stays during academic year and scheduled residential summer program.

Saturday Discovery sessions (as scheduled) will be required.

Reliable transportation is required.

Possession of a valid Florida's Driver's License is required (or must be eligible to obtain a Florida's license within 30 days).

Position may be required to work during College closures (such as winter/spring break and inclement weather closures) dependent upon program schedule.

Salary and Benefits Information

This position is a level P12 with a maximum pay rate of $42,417.00 based on grant restrictions. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; short-term disability; paid holidays and sick leave; vacation (excluding faculty positions); retirement benefits for eligible employees; and college fee waivers.

THIS IS A TEMPORARY, GRANT-FUNDED POSITION.

This position receives full benefits, but is designated as "temporary" due to being grant-funded.

Required Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree is required. A degree in Education, Business Management, or related disciplines is preferred.

Additional training, certifications, or licensures may be required based on program needs. Required Experience:

Three years of experience in support of training/educational programs is required.Preferred Experience:

Experience in higher education programs is preferred.

Experience working with high school students (grades 9-12), and low-income and potential first-generation college students, is highly preferred.

Supplemental Information

Submissions that do not include all parts of the following required information will not be considered:

a resume.

an electronic job application (all sections MUST be completed).

Important Information

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Polk State College participates in E-Verify. Candidates must provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States. Polk State College does not provide visa sponsorship.

To request Veteran's Preference, please be sure to upload all necessary documents (DD-214, etc.) to your application.

Polk State College is a drug-free workplace.

Polk State College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Reference checks, successful completion of a background check, and third-party Education Verification for all stated degrees will be required prior to employment.

Polk State College does NOT provide relocation assistance for this position.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, activities, or employment. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Title IX Coordinator

999 Avenue H, NE

Winter Haven, FL 33881

We encourage applicants to provide feedback of their experience or request help at

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page.

01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher based on the requirements in the job description?

Yes

No

02

How many years of professional experience in support of training/educational programs do you have?

No experience

Less than 1 year of experience

1 year but less than 2 years of experience

2 years but less than 3 years experience

3 years but less than 5 years experience

More than 5 years experience

Required Question