Upward Bound Project Director

Position Summary

JOB SUMMARY: Supervise the development and implementation of the Upward Bound program. Supervise the program staff, manage program budget, and comply with all federal, state, and college regulations. Disseminate Upward Bound project information to target schools, the public and the college staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

DUTIES:

Supervise the Upward Bound staff, including all part-time instructors, summer staff, and tutors

Supervise the development and implementation of Upward Bound to ensure that the goals and objectives of the grant are satisfied in accordance with U.S Department of Education regulations

Effectively develop and manage the project budget, personnel, grant objectives, in accordance with state, federal, and college policies, while fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment

Recruit, hire, and train full-time and part-time staff as needed to support UB goals and objectives

Supervise and maintain the security of accurate program records including, but not limited to, participant eligibility, contact meetings, contact statistical reports, participant evaluations, assessment, purchase orders and relevant documentation, budgeting, equipment inventory, and stipend payments

Develop publications which are distributed for recruitment purposes

Determine eligibility of program applicants

Maintain accurate program records

Complete and submit all required reports to the U.S. Department of Education and the College accurately and timely

Manage the development of Individual Educational Plan (IEP) for each UB participant based on assessments, participant need, and other relevant information

Oversee the development and implementation of innovative programs and activities that prepare students for college and beyond

Serve high school students with low income, first generation, and/or disabled and/or low income families

Cultivate strong relationships with local high schools, community partners, and families

Perform a variety of key research and planning tasks associated with the program to ensure academic and college-readiness for program participants

Increase the rates at which participants enroll in and graduate from institutions of post-secondary education

Provide fundamental support to high school participants in their preparation for college entrance

Provide counseling to UB program participants on personal/social issues and academic development and performance; make referrals for participants as necessary to other programs and/or agencies and organizations

Conduct seminars and workshops focused on the needs of participants

Provide cultural and educational activities for participants in accordance with the grant and in accordance with federal regulations

Oversee dissemination of program information to the public and college staff

Serve as a liaison between the college, the U.S. Department of Education, and other agencies providing services to the college

Ensure that policies and procedures are in compliance with all grant and federal regulations

Comply with all policies of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, the Alabama Community College System, and the College

Serve on college committees as assigned

Perform additional duties relevant to the programNote: The intent of this description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of positions given this title and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments. Specific job-related duties assigned by hiring departments shall be consistent with the representative essential functions listed above and shall not be construed as expanding a particular position’s role, scope, FLSA status, or grade.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

A Master’s Degree in Counseling, Student Personnel, Education Administration, Social Work or related field, required

Three years’ experience in administration, counseling, or teaching required

Three years’ experience working with economically and educationally disadvantaged youth in similar programs, required

Excellent supervisory, interpersonal, oral and written communication skillsDESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Familiarity with federal programs including applications, budgets, program coordination and policy development

Excellent supervisory, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

Sensitivity to the needs of youth, minorities, the disabled, and other persons the project may serve

Excellent rapport with community leaders, school officials, parents and youth

Organizational skills and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines

Application Procedures/Additional Information

PROJECTED STARTING DATE:

September 2025

SALARY: Salary Schedule, C3-$50,000-$60,000. Salary will be based on VERIFIED education and years of VERIFIED related experience that is stated on the initial job application only.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

August 7, 2025 – 4:00PM

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Only complete application packages will be given consideration for employment. Complete package consists of (a) Gadsden State Community College application, (b) letter of interest, (c) current resume; and (d) copies of transcripts of postsecondary education.

Application materials must provide documentation that the applicant meets all minimum qualifications.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:

IF AT ANY POINT YOU HAVE PROBLEMS COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION, CONTACT THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT AT GADSDEN STATE ().

Salary Calculation: For all positions on all Salary Schedules, the salary amount for the selected applicant is determined by step placement on the applicable schedule. Step placement is dependent upon the following: (a) all work experience in public education in Alabama and (b) all other work experience outside of public education in Alabama that, in the sole judgment of the College, directly relates to the requirements of the position. The applicant selected for the position must provide written verification(s) of this work experience within the time provided herein if such experience is to be considered in determining their initial step place on the Salary Schedule.

Format for Work Experience Verifications: Work experience verifications should be in the form of verification letters from employers and must include complete employment dates, job title(s), job duties, and an indication whether such employment was full-time or part-time, and if part-time, the average number of hours worked each week. The letters should be on official letterhead and contain an authorized personnel signature. The College’s official employment verification form is also acceptable and is available upon request. If an employment verification cannot be obtained due to a legitimate reason, for purposes of meeting minimum requirements an applicant may submit copies of other trustworthy documentation such as appointment letters, contracts, pay stubs, or W-2 forms documenting the term of employment. However, such documentation is generally insufficient for salary calculation purposes if job duties and dates of employment are not self-evident in the documentation.

Please Note:• ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE ELECTRONIC- It is recommended that you have digital (such as pdf) copies of your cover letter, resume, employment verification documents (if applicable), ALL required transcripts, and any other document identified in the vacancy announcement ready when you begin the on-line application process. You will be given the opportunity to upload these during the process.

• When you finish the steps to apply, you will receive an on-screen notice that you have successfully applied. HOWEVER, this notice does not mean your application materials are complete in accordance with the vacancy announcement.

All correspondence with applicants regarding the College's search process will be sent via e-mail. If you need technical assistance, such as resetting your password or browser access issues after reviewing the instructions, please contact:

NEOGOV Customer Service:

Monday-Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm PST

Applicants must adhere to the College’s prescribed interview schedule and must travel at their own expense. Application materials are considered privileged and confidential and will be used for employment purposes only.

Gadsden State Community College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the official policy of the Alabama Community College System, including postsecondary institutions under the control of the Board of Trustees, that no person in Alabama shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, or other classification protected by Federal or State law, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or employment. Gadsden State will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees. More than one position in the same job classification may be filled from the applicants for this position should another vacancy occur during the search process. The College reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to the awarding. Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background investigation. This employer participates in E-Verify.