Project Director/Academic Coordinator, Upward Bound

$37,000 - $62,000/Yr

Northwest Missouri State University - Maryville, MO

Full-time - Mid Level

Maryville, MO

Educational Services

About the position

The Project Director/Academic Coordinator for the Upward Bound program at Northwest Missouri State University is responsible for managing the daily operations of the program, which aims to support eligible high school students in their academic pursuits. This role involves a variety of essential functions that contribute to the success of the program and its participants. The Project Director will actively recruit students, design an engaging academic curriculum for a six-week summer residential program, and oversee the hiring, training, and supervision of staff involved in the program. Additionally, the coordinator will manage the Academic Year Field Tutoring Program, ensuring that students receive the necessary support in their home schools. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Coordinator of Counseling, to create a positive programming experience for students. The Project Director will also be responsible for organizing on-campus or virtual Saturday Academies, maintaining the program's Canvas website, and documenting services provided to participants. Monitoring the academic progress of each student and contributing to the grant writing process for program funding are also key responsibilities. The role demands active involvement in university activities that reflect the interests of program participants and requires the ability to evaluate the impact of services provided. Overall, this position is crucial for ensuring that the Upward Bound program meets its objectives and effectively supports students in their educational journeys.

Responsibilities

• Identify and actively recruit the grant required number of eligible high school students to participate in Project on an annual basis.
• Design a challenging and exciting academic curriculum for the 6 week summer residential program.
• Hire, train and supervise UB pro-staff and academic staff for summer program.
• Oversee Academic Year Field Tutoring Program in students' home schools, including use of tools necessary to meet with project participants.
• Assist Coordinator of Counseling in designing and implementing a positive residential and/or virtual programming experience for the students during the 6 week summer program.
• Assist with identifying speakers/activities for 8 on-campus or virtual Saturday Academies during the academic year.
• Design and update projects' Canvas website.
• Maintain appropriate documentation of services provided to project participants, including close monitoring of project database.
• Work with supervisor to complete the Annual Performance Report.
• With TRIO Program Specialist's assistance, monitor program's budget.
• Contribute to the grant writing process to secure program funding.
• Be actively involved in university activities/committees which directly impact/reflect the interests of program participants.
• Evaluate the impact of services provided to project participants.
• Monitor and document the academic progress of each participant; including the rate at which they enter into and complete a postsecondary education.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, social sciences, or a related field.
• Experience in program management or coordination, preferably in an educational setting.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of students and staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using educational technology and online platforms.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with grant writing and funding processes.
• Familiarity with TRIO programs or similar educational support initiatives.
• Knowledge of academic advising and counseling practices.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.