TRIO Upward Bound (UB), a federally funded TRIO program, is designed to assist high school students from first generation and low-income backgrounds to complete secondary school and enter postsecondary education programs. Program services include group and individual counseling, career and academic advising and support, exposure to career and educational opportunities, instructional tutoring, workshops and programming, and personal enrichment events and activities. The program will serve 60 students at Ferndale High School, Mt. Baker High School, and Nooksack Valley High School. The program will also work closely with the participating high schools to develop and advance college and career development programs, activities and events.

The Project Director for TRIO UB administers Whatcom Community College's (WCC) TRIO UB program in accordance with federal guidelines and regulations determined by the US Department of Education. The Project Director will provide oversight and direction for this US Department of Education sponsored program at Whatcom Community College participating high schools. Reporting to the Director for TRiO and Student Support Services, the Project Director will supervise UB staff, monitor budget expenditures, conduct program reviews, and report program progress to WCC administrators and stakeholders. This position works closely with the Student Services Division and Administrative leadership team, including K-12 Partnerships, Student Success and Retention, Academic Advising and Career Services, Entry Services, Financial Aid, Registration and Outreach, Business Office and Information Technology. The Project Director ensures programs, services, and activities operate in accordance with the college's mission, strategic goals, and regulatory requirements. This position leads and promotes meaningful student and faculty engagement while building an inclusive and vibrant community at WCC.

Responsibilities

Duties include but not limited to:

• Develop partnerships and collaborate with WCC and high school faculty and staff. Communicate program goals, objectives, and needs of target high school communities.
• Direct, plan, implement, and evaluate all UB grant program activities. Establish program and component goals and objectives, and guide efforts of all staff in achieving goals and objectives.
• Prepare written reports for federal requirements and assist with the grant proposal for continued funding. Provide accurate interpretation of federal regulations in establishment of compliant institutional and program processes as needed and appropriate.
• Manage a student data base management system that is secure and accurately reflects student eligibility, academic performance and participation.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, coach and evaluate UB program staff. Provide ongoing and annual evaluation of program staff. Lead regular staff meetings, share information as appropriate, promote development of ideas for improved service and efficiency, and encourage high quality practice and teamwork.
• Implement, monitor, and revise UB budget. Ensure grant expenditures are in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Recruit and communicate with 60 students the expectations and considerations of the UB Program. Implement strategies that will provide for an efficient delivery system of required and permissible student and instructional services for program participants.
• In partnership with the UB Advisor manage student caseload of UB program participants. Provide career and academic advising, implement individualized student development plans, and monitor academic progress.
• In collaboration with UB stakeholders, develop, implement, and evaluate onsite high school financial literacy, career and academic advising, and cultural enrichment programs and activities for UB Scholars.
• Plan, coordinate, execute, and evaluate a six-week summer academy, and a summer bridge program for UB Scholars.
• Coordinate and administer tutoring for all UB Scholars.
• Meet with counselors, faculty, and students regularly to monitor and evaluate implementation of Upward Bound career and academic initiatives.
• Participate in institutional committees and training that are related to the goals and objectives of the UB program and enhance student success and retention opportunities for UB students.
• Attend state, regional and national conferences and training regarding TRIO/UB programs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate annual goals and objectives through the College's Service Improvement Plan process.
• Perform duties as assigned and/or delegated by the Director for TRiO and Student Support Services.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Innovative and inclusive leader with two (2) or more years of increasingly responsible experience in administering and evaluating one or more of the following areas: student programs, student life and development, student success and retention, career and academic advising.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in education, student affairs, counseling, communications, or other closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experience working in a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender/sexuality, and ethnic backgrounds and identities.
• Demonstrated experience with grant management.
• Experience partnering and working with school districts, in and out of the classroom learning environment.
• Three (3) years of experience working with youth in under-resourced communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues affecting the academic potential of low income, at-risk, first generation college-bound youth.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Three (3) years of demonstrated experience in recruiting, supervising, and evaluating staff.
• Ability to develop, implement, analyze and use assessment of program and learning outcomes.
• Ability to use a personal computer, Microsoft Office products and database programs.
• Excellent verbal, listening, writing, problem-solving and interpersonal communication skills.

Salary

Salary and Appointment:

• This is a one year, temporary, grant funded, full-time administrative/exempt position with possible extension contingent on funding. Exempt from Washington State civil service law with an annual salary of$70,000.00.

Benefit Package:

• The position comes with a full benefit package, including health, dental, life, long-term disability insurance and a retirement plan.

*Additionally, as a Washington State, public higher education institution, WCC offers the following:

• Whatcom Community College is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). If you work for the College full time, have had Direct Loans and are on an eligible repayment plan, you are eligible to apply.
• Full-time employees are eligible to apply and participate in the Whatcom Community College Employee Tuition Program, which provides a tuition waiver for available and eligible WCC courses.
• Full-time employees may qualify for Washington State Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)benefit.

Start Date:

• As soon as can be arranged with successful candidate.

Application Due Date:

• For guaranteed consideration, application packets should be received by Friday, January 6th, 2023 at 5:00 pm. Position open until filled.

How To Apply

A completed application consists of an online application and:

• Letter of application detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position.
• Diversity statement that addresses how you have committed to equity and inclusion in the past and how you might support a diverse workplace and educational environment through this position.
• Current resume.
• Unofficial Transcripts for all earned degrees; official transcripts required prior to official start date.
• List of five recent professional references with contact information.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: One location