Upward Bound Program Director

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Upward Bound Director leading UWM’s federally funded college-readiness program for high school students. Managing grants, staff, budgets, curriculum, and partnerships supporting postsecondary success.

Posted 8/21/2026full-timeMilwaukee • Wisconsin • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $55,000 - $65,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in program management and compliance with federal education guidelines, including the Higher Education Act. Proven ability to lead and develop educational programs that support low-income and first-generation students while ensuring effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program CoordinationCompliance With Federal RegulationsCurriculum DevelopmentBudget ManagementStaff Supervision

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Program PlanningData ManagementPerformance MonitoringGrant WritingStudent Support Services

Soft Skills

Strategic LeadershipCommunicationCollaborationMentoringRecruitment

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s Degree

Industry Keywords

TRIO Upward BoundHigher Education ActU.S. Department of EducationFirst-Generation StudentsLow-Income Students

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the federally funded TRIO Upward Bound program
Align program operations with U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant guidelines and institutional goals
Develop and implement short- and long-range program plans
Ensure compliance with the Higher Education Act and applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations
Communicate with the U.S. Department of Education regarding grant performance and compliance
Monitor performance objectives and implement continuous improvement strategies
Prepare and submit Annual Performance Reports, budgets, and federal documentation
Lead development and submission of the competitive five-year federal grant renewal
Maintain data systems tracking participant eligibility, services, outcomes, and performance measures
Oversee academic year and summer programming, including instruction, tutoring, mentoring, college readiness workshops, and enrichment
Develop curriculum aligned with college access and academic skill-building objectives
Ensure advising and support services for participants and families
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate professional staff, student employees, and instructional personnel
Manage budgets, payroll, contracts, and resource allocation
Implement risk management, student safety protocols, and youth protection policies
Recruit eligible low-income, first-generation, and academically at-risk high school students
Build partnerships with schools, school districts, and community organizations
Collaborate with campus units to support transition to postsecondary education
Represent Upward Bound and the Center for Pre-College Programs at meetings, events, and conferences
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in education, counseling, liberal arts, or a related field, conferred at time of application
At least three (3) years of professional experience with program coordination or management in education, counseling/advising, pre-college programming, and/or student support services
Experience working with low-income, first-generation, underrepresented, and/or academically disadvantaged students
Must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States at start date
Must complete required employment eligibility verification form upon hire
Finalist candidates must provide three professional/supervisor references
Employment requires a criminal background check
References must answer questions regarding past findings or pending allegations of sexual violence and sexual harassment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities
Criminal background check and reference check process
Employment eligibility verification support