Assistant Director

Position Description

Performs varied and complex administrative duties in the management and coordination of a large specialized project and/or program. Requires independent judgment and application of established policies and procedures. Works under general supervision with evaluation based on overall results obtained.

About the University

Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas - hard work, grit and authenticity - the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.

About the Department and/or College

Upward Bound | Outreach & Engagement | Office of the Provost | Texas Tech

Major/Essential Functions

Provides leadership and support in the coordination, implementation, and assessment of TTU Upward Bound programming and services in alignment with project objectives and grant requirements.

Assists with the development and implementation of program policies, procedures, strategies, and activities designed to support low-income and potential first-generation high school students in successfully completing secondary education, enrolling in postsecondary education, and progressing toward earning a college degree.

Key program responsibilities include, but are not limited to, coordinating academic instruction and tutoring; academic and college advising; college and career exploration; college admissions and financial aid preparation; financial literacy education; college tours and cultural enrichment activities; academic-year and summer programming; senior transition activities and trips; referral to campus and community resources; and engagement of students and families throughout their participation in the program. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with program leadership, staff, target schools, families, and community partners to support participant success and achievement of Upward Bound grant objectives.

Assists with the collection, tracking, analysis, and reporting of program data to support Upward Bound grant objectives and federal compliance requirements. Monitors participant recruitment, retention, academic progress, postsecondary enrollment and persistence, financial literacy, and other required performance measures. Supports the preparation of required reports and maintains accurate program records in collaboration with program leadership and university and school district partners.

Assists with budget monitoring and fiscal oversight for the Upward Bound grant, including reviewing expenditures, monitoring account balances, and supporting fiscal reporting to ensure compliance with federal grant and university requirements.

Provides direct advising and support to Upward Bound participants in academic preparation, financial literacy, college and career exploration, and postsecondary enrollment. Assists with supervising and training program staff responsible for advising, tutoring, recruitment, and student support, while coordinating related day-to-day program activities.

Overtime may be necessary to support Upward Bound summer programming, college tours, senior trips, and other grant-related activities. Examples may include events during late afternoon or early evening, some weekends, and/or during overnight travel.

Other duties listed in grant.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to support Upward Bound staff, students, families, school partners, and community organizations in implementing program activities and grant objectives.
• Proficient computer skills to manage communications, program records, reports, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills to communicate effectively and professionally with various audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Upward Bound staff and TTU personnel, demonstrating professionalism, respect, sound judgment, and clear, timely communication.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in the area of specialization or closely related field. Three years of related administrative and technical experience. Additional job related education may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or terminal degree preferred; Six years progressively responsible management experience.
• Additional education beyond Bachelor's may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.
• Master's degree and at least three years of experience in TRIO, college access, student support, or related educational programming.
• Experience working with low-income and potential first-generation students.
• Experience coordinating academic, college-readiness, and/or summer programming.
• Experience supervising student employees, counselors, or program staff.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of federal grant-funded programs and compliance requirements preferred.
• Bilingual abilities preferred (read, write, and speak).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with students, families, schools, university personnel, and community partners.

Safety Information

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.

Schedule Details

Travel may be required to support Upward Bound summer programming during late May, June and July dates, college tours, senior trips, and other grant-related activities. Of these, some travel may be overnight or multi-day trips.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.