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Posting Details

Job Title Director of Upward Bound

Department TRIO UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM

Position Number GA032A

Location Norfolk, VA

Job Summary

The Director of the TRIO Upward Bound Program at Old Dominion University provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for a federally funded college-access program that prepares first-generation, income-eligible high school students for postsecondary success. The Director ensures compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations and university policies, manages all aspects of program implementation, and is responsible for strategic planning, staff supervision, fiscal accountability, and service delivery.

The Upward Bound Director oversees both the academic year and summer residential components, coordinating comprehensive services that include academic instruction, tutoring, mentoring, college tours, standardized test preparation, cultural enrichment, and family engagement. The Director plays a key role in institutional and community outreach and serves as a liaison between ODU , partner high schools, families, and the federal government.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Oversight & Federal Compliance

+ Provide daily leadership, management, and administration of all Upward Bound activities.

+ Ensure the program’s full compliance with EDGAR , U.S. Department of Education TRIO regulations (34 CFR Part 645), and ODU policies.

+ Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of academic year and summer residential services in accordance with the grant’s approved Plan of Operation.

+ Develop and implement strategic processes to meet all six federally mandated objectives.

+ Maintain accurate, auditable records of program services, participant eligibility, and outcomes.

+ Prepare and submit required reports, including the Annual Performance Report ( APR ), in a timely and accurate manner.

Budget & Fiscal Management

+ Develop and manage the annual federal budget in partnership with the ODU Research Foundation.

+ Ensure all program expenditures are allowable, allocable, and properly documented.

+ Maintain transparent financial records, procurement documentation, and stipend tracking systems.

+ Participate in grant renewal and competition processes and contribute to federal TRIO grant writing efforts.

Staff Supervision & Personnel Development

+ Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate a team of classified, hourly, and instructional staff.

+ Facilitate onboarding, professional development, and ongoing training aligned with federal TRIO expectations and student support best practices.

+ Lead performance management and staff evaluations, ensuring alignment with program goals and federal regulations.

Student Services & Program Delivery

+ Oversee recruitment, selection, and retention of 77 eligible participants from target high schools in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

+ Coordinate academic instruction, advising, test prep, tutoring, and summer bridge services.

+ Monitor student academic progress, maintain individual work plans, and ensure delivery of career exploration and college readiness activities.

+ Supervise students during all program components, including Saturday sessions and the summer residential program.

+ Provide crisis intervention and support systems to address academic, personal, and behavioral challenges.

Institutional & Community Partnerships

+ Serve as the program’s primary liaison to school counselors, principals, university stakeholders, and the U.S. Department of Education.

+ Collaborate with ODU offices (e.g., Financial Aid, Admissions, SSS ) and local organizations to expand support for students and families.

+ Coordinate parent engagement strategies, student recognition, and ongoing communication across program stakeholders.

+ Advocate for Upward Bound students and promote awareness of college access barriers.

Position Type FullTime

Type of Recruitment General Public

Minimum Qualifications

+ Master’s degree in guidance and counseling, higher education, administration, human services, or a closely related field.

+ Demonstrated experience in program administration, staff supervision, and budget management.

+ Strong oral and written communication skills.

+ Experience in federal grant writing, implementation, or compliance.

+ Familiarity with barriers facing low-income, first-generation college-bound students.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Several years of experience in Upward Bound, TRIO , or similar educational opportunity/access programs.

+ Experience in academic advising, curriculum coordination, or working with at-risk high school youth.

+ Excellent organizational and project management skills.

+ Experience supervising both staff and high school students in residential and academic settings.

+ Experience with EDGAR regulations and federal compliance systems (e.g., G5, APR systems).

Conditions of Employment

This is a TRIO Grant–restricted position. The person selected for this position must be willing to:

+ Work occasional evenings and weekends during the academic year.

+ Participate in educational and cultural enrichment activities (e.g., college tours and field trips).

+ Be on call 24/7 during the six-week summer residential component (Monday–Thursday) to support student supervision and crisis management.

Work Schedule & Location:

+ This is a full-time, in-office position located at Old Dominion University.

+ Standard work hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

+ Flexibility required for occasional travel, evenings, and weekends, especially during the summer program.

Job Open Date 07/08/2025

Open Until Filled Yes

Application Review Date 07/28/2025

Job Close Date

Special Instructions to Applicants / Additional Materials Required

Funding Statement: This position is funded by the U.S. Department of Education through the TRIO Upward Bound Program and is contingent upon continued federal funding.

Criminal Background Check The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check.

Department Information

TRiO Programs

[email protected]

Equity Statement

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, gender, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity at (757) 683-3141.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or © consistent with contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

ODU Statement

Old Dominion University, located in the City of Norfolk in the metropolitan Hampton Roads region of coastal Virginia, is a state-assisted, Carnegie doctoral/research-extensive institution that serves its students and enriches the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through rigorous academic programs, strategic partnerships, and active civic engagement. Its 24,000 students, including over 6,000 graduate students, form a diverse and multicultural community in six academic colleges. Through a collaborative and innovative approach to education and research, the University focuses on student learning and addresses critical needs in the professions. ODU’s programs are offered on the main campus, at higher education centers in the region, and at numerous distance learning sites.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Resume

+ Cover Letter/Letter of Application

+ Unofficial Graduate Transcripts

Optional Documents

+ Other Document

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).