General Summary:
TRIO Upward Bound Math-Science and Talent Search-Lawrence provide high school participants (aged 13-19) with the skills and motivation necessary for successful completion of high school and entry into and completion of post-secondary education. Year-round programming includes college-preparatory academic courses, tutorials, college selection and application assistance, career awareness activities, financial literacy, financial aid advising, social-emotional skill-building, and cultural enrichment. The most intensive aspect of the UBMS program year, the six-week summer component, is preceded by one week of staff orientation and is run by the program’s administrative staff (Director of Programs and Associate Director). The summer program takes place on a residential campus and runs each week from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon. As they progress through the program, many Upward Bound Math-Science students take college courses through UMass Boston. Upward Bound Math-Science currently serves 72 students who attend Lawrence High School. Talent Search-Lawrence serves 500 students annually with an emphasis on services to students in the 9th and 10th grades, and follow-up coordination throughout the 11th and 12th grades with other in-house partners to ensure successful college entrance. Talent Search students also participate in STEM student success workshops, financial literacy and career exploration workshops, test preparation sessions, college application assistance and educational field trips. The Associate Director of UBMS and TS-Lawrence will be responsible for working closely with the Director of Programs to coordinate the smooth operation of both programs within the Lawrence HS setting with school personnel, external partners, and participant cohorts. The Associate Director will be responsible for developing and implementing program curricula. The incumbent will be responsible also for the recruitment, screening, selection, and intake of program participants and will meet with a caseload of program participants in both programs to provide holistic coaching and academic guidance regarding their secondary school progress, college and career goals, and postsecondary entry. In consultation with the Director of Programs, the Associate Director will assist in planning and implementing the UBMS summer program, including helping to select, train, and supervise program teachers, tutors and teaching assistants and facilitating orientations for staff, students, and parents. In the absence of the Director of Programs, the Associate Director will assume responsibility during the UBMS summer for program operations, including staff supervision, and for the safety and well-being of the 50 student attendees. During the summer, the incumbent may teach a course section, depending upon program needs. The Associate Director will plan, implement and chaperone academic, career, and cultural field trips and activities and in collaboration with other UBMS and TS-L program staff, will promote, document and report on program events. S/he will assist the Director of Programs with the collection of program data and the submission of regular program reports for both programs
Examples of Duties:
Curriculum and Program Development
• Develop and implement program curricula and UBMS course offerings; ensure that the federally mandated core curriculum is implemented where indicated and that the participants are engaged in college-preparatory courses and activities; secure and coordinate accommodations for students in need of English Learner (EL) and/or special education services; Staff Supervision
• Assist in the recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, and supervision of all instructional staff, including program teachers and tutors; ensure that courses are aligned with the Massachusetts Core Curriculum and program objectives and that course offerings are aligned with program regulations; Student Recruitment and Selection Vannak Pen Upward Bound Math-Science and Talent Search--Lawrence
• Spearhead the student recruitment process in conjunction with Director of Programs; work closely with teachers, school counselors, and other school personnel and parents to recruit students for the program; work with the Student Counselor to provide information sessions to new recruits and collect program applications and health forms.
• Assist in the management of the program admission process: meet with the Director of Programs and Student Counselor to make student admission decisions based upon the applicants’ need for the program, academic performance, commitment to enrolling in post-secondary education and other decision-making factors; Summer Residential Component
• Assist the Director of Programs, College Access Coordinator, and Student Counselor in the planning and implementation of the Upward Bound summer residential program; including in planning and implementing orientation for students, parents, and staff.
• Live in residence at the Upward Bound summer site, providing support to the rest of the Upward Bound summer residential staff (including the Director of Programs);
• In the absence of the Director of Programs assume responsibility for: o Maintaining program operations, including staff supervision; o The safety and welfare of 50 high school participants from Sunday afternoon through Friday afternoon weekly) for six weeks during the program’s summer residential program.
• Teach one summer course section (e.g., English Language Arts, STEM, elective) as needed, based on program needs; Direct Student Service
• As part of the program’s participation in the Boston After School & Beyond Summer Learning Community, administer various student and program assessments and assist with the collection and entry of attendance and other relevant data into the online database.
• Coordinate participant intake, initial needs assessment, and advising for students in grades nine through twelve; Provide academic, career, and personal counseling to participants; meet regularly with a caseload of program participants [approx. 40 students] at least quarterly to provide guidance regarding their academic progress, college and career goals, secondary and post-secondary course selection and to provide personal wellness counseling.
• In collaboration with the Director of Programs and other program staff, plan and facilitate monthly cohort meetings that include presentations, workshops, panels, and guest speakers for advisees
• In collaboration/consultation with the Director of Programs and Student Counselor plan, implement and chaperone academic enrichment, career, service learning/community service, leadership, and cultural field trips and activities, some of which are overnight and/or weekend trips.
• Work closely with the Director of Programs to adjudicate student discipline and code of conduct matters. Program Marketing/Building Relationships with Program Constituents
• In consultation with the Director of Programs, promote and report on program events, via social media, text, phone calls, and other modes of communication.
• In consultation with the Director of Programs, provide updates on program services, student progress, program events and other areas of interest pertaining to the program to school personnel; meet as needed with headmasters, teachers, school counselors, and other personnel from the program’s partner high schools to discuss student performance, program goals and accomplishments, school or program events, and other areas of program interest.
• Assist the Director of Programs in the development of partnerships with families to support academic achievement and the successful pursuit of postsecondary education.
• Prepare and submit activity, evaluation, and related reports to the Director of Programs for the purpose of program management and improvement. Assist the Director of Programs with providing activity reports and regular program evaluation reports to unit leadership for the purpose of program management and improvement; Data Management and Reporting
• Collect and enter data related to areas of responsibility and maintain integrity of program database containing all relevant student data on an ongoing basis.
• Assist the Director of Programs with the preparation and submission of the annual performance and other progress reports and continuation proposals for the U.S. Department of Education and all agencies that have such requirements.
• Assist the Director of Programs in regularly evaluating the program and developing and implementing systems for continuous improvement in the quality of program services and the attainment of program outcome objectives; Other Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, Education, Psychology, Counseling, or a closely related field, Master’s degree in Education, Counseling, or a closely related field preferred, and a minimum of four-five (4-5) years of professional administrative experience within a secondary school or post-secondary institution, preferably in an urban secondary school or higher education institution setting, is required. Demonstrated experience with academic and/or college counseling skills required. Motor vehicle driver’s license required. Preferred
▪ Demonstrated experience with multi-ethic, multi-racial population highly preferred.
▪ Demonstrated ability to work effectively with low-income, first-generation urban students, including English Learners (ELs), and their families strongly preferred.
▪ Knowledge of and experience working with the Boston Public Schools or similar urban district is preferred.
▪ Bilingual in Spanish, Vietnamese, Khmer, or other language is preferred.
▪ Success in overcoming similar obstacles as those faced by target students, preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: ▪ Knowledge of MA curriculum frameworks, college and career advising resources and various educational assessments such as SAT, MCAS, preferred;
▪ Knowledge of instructional practices that support the development of target students;
▪ Demonstrated knowledge of college counseling, financial aid and post-secondary placement;
▪ Proficiency with office and database software, social media, and web-conferencing platforms;
▪ Demonstrated experience with event planning, promotion and implementation;
▪ Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with university and/or school personnel;
▪ Ability to effectively and efficiently work in a team capacity with a broad range of staff to accomplish departmental and program goals;
▪ Ability to work independently and efficiently;
▪ Ability to supervise the work of instructional staff (part-time program teachers and tutors);
▪ Ability to teach a summer course (e.g., STEM or English Language Arts)
▪ Strong oral and written communication skills;
▪ Strong presentation and interpersonal skills, including the capacity to work cooperatively with a wide range of individuals;
▪ Strong organizational and problem solving skills;
▪ Strong attention to detail; ▪ Good judgment, discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality;
▪ Strong commitment to customer service
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Application Instructions:
Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.
Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.
Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.
Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link:
Grade: 31
Salary Ranges
This is an exempt union position. This is a grant funded position with a current end date of October 31, 2027, subject to renewal contingent on funding and university needs.
All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.
UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.