Project Director, Veteran's Upward Bound (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $77,900 - 143,300 . The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $90,000 - $100,000.

This position is NOT approved for remote or hybrid work modality. The position is expected to work on campus or at campus events 100%.

The Initial applicant review will take place on or about January 16, 2025.

This 1-year contract position is renewable and eligible for full benefits.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Under the general direction of the Director of the Office of K-14 Federal Programs under the auspice of the Center for Educational Partnerships (CEP), the incumbent will be responsible for program development, recruitment, staff management, recordkeeping, budgeting, program coordination, student support, community relations, public speaking, and service marketing for the following K-14 academic preparation program: TRIO Veteran's Upward Bound (VUB) Program. The incumbent will work closely with the Office of K-14 Federal Programs Director to develop short- and long-term strategic program plans. The incumbent will be depended on to assist in providing leadership to the VUB Program using best judgments based on professional experience and educational expertise while assisting full-time staff in implementing and integrating services for low-income, first-generation veterans interested in pursuing a postsecondary education. Supervises K-14 Academic Preparation professionals. Independently oversees day-to-day operations and determines goals and performance expectations of subordinates. Designs, plans, and implements major components of the VUB program. Provides expert recommendations and

feedback to management on strategic and program planning. Supervises K-14 Academic Preparation professionals and College Corps fellows. Independently oversees day-to-day operations and determines goals and performance expectations of subordinates. Designs, plans, and implements major components of the EAOP and Gateway Scholars academic preparation programs. Provides expert recommendations and feedback to management on strategic and program planning.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Administration and management of the Veterans Upward Bound grant to ensure that the objectives and activities of the grant are met in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education regulations; Designs, plans, and implements major components of the TRIO Veteran's Upward program; Provides expert recommendations and feedback to management on strategic and program planning; Prepares and submits annual performance report to the US Department of Education; Actively participates in short- and long-range planning for student-centered outreach; and Prepare specific reports and updates at the Director's request.
2. Establishes performance standards, monitors performance, and conducts appraisals. Coaches, provides direction, and designs professional development plans; Prepares summaries of each month's activities detailing results and an assessment of monthly efforts; Monitors program database to ensure that daily, workshop, and campus visit logs, surveys, and other data instruments are entered and/or submitted on time; Recommend program database enhancements to Director on an as needed basis; and Oversees and participates in the collection of data needed for stakeholders.
3. Visits partner community-based organizations on a regular basis to oversee the implementation of program services; Plans, develops, and oversees the implementation of program activities, including overnight and day campus visits; Plans and oversees day-to-day operations; evaluates outcomes; and ensures goals and objectives are met.
4. Recruits, hires, and supervises professional, student, and/or temporary staff; Works with the Director of the Office of K-14 Federal Programs to supervise full-time employees at the K-14 Academic Prep Spec 3, 2, and 1 level and, if applicable, part-time contractors who serve as workshop facilitators; Organize training sessions, meetings, and develop reference manuals for full- and part-time staff; Establish recruitment and retention plans for staff; Delegates and assigns tasks to staff to improve program services; and Monitors and assesses staff performance and workflow.
5. Designs and implements training for professional, temporary, and part-time staff; Develops and maintains a working team by serving as team leader, coach, member of staff and coordinator(s); Facilitates the implementation of program services by providing guidance to staff on presentation style, preparation, and content as needed for program curriculum, including all workshops and interventions.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree in related area from accredited institution; and/or
• Master's degree in education, counseling, social work, psychology, public administration; and
• 7 years of progressively responsible related experience in staff supervision, counseling, budget management, program development, evaluation, and reporting and compliance with state and federal regulations, includes a minimum of 2-3 years of experience with federal TRIO programs, academic support programs, or similar programs for Veterans from disadvantaged backgrounds; and
• Academic background and recognized expertise in career and academic development and educational partnerships for Veteran population (required).
• Leadership experience in academic and / or K-14 education and/or Veteran programming.
• Extensive knowledge in state and national educational structures and policies, current educational theories, and successful educational equity programs for Veterans.
• Demonstrated expertise building collaborations between academia, education, and community agencies.
• Extensive knowledge of project management including program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Expert knowledge of high school graduation and college entrance requirements.
• Expert in case management.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/