SUMMARY

This grant-funded role will oversee program operations and staff while conducting outreach and community engagement. Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is currently one of eight TRIO programs at Grand Valley State University contained in the Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach. VUB proudly serves and supports eligible community veterans and their families. Our goal is to successfully assist in the transition from service to earning a four-year degree. The program offers personalized services based on an individual's self-identified needs assessment, academic testing, and career plans.

PRIMARY DUTIES

1. Maintains budget, including authorization of all program expenditures, and other financial aspects.
2. Lead in efforts for writing TRIO program grants including responsibility for maintaining up-to-date knowledge of University and U.S. Department of Education policies, procedures, and regulations.
3. Assists with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Veterans Upward Bound programs.
4. Establishes and maintains office staffing schedules, to ensure required support program services and best practices.
5. Coordinates and oversees office operations including implementation of the program's plan of operations, required services, and collection and processing of program data including student academic evaluations, student progress reports, program completion rates, and admission/completion rates of post-secondary educational programs.
6. Ensures compliance with requirements of federal Veterans Upward Bound program grant including achieving the stated objectives.
7. Hire and supervises staff including staff orientation and training/coaching including completing performance evaluations.
8. Participates in Veterans Upward Bound Program outreach and community engagement efforts and follows up on referrals. Advises prospective and current program participants regarding program support services.
9. Leads recruitment, identification, selection, and orientation of eligible Veteran Upward Bound Program participants. Confirms and approves intake applications and collects and files required documentation.
10. Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with university departments and organizations including Admissions and the Peter Secchia Military and Veteran Resource Center, as well as veteran and non-veteran community service agencies in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Allegan counties.
11. Generates ad-hoc and Annual Performance Report for Department of Education. Utilizes software (e.g., StudentAccess) packages to generate reports and audit the number of students enrolled, student progress reports, and program completion.
12. Monitors Veterans Upward Bound program expenses. Forecasts future staffing needs and assists with budget projections.
13. Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Serve on Grand Valley State University and Division of Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach committees
2. Coordinate and attend veteran related activities such as volunteer and community service events/opportunities
3. Assist with the coordination and facilitation of tutoring

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

• Directly supervise full and part-time staff. Oversee the supervision and management of student staff and volunteers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, or related field (Master’s Degree preferred)
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and access in higher education.
• Minimum of three years of progressive experience as an advisor, supervising staff, and demonstrated experience in developing and managing budgets.
• At least three years of work experience with TRIO eligible populations or similar populations.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment in working with a diverse population, specifically first-generation, low income and/or veterans.
• Background experience in financial aid, admissions, and basic curriculum design or academic coaching techniques.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office and data base software.
• Strong writing skills, including knowledge of grant writing, administration and management, preferred
• Experience or training in advising/counseling at the higher education level with a working understanding of the financial aid and college admission process, preferred
• Experience in presenting and managing workshops or seminars in a multi-cultural setting, preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office environment.  Some travel may be required.

Physical Demands: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

SALARY: Commensurate with Experience 

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: TRIO Veterans Upward Bound/Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach 

CAMPUS: Grand Rapids, MI

HOW TO APPLY: Apply online at jobs.gvsu.edu. Click "Apply to this Posting.” Please include a cover letter and resume. The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. On the application, you will be required to provide names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three professional references. Applicants selected for interviews may be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you have questions or need assistance, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.

DEADLINE: Consideration of applications will begin on June 5, 2023 and the posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.