Upward Bound Coordinator (HR Title: Program Coordinator)

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

SMU College Access annually serves over 1,300 low-income and first-generation students to help prepare them for college. In 1966 SMU was awarded its first Upward Bound grant from the Department of Education, TRIO Programs.

Since then, SMU College Access Programs have grown over the years with Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound Math Science, and the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.

Participants in the precollegiate programs come from Dallas ISD, Duncanville ISD, Garland ISD, and Lancaster ISD. The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program supports students attending SMU.

Over the years, SMU College Access has seen much progress and success stories with program participants and is proud to continue providing them pathways to college.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Coordinator for the Upward Bound program works directly with students at area high schools who participate in SMU College Access programs. The Coordinator provides direct advising, mentoring, and career coaching services to students.

This position is responsible for developing partnerships with area high schools, managing program recruitment efforts within assigned schools, and verifying student eligibility. The Coordinator is also responsible for creating and delivering academic enrichment programs that ensure successful college transition and placement. This role also assists with student outreach and selection and manages Summer Melt activities.

Essential Functions:

• Provide educational support activities for Upward Bound students within assigned partner school or through on-campus Summer Academy. Educational enrichment activities include mentoring, secondary education advising, tutoring services, and college entrance exam preparation.
  
  Assist Upward Bound students with the completion of the FASFA and other financial aid and/or scholarship applications to prepare for entry to postsecondary education. Assist Upward Bound students, as necessary, with various needs including secondary reentry, alternate education or GED preparation enrollment.

• Plan and conduct workshops on topics related to successful college access and transition for Upward Bound students and their parents/guardians. Workshop topics include financial and economic literacy, navigating financial aid processes, obtaining public and private scholarships, managing the college application and admission processes, selecting a major/career, understanding college expectations, and related topics.

• Coordinate services for each Upward Bound student based on identified student needs and plans to transition to college. Develop and monitor Upward Bound students participation in program activities.
  
  Research and present materials and other resources that support each Upward Bound student's educational goals. Ensure that services provided to Upward Bound students support the mission of the partner school.

• Coordinate outreach for assigned schools. Make presentations to classrooms of eligible students at target schools and to parent groups/guardians at the SMU campus regarding SMU College Access Programs.
  
  Maintain lists of prospective students and find students who both (1) qualify and (2) can benefit from the Pre-Collegiate TRIO programs. Meet with prospective students and parents/guardians (if necessary) to share program benefits and answer questions.

• Follow up with recent graduates during the "Summer Melt" program to ensure that they have successfully graduated from high school or transitioned to college. Provide support and referrals to education and career services that assist students as they navigate education and career transitions.

• Complete other tasks as assigned that support the overall mission of the College Access Department.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree is required. Candidate with a Master's degree is preferred. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university required.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience in education, social work, human services, counseling or related field is required. Experience working in youth programs, especially those programs serving at-risk, low-income, disabled youth, and TRIO work experience is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate with counseling or social worker's license, and/or middle or secondary teaching license is preferred. Candidate must also have or be able to obtain a valid Texas Driver's License and pass the university's defensive/safe driving course.

Candidate with ability to communicate (written and spoken) in Spanish is desired. Proficiency with computer applications including MS Office, web-based applications, and email is required. Candidate with knowledge in data management systems is preferred.

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Some evening and weekend hours are required for supervision of program activities for students.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

• Reach above shoulders

• Carry/lift lbs.

• Sit for long periods of time

• Handle objects (dexterity)

Deadline to Apply:

Open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.