Assistant Director - TRIO Upward Bound Programs East - Job Opportunity at Penn State University

University Park, United States
Full-time
Senior
Posted: April 30, 2025
Hybrid
USD 51,000 - 74,000 per year

Benefits

Competitive university benefits package
Professional development opportunities
Educational institution perks
Retirement benefits typical of higher education

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic planning and program development for TRIO Upward Bound initiatives
Manage federal grant compliance and reporting
Supervise staff across multiple school districts
Direct academic programming and summer residential components
Oversee budget administration and documentation
Develop partnerships with schools and community stakeholders

Requirements

Education

Master's Degree

Experience

6 years of related work experience

Required Skills

Outstanding interpersonal verbal and written communications Effective analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills Evidence of effective personnel management and leadership History of successful grant writing Accuracy and attention to detail Ability to handle multiple complex tasks and meet deadlines Experience with Excel, database and social media platforms

Certifications

PA State Police Criminal Background Check PA Child Abuse History Clearance Federal FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Valid driver's license
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Higher education equity programs are experiencing increased federal funding and scrutiny, requiring sophisticated program management Growing emphasis on data-driven outcomes and accountability in educational support programs Increased focus on first-generation college student support amidst changing demographics

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $51,000-$74,000 is somewhat below market for similar roles in higher education administration, particularly given the complexity and federal compliance requirements. Comparable roles typically command $65,000-$85,000 in similar markets.

Role Significance

Typically oversees 5-8 direct reports across multiple locations with broader influence over program staff and stakeholders
Senior management position with significant autonomy and strategic impact on educational outcomes

Key Projects

Federal grant management and compliance programs Summer residential academy development Cross-district educational initiative coordination Strategic partnership development with school districts Program outcome measurement and reporting

Success Factors

Strong understanding of federal education regulations and compliance requirements Ability to build and maintain relationships across diverse stakeholder groups Excellence in grant management and reporting Strategic planning and program development expertise Cultural competency and commitment to educational equity

Market Demand

High demand due to expanding federal education initiatives and increased focus on educational equity programs

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Federal grant management experience Educational program development expertise Staff supervision across multiple locations Budget management and compliance reporting Stakeholder relationship management

Beneficial Skills

Experience with TRIO programs Knowledge of Pennsylvania educational landscape Data analysis and outcome measurement Educational technology proficiency

Unique Aspects

Rare combination of administrative leadership and direct community impact
Cross-district responsibility requiring regional expertise
Blend of educational programming and federal compliance management

Career Growth

Typical progression to higher director level within 3-5 years with demonstrated program success

Potential Next Roles

Director of Educational Equity Programs Senior Administrator in Higher Education Federal Education Program Director Educational Nonprofit Executive

Company Overview

Penn State University

Penn State University is a major public research institution with a strong commitment to educational equity and access

Leading public university with substantial federal grant portfolio and established TRIO programs
Significant presence in Pennsylvania with multiple campus locations and broad community impact
Traditional academic environment with emphasis on collaboration and educational mission-driven work
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