Associate Vice President for College Access

Job Description

The Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity has an outstanding opportunity for an Associate Vice President for College Access to join their team.

About this Opportunity
The Associate Vice President  (AVP) is a senior level position that reports to and works closely with the Vice President. The AVP provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, coordination, and the planning and designing of programs, services and initiatives that put students on the pathway to postsecondary education. The primary goal of the duties will result in more students having the skills, habits, and knowledge to be successful at postsecondary institutions, including the University of Washington. The Associate Vice President will frequently act on behalf of the Vice President and must represent the Office and the University professionally and competently in complex and rapidly changing contexts. This Associate Vice President will have a significant leadership presence with all staff in OMA&D, and with the College Access programs in particular.

The priority date for this recruitment is August 7, 2026. All applications submitted before this date will be reviewed.

Key Responsibilities
 

Leadership/ Administration (50%):

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for OMA&D College Access programs and community/partner engagement.
• Supervise lead staff in the following units/areas: Educational Talent Search, GEAR UP Achievers, GEAR UP RISE UP, Math Science Upward Bound, Multicultural Outreach & Recruitment, Upward Bound, and with the Vice President collaboratively supervise WA MESA.
• Serve as initial point of contact for student access inquiries made to OMA&D.
• In collaboration with College Access directors manage and provide oversight of the College Access budgets. 
• In collaboration with College Access directors project manage grant submissions.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal grant and proviso regulations, reporting requirements, and performance objectives.
• Provide oversight for grant annual performance reports, continuation applications, and site visit preparation.
• Conduct short-term evaluations of College Access programs and activities cultivating a culture of continuous improvement.
• Work with the Vice President and OMA&D Advancement team to identify development and fundraising opportunities in support of College Access efforts.
• Represent OMA&D College Access programs to UW central administration and the university-at-large.
• Participate in planning meetings with grant/foundation sponsors and partners.
• Serve as a representative of the VP on committees, at meetings and at other functions when appropriate.
• Ensure College Access programs are compliant with university policy, state, and federal laws.
• Help advance the OMA&D Strategic Plan.

Strategic Partnership Development & Cultivation (40%):

• Develop, oversee, and measure a comprehensive outreach and engagement strategy that will enhance OMA&D’s standing as a national leader in access for underrepresented and underserved populations in education. This includes identifying and communicating best practices.
• Establish a “convener strategy” to actively engage key stakeholders and elevate OMA&D’s state and national thought leadership role for addressing access in education.
• Assess existing partnerships recommending ways to improve and strengthen relationships.
• Expand relationships with K-12 education leaders, community-based organizations, industry leaders, funders, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop strong working relationships with UW college access and youth programs.
• Develop short- and long-term partnership objectives and define metrics to ensure accountability.
• Serve as the VP’s point person to key external organizations and audiences.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%).

Required Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, public policy, or related field and 8 years of relevant experience, which includes 3 years managing complex budgets and accountability systems.

Additional Qualifications

• An industrious and enthusiastic leader with a minimum of six years supervising and developing professional staff.
• Ability to inspire and guide diverse teams, promote collaboration, and create a shared vision for College Access programs and initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with and across diverse communities, including specific experience with American Indian; underrepresented minorities; first generation; low-income; undocumented; and students previously in foster care.
• A deep understanding of and commitment to addressing the barriers students face in accessing higher education. 
• Demonstrated experience managing programs. 
• Proven track record of building, managing, and cultivating partnerships.
• A resourceful problem-solver who can navigate a large, decentralized institution.  This includes interpreting policies, managing complex issues, and finding effective solutions.
• Experienced coalition builder with the ability to mobilize leaders within a large organizational context.
• Ability to anticipate future challenges and opportunities in college access and retention for underrepresented, first generation, and low-income students.
• Prior senior level experience.
• A deep understanding of power structures and institutional systems that foster systemic inequities.
• Strong advocacy skills at the institutional, state, and national levels.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with all constituencies across the University and levels of the university administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree.
• Successful experience writing and managing federal grants.
• Prior experience with TRiO and GEAR UP grants.
• Research, data analysis/analytics experience.
• Experience working closely with senior-level administrators.
• Experience working at a large highly decentralized research university.

Working Conditions

The position is based out of UW Seattle campus, but will require meetings in the community, at partner sites, and across the state. The UW supports some hybrid remote work so long as it meets the business needs of OMA&D as determined by the Vice President.

Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department.

Your cover letter should be specific to the role and should highlight how your experience aligns with the experience and education called for in the AVP position.

About OMA&D
Established in 1968, the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity creates pathways to higher education for underserved communities, supports students through their academic journey, and fosters a campus climate that enriches the experience for all.

The OMA&D College Access unit implements programs focused on expanding educational access for underserved communities through partnerships with K–12 schools and districts, colleges and universities, and community coalitions. College Access provides programming beginning in middle school that helps students identify pathways to postsecondary education, prepare for college, explore careers, and gain admission to institutions of higher education, including the University of Washington.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$150,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$170,400.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.