Join Brandeis University as the Director of Upward Bound!
Are you passionate about making a lasting impact on students’ lives and empowering first-generation and low-income high schoolers to achieve their college dreams? Brandeis University invites applications for the Director of Upward Bound, a pivotal role in guiding the next generation of scholars from Waltham High School toward academic success and higher education.
About the Program:
The Upward Bound program at Brandeis serves 60 motivated students, focusing on boosting grades, retention, graduation rates, and knowledge of the college application process. With a mission rooted in equity and access, the program builds strong partnerships with Waltham High School staff and community organizations to transform aspirations into achievements.
What You will Do:
As Director, you will lead the development and execution of this life-changing program, including:
- Engaging Students and Families: Recruit and enroll students, deliver engaging informational sessions for parents, and design impactful activities during the academic year and summer.
- Building a Team: Supervise and inspire a diverse team, including the Program Coordinator, graduate instructors, and undergraduate mentors and tutors, ensuring a collaborative and high-performing environment.
- Driving Outcomes: Track participation, evaluate program success, and manage budgets while maintaining compliance with federal and university policies.
- Providing Support: Advise and mentor students, offering both academic and personal guidance to help them thrive in high school and beyond.
- Collaborating Widely: Forge partnerships with Waltham High School staff, local nonprofits, and various Brandeis departments to amplify program impact.
What We Are Looking For:
- A Master’s degree and 3–5 years of relevant experience, including program development, academic advising, and team supervision.
- A track record of success in supporting college preparatory initiatives, including instruction, assessment, and standardized testing.
- Familiarity with TRiO or similar programs is highly valued.
- Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is a plus, enhancing your ability to connect with diverse families and students.
- Budget management
Why Join Us?
This is a full-time, grant-funded role offering a unique opportunity to lead a federally supported program. Currently in its third year of a five-year grant cycle, Upward Bound at Brandeis is a thriving program ready for your leadership and vision.
If you are ready to inspire, lead, and make a difference, we would love to hear from you!
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans. Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations. Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society. Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.
If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.
Closing Statement
Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.
