As part of the TRiO Team the Upward Bound Program Manager works with low-income first-generation high school students to help them develop the skills necessary for success in college. This role involves supporting the daily operations of the Upward Bound program and other TRIO-related initiatives at the Gary Comer Youth Center as well as providing instruction for the Upward Bound programs.

The Upward Bound Program Manager will also supervise and manage a team of Upward Bound Tutors and an Academic Support Instructor. Additionally the Upward Bound Program Manager and the Manager of Post-Secondary Success will assist the Director of TRIO Programs in ensuring compliance with the Upward Bound grant through data collection and tracking. They will also support the planning and preparation of college-focused programs and trips for all GCYC students.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Provides leadership and direction to the Upward Bound Program and maintain the integrity of the U. S. Department of Education and GCYC guidelines/policies to ensure grant activities are in compliance
• Manages all aspects of the daily operations of the Upward Bound Program assisting students ages eleven through eighteen in gaining admission to post-secondary/vocational institutions
• Coordinate GCYC academic supports events/trips and occasional weekend workshops.
• Responsible for planning regular college academic enrichment and cultural exploration trips.
• Coordinate the Upward Bound Dual Enrollment program in partnership with Kennedy King College while building and developing additional resources for Dual Enrollment.
• Assist the Manager of Post-Secondary Success in planning and implementing a week-long college exploration trip.
• Assist the Manager of Post-Secondary Success in planning and implementing the GCYC end of year Senior banquet.
• Assists in the selection and provides training supervision performance evaluation and development of staff.
• Coordinates and reviews all aspects of the identification and selection process of participants.
• Develops project proposals and reports to monitor the Programs progress
• Evaluates the Programs activities to assure consistency with stated purpose and compliance with the U.S. Department of Education regulations
• Oversees the grants long-term goals relative to college readiness and completion by serving on appropriate committees and establishing purposeful initiatives and partnerships
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with area secondary schools post-secondary educational institutions and community agencies to assure cooperative referrals and coordination of recruitment activities
• Conducts project and program marketing and public relations activities for advocating the purpose and success of the program with students
• Conducts site visits to the targeted educational institutions to observe and assist advisors and instructional staff with curriculum presentations participate in field trips and college visits
• Coordinates the work of the Program with other TRIO projects/programs
• Collaborates with GCYC departments to provide academic support career readiness and post-secondary enrichment
• Attends meetings conferences and workshops for professional development
• Performs other duties as assigned by Director of TRiO Programs

Planning and Development

• Work closely with members of the GCYC TRiO Team to align and connect GCYC Programs to Academic Supports.
• Develop Plan Implement and Refine Academic Success Workshop Series / Curriculum for Middle and High School Aged Youth.
• Develop and grow GCYC academic supports (tutoring academic mentoring
• Design implement and manage Comers Academic Summer programs for talent search participants in grades 6^th-12th

Grant Administration & Data Collection

• Ensure compliance with all federal / Department of Education guidelines maintaining participant files and submission of all required reports in a timely manner.
• Recruit and track academic outcomes for 500 Eligible Talent Search Participants annually.
• Utilize Blumen to store and track electronic records and data on all ETS participants
• Maintain records participant files and assist in submission of reports for all grants which support Academic Support Programs (Talent Search)
• Work with GCYC Directors Managers and Program leads to track all Talent Search related grant compliance outcomes.

Direct Student Instruction and Recruitment

• Responsible for the selection of Upward Bound participants by making presentations to 8^th 12^th grade classes in targeted schools contacting parents and guardians interviewing applicants and ranking applicants based on eligibility criteria.
• Instruct Upward Bound classes during summer and school year.
• Work with GCYC staff to support recruitment and programmatic collaboration.
• Coach students especially in the area of developing executive functioning and academic success.
• Maintain weekly correspondence with students parents staff and partners as it relates to Upward Bound.

Other

• Serve as GCYC Manager on Duty when assigned.
• Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of respect for and development of skills to engage with those of all cultures or backgrounds.
• Support the mission of GCYC and the TRiO Team and works collaboratively in a team setting serving the needs of youth.
• Abide by the employee handbook and established GCYC policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Supervise events and trips designed to help develop cultural competence high school exposure and post-secondary exploration.
• Tracks participant attendance in programming supports and referrals.
• Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of respect for and development of skills to engage with those of all cultures or backgrounds.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of respect for and development of skills to engage with those of all cultures or backgrounds.
• Support the mission of GCYC and the Comer Academic Team and works collaboratively in a team setting serving the needs of youth.
• Assist the Manager of Post-Secondary Success in collaborating with UtmostU staff to recruit interview and onboard students for the UtmostU alumni support program.
• Work with the Manager of Post-Secondary Success and UtmostU Staff to enroll unsupported graduates into UtmostU or relevant post-secondary support programs.

Miscellaneous:

• Responsible for maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment to further ensure proper youth supervision and managing conflicts conduct issues and incidents.
• Attends required staff meetings and trainings.
• Works with other staff to execute effective outreach recruitment and retention strategies.
• Responsible for accurate data collection and data entry for grant and program compliance.
• Works collaboratively in a team setting serving the needs of youth.
• Is committed to the safety and development of all GCYC members.
• Serves as a role model for youth and community.
• Supports the mission of GCYC.
• Abides by the employee handbook and established GCYC policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Strong project management organizational and communication skills with a strong attention to detail. Must be able to initiate and finish projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to multi-task troubleshoot and problem solve effectively.
• Strong computer skills especially with the creation of presentations and MS Office Suite.
• Demonstration of cultural competency and dedication to working with youth families and community members in our care.
• Highly organized with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong commitment to working with students and families from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with the Chicago Public Schools and higher education landscape in Illinois.
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment and willingness to receive continued training and education.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Education & Skill Requirements:

• Bachelors degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with high school-aged students.
• Minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in management or administration at a secondary or post-secondary level
• Demonstrated experience supervising planning assigning scheduling and ensuring the quality of the work of others
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining grant compliance and required grant objectives
• Demonstrated experience in effectively making decisions that have major implications on the management and operations within a department
• Demonstrated experience in a role requiring diverse problem-solving methods in a variety of situations
• Experience providing college preparatory instruction academic advising and/or enrichment activities.

Core Competencies:

• Must possess genuine care and concern for youth especially pre-teens and teens.
• Program area management skills that are engaging non-oppressive and age appropriate.
• Demonstrates an understanding of guidance and discipline principles and conflict resolution strategies.
• Able to communicate effectively with youth co-workers stakeholders and families in a respectful and culturally competent manner via written and verbal communication.
• Must enjoy working with teams but can also work independently.
• Enjoys being the leader but is also confident enough to take directions from others.
• Demonstrates strong accuracy in all areas of work.
• Demonstrates understanding of the positive youth development philosophy.
• Possesses working knowledge of student career development concepts practices and procedures with the ability to use in varied situations as it pertains to the departmental focus
• Demonstrated ability to interact with other agencies in developing and providing services to clients including ability to advocate on behalf of clients for services with other agencies
• Must be able to take initiative and problem solve. Must be a creative thinker.
• Demonstrates an understanding of guidance and discipline principles & conflict resolution strategies.
• Must demonstrate cultural competency dedication to working with youth families and community members in our care.
• Must have basic computer literacy skills including Microsoft Office independent use of the internet and ability to learn and properly utilize software systems.

Physical Work Requirements & Environment:

The GCYC environment is consistently bustling with youth and community members. The Centers work is fast paced and varied. Our work is done on site where our youth and families are. Therefore it is required that team members meet these requirements:

• Have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Possess the ability to walk during field trips and to complete building and program rounds.
• Be able to stand and move with youth during programs field trips and special events throughout the day.
• Must be able to ride various modes of transportation including school and coach buses airplanes cars vans and public transportation.
• Can operate in crowds or with small groups.
• Able to complete administrative work in a shared office space within a youth center.
• A flexible schedule for evening and some weekend hours is required during school year. Summer hours have a more traditional work schedule.