What are the responsibilities and job description for the Coordinator for Upward Bound/SEL Programs position at Inside Higher Ed?
Program Coordinator (Student Excellence & Leadership & Upward Bound)Department: Student Excellence and Leadership (SEL) & Upward Bound (UB)
Title of Immediate Supervisors: Director of Student Excellence and Leadership; Director of Upward Bound
FLSA: Non-Exempt FTE/Annual Hours: 40 hours per week
Occupational Summary
This position provides programmatic, operational, and administrative support for two Department of Education–funded programs: the Student Support Services/Student Excellence and Leadership (SSS/SEL) Program and the Upward Bound (UB) Program. These programs deliver academic, personal, career, and financial guidance to students who are low‑income, first‑generation, and/or have documented disabilities.
FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS (SEL UB)
Manage and process all financial transactions in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Maintain detailed budget records; reconcile accounts and prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
Prepare and track purchase requisitions, work orders, service requests, and vendor payments.
Serve as primary liaison with Accounting for all financial operations, including account number updates, credit card reconciliations, and cash advances.
Assist Directors with budget development, audits, grant preparation, file audits, and student data reporting.DATA, RECORDS, AND COMPLIANCE
Maintain accurate and confidential student and program records to meet federal reporting requirements.
Manage participant files for both programs, especially during recruitment cycles, ensuring federal compliance.
Compile statistical data and assist with preparation of the Annual Performance Reports (APR).
Maintain internal filing systems including letters, reports, alumni information, historical records, and learning resources.COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING & OUTREACH
Create, update, and maintain marketing and promotional materials for SEL and UB.
Coordinate social media presence for both programs: create and schedule posts, respond to engagement, monitor analytics.
Oversee regular updates to the SEL and UB websites, ensuring accurate and engaging digital content.
Respond to program inquiries via phone and email, screen questions, and direct students and families to appropriate resources.EVENT & PROGRAM LOGISTICS
Coordinate logistics for meetings, workshops, classroom reservations, travel arrangements, and other program-related events.
Plan and execute the SEL Summer Institute and support UB summer programming logistics.
Assist UB Academic Coordinator with payroll timesheets for student employees and process participant stipends.
Coordinate paperwork for UB summer staff and collaborate with Human Resources.
Maintain inventory of office supplies including stationery, envelopes, requisitions, and computer supplies.GENERAL PROGRAM SUPPORT
Support daily operations of both SEL and UB programs.
Perform other duties as assigned to advance program goals and student success.CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE
Associate's degree preferred in business, accounting, or relevant field; equivalent experience considered.
Previous office/business experience required; proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, and record‑keeping systems.
Experience with program management and record retention.
Understanding of grant‑funded programs and experience working with college‑aged and/or high‑school‑aged students preferred.
Minimum 2 years working with low‑income, first‑generation students and/or students with disabilities.
Understanding of the academic, social, economic, and cultural challenges experienced by program‑eligible students.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, and proofreading.
Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, database, and email software.
Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to effectively prioritize, plan, and manage multiple projects independently.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard records.
Ability to support and contribute to diverse learning environments.
Sensitivity to the needs of first‑generation, low‑income, and disabled students.
Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing priorities and responsibilities.
Commitment to ongoing improvement of office and program performance.
Ability to understand and appreciate the mission of a liberal arts college.*Continuation depends on federal grant renewal. *
Title of Immediate Supervisors: Director of Student Excellence and Leadership; Director of Upward Bound
FLSA: Non-Exempt FTE/Annual Hours: 40 hours per week
Occupational Summary
This position provides programmatic, operational, and administrative support for two Department of Education–funded programs: the Student Support Services/Student Excellence and Leadership (SSS/SEL) Program and the Upward Bound (UB) Program. These programs deliver academic, personal, career, and financial guidance to students who are low‑income, first‑generation, and/or have documented disabilities.
- Separate, specific job descriptions will be provided prior to interview and to the selected candidate upon hire. This combined job description is intended to present a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities and expectations associated with the position as a whole. *
FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS (SEL UB)
Manage and process all financial transactions in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Maintain detailed budget records; reconcile accounts and prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
Prepare and track purchase requisitions, work orders, service requests, and vendor payments.
Serve as primary liaison with Accounting for all financial operations, including account number updates, credit card reconciliations, and cash advances.
Assist Directors with budget development, audits, grant preparation, file audits, and student data reporting.DATA, RECORDS, AND COMPLIANCE
Maintain accurate and confidential student and program records to meet federal reporting requirements.
Manage participant files for both programs, especially during recruitment cycles, ensuring federal compliance.
Compile statistical data and assist with preparation of the Annual Performance Reports (APR).
Maintain internal filing systems including letters, reports, alumni information, historical records, and learning resources.COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING & OUTREACH
Create, update, and maintain marketing and promotional materials for SEL and UB.
Coordinate social media presence for both programs: create and schedule posts, respond to engagement, monitor analytics.
Oversee regular updates to the SEL and UB websites, ensuring accurate and engaging digital content.
Respond to program inquiries via phone and email, screen questions, and direct students and families to appropriate resources.EVENT & PROGRAM LOGISTICS
Coordinate logistics for meetings, workshops, classroom reservations, travel arrangements, and other program-related events.
Plan and execute the SEL Summer Institute and support UB summer programming logistics.
Assist UB Academic Coordinator with payroll timesheets for student employees and process participant stipends.
Coordinate paperwork for UB summer staff and collaborate with Human Resources.
Maintain inventory of office supplies including stationery, envelopes, requisitions, and computer supplies.GENERAL PROGRAM SUPPORT
Support daily operations of both SEL and UB programs.
Perform other duties as assigned to advance program goals and student success.CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE
Associate's degree preferred in business, accounting, or relevant field; equivalent experience considered.
Previous office/business experience required; proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, and record‑keeping systems.
Experience with program management and record retention.
Understanding of grant‑funded programs and experience working with college‑aged and/or high‑school‑aged students preferred.
Minimum 2 years working with low‑income, first‑generation students and/or students with disabilities.
Understanding of the academic, social, economic, and cultural challenges experienced by program‑eligible students.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including grammar, punctuation, spelling, and proofreading.
Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, database, and email software.
Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to effectively prioritize, plan, and manage multiple projects independently.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard records.
Ability to support and contribute to diverse learning environments.
Sensitivity to the needs of first‑generation, low‑income, and disabled students.
Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing priorities and responsibilities.
Commitment to ongoing improvement of office and program performance.
Ability to understand and appreciate the mission of a liberal arts college.*Continuation depends on federal grant renewal. *