Central Carolina Community College is committed to being an employer of choice, grounded in excellence, integrity, respect, collaboration, innovation, and leadership. We provide a supportive, growth-focused workplace where professionals can thrive while helping students access first-class educational and workforce opportunities. Join us in shaping futures, strengthening our region, and contributing to a mission-driven culture rooted in service and opportunity. The Upward Bound Director provides leadership and administrative oversight for three Upward Bound TRIO programs serving approximately 180 high school students in Harnett and Lee Counties. The Upward Bound (UB) program provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase participants' postsecondary success. The Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science professions. The Director will hire, develop, and supervise staff, while serving as a model through active, hands-on program participation, including planning, accompanying, and supervising students during Saturday Sessions, test-prep sessions, on college visits and cultural enrichment trips, including overnight and out-of-state/in-state trips; staying current on best practices in the field through attendance at meetings, conferences and seminars (state, local and national, including overnight stays) related to programs mission and goals (up to approximately 20 days annually). Travel required within the service area. Evening and weekend work required for events and student programs. Occasional overnight travel for professional development and also overnight programming trips with students. Office environment located at Lee Main Campus. Travel to programming events at service-area high schools and a local university for the summer residential academy. Frequent interaction with students, faculty, and staff. Ability to lift up to 20 lbs (event materials, supplies). Strategic Leadership Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive Upward Bound programs that support the academic achievement, high school completion, college enrollment, and career readiness of participating students. Design and coordinate year-round programming, including after-school and Saturday academic activities and six-week summer programs. Develop and implement recruitment strategies, oversee participant selection, and manage enrollment processes. Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with Harnett County Schools, Lee County Schools, Central Carolina Community College departments, and higher education partners to enhance student success. Serve as the primary liaison between the College, school districts, community organizations, and other external stakeholders. Collaborate with the College's Marketing Department to develop promotional materials and increase program awareness. Develop and implement comprehensive evaluation plans using qualitative and quantitative data to measure program effectiveness and achievement of grant objectives. Foster an inclusive learning environment that values and supports the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of students, employees, and community partners. Prepare and submit monthly reports on program activities, participation, outcomes, and budget status to the Executive Director and quarterly detailed program briefings for the Board of Trustees. Grant Management and Regulatory Compliance Ensure full compliance with all applicable U.S. Department of Education TRIO regulations, federal legislation, State of North Carolina requirements, and Central Carolina Community College policies. Maintain accurate participant records, including eligibility, services provided, academic progress, and outcomes. Develop and administer participant tracking systems for current students and alumni. Prepare and submit required federal, institutional, and grant reports, including monthly performance and budget reports and Annual Performance Reports for three Upward Bound grants. Monitor program performance to ensure achievement of established objectives and grant outcomes. Maintain appropriate documentation to support audits, monitoring visits, and program accountability. Budget and Resource Management Develop, administer, and monitor program budgets in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policies. Authorize expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of grant funds. Maintain fiscal records and coordinate financial reporting with the Controller and Business Office. Allocate program resources to effectively support academic, enrichment, and student success initiatives. Monitor budget performance and provide regular financial updates to the Executive Director. Personnel Leadership and Organizational Development Recruit, hire, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate full-time and part-time program staff. Promote professional growth through staff development, training, coaching, and performance management. Provide leadership that fosters collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Build effective working relationships across College departments, school districts, and community partners. Participate in institutional, state, regional, and national TRIO and higher education organizations, conferences, and professional development opportunities. Serve on College committees and support institutional initiatives consistent with the mission and goals of the College. Complete required annual professional development and encourage staff participation in ongoing learning opportunities. Additional Duties Provide academic, college, career, financial aid, and personal advising to program participants. Support and promote College policies, procedures, philosophies, and institutional initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and objectives of the TRIO Upward Bound Programs and Central Carolina Community College. Recognizing and respecting the variety of experiences and contributions represented by all of our students, employees, and community, the Director, TRiO Upward Bound Programs will encourage a learning environment where everyone is supported and valued for their unique perspectives and experiences and will foster and promote the participation of all members of our diverse communities. Master's degree required in Education, Education Administration, Educational Leadership, Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, or related field, AND Four years of professional experience in an educational setting including: Two years of administrative or leadership experience in an educational setting; Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Experience and skills with the creation of engaging, informative, and interactive presentations to various audiences (high school students, parents, family members, college employees); Knowledge of best practices for promoting academic achievement and college access among first-generation and low-income students; Knowledge of high school education requirements, the college admissions process, and financial aid and scholarship opportunities; Ability to effectively train and supervise program staff, and provide effective leadership for programs and staff; Ability to manage project budgets; Ability to foster and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with internal and external partners; Knowledge of program evaluation; Ability to analyze data and prepare reports; Ability to effectively present information orally and in writing to administrators, faculty, students, and the community; Strong interpersonal and communication skills; Strong organizational skills; Ability to utilize technology effectively; and Understanding and respect for the diverse backgrounds of students, staff, and college community. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support programming, including overnight trips with students. Experience working in higher education; Experience with TRiO or other federally-funded programs, including knowledge of services, objectives, regulations, and reporting procedures; Experience hiring and supervising staff; Experience managing budgets; Experience with Blumen, Datatel, or other data management systems; Experience conducting program evaluation; Experience writing grants or fundraising; Knowledge of STEM fields and careers; Personal experience overcoming academic, cultural, financial, or other obstacles similar to those faced by low-income or first-generation students or students with disabilities participating in the Upward Bound program.