Assistant Director

Job Description

Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA&D), College Access Unit, has an outstanding opportunity for an Assistant Director to join GEAR UP RISE UP: the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Rural Initiative in STEM Education and Undergraduate Preparation (RISE UP).

About this Opportunity

The Assistant Director provides leadership and operational oversight for one of the largest federally funded grant portfolios within the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity.

Reporting to the Director, this position is responsible for supporting the strategic implementation of GEAR UP programs, supervising staff, managing budgets and projects, ensuring compliance with federal and University requirements, and cultivating partnerships with school districts and community stakeholders.

This position is grant-funded, and continuation is contingent upon the availability of funding.

This position is based out of the GEAR UP office in Seattle, WA. The UW supports some hybrid remote work so long as it meets the business needs of OMA&D as determined by the position’s supervisor and unit leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Oversight (50%):

• Provide strategic oversight for all GEAR UP programming, ensuring alignment with grant objectives, annual work plans, and institutional goals. Lead coordination and integration of programmatic efforts across academic year, summer, and residential programming.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly supervise and provide leadership and mentorship to Program Operations Specialists, including a Program Manager and STEM-Focused Program Operations Specialist.

Project and Operations Management (25%):

• Oversee complex, multi-year projects related to programming, partnerships, systems development, and grant deliverables. Develop and monitor project timelines and deliverables across teams.

Budget Management and Fiscal Oversight (10%):

• Support the Director in budget development, monitoring, forecasting, and fiscal planning across multiple grants.

Grant Compliance, Post-Award Management, and Risk Oversight (5%):

• Ensure compliance with U.S. Department of Education grant requirements, University policies, and applicable state and federal regulations. Serve as a resource to staff and partners regarding grant rules, policies, and implementation standards.

External Engagement and Partnership Development (5%):

• Serve as an external representative of GEAR UP RISE UP with school district leadership, community organizations, higher education partners, and funders. Build and sustain strong partnerships that support student outcomes, program goals, and long-term sustainability.
• Support proposal development, grant renewals, and funding opportunities in collaboration with the Director and central office partners.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of program goals (5%).

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

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public administration, business administration, project management, social services, or a related field and 5 years of relevant experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing staff, programs, budgets, and complex projects. Knowledge of federal grant compliance, reporting, and post-award management.
• Demonstrated program management skills, including stakeholder relationship management, meeting reporting requirements, effective time management, task prioritization, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including public speaking and articulating ideas clearly in person and in writing.
• Experience of working with district partnerships and underserved communities
• Experience working with middle and/or high school students, particularly first-generation and low-income populations. Experience providing college access services to students and families within a K–12 educational setting.
• Demonstrated experience planning, implementing, and/or coordinating educational programs or events.
• Knowledge of Washington State postsecondary education systems, including colleges, universities, technical schools, and apprenticeship pathways, with the ability to support middle and high school students in making informed decisions about their educational and career futures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, STEM education, social work, or related field.
• Experience working with federally funded programs (e.g., GEAR UP, TRIO).
• Experience supporting or delivering college access-based and STEM programming.
• Using data driven outcomes for programming design.
• Using online database systems for federal reporting.
• Supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of Yakima, Grant, Kittitas and Skagit Counties and partner schools, regional initiatives and communities.
• Someone enthusiastic about the UW, has a strong work ethic, and exercises sound judgment, professionalism, and maturity.

Working Conditions

• Must have a valid driver’s license. (The Assistant Director is required to travel throughout Washington State. Occasionally, they will transport students to program activities and events, as well as travel to locations where public transportation or ride-sharing is not readily available.)

About the Team

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a competitive federal program that provides six- and seven-year grants to education/community partnerships and states to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

GEAR UP’s three objectives are:

• Increase academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education.
• Increase high school graduation and postsecondary participation rates.
• Increase students’ and their families’ knowledge of post-secondary options, preparation, and financial literacy.

Our mission is to help students in rural districts prepare for and succeed in college/career school.

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:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

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

dso@uw.edu

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.