GEAR UP Director II

California State University, Dominguez Hill Toro Auxiliary Partners

About CSUDH Toro Auxiliary Partners:

The California State University, Dominguez Hills Toro Auxiliary Partners (CSUDH TAP) is a non-profit organization and was incorporated in 1968 as a partner of California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) to provide supplemental services that enhance core academic programs that are an integral part of the University’s educational mission. CSUDH is a highly diverse, metropolitan university primarily serving the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. CSUDH is one of 23 campuses that comprise the California State University system.

The CSUDH TAP offers tremendous personal and professional growth opportunities, in addition to competitive compensation and a highly attractive benefits program, including employer-sponsored health, dental vision, life insurance, retirement program and vacation pay.

Position Summary:

CSU Dominguez Hills seeks a dedicated leader with successful experience managing large grants; working with middle and high school, school governance organizations, community-based organizations and building coalitions to deploy innovative methods focused on improving high school graduation rates, college enrollment and completion rates. The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) Program Director is responsible for administration including supervising of all affiliated personnel and sub-contracts. The primary purpose of the program Director is to ensure the continued viability and presence of GEAR UP by complying with and abiding by all federally mandated requirements of the program. Organizing a consortium of stakeholders to improve the educational outcomes for target school students, initiate on going communication between target schools, CSU Dominguez Hills, GEAR UP partners and community-based organizations.  Grant compliance and meeting stipulated goals, objectives and outcomes are primary functions of this position. The Director will establish long and short-term strategies to accomplish programs goals and objectives.

This position is full-time, benefited, exempt.

Annual Salary: $83,000.00

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Oversee the GEAR UP program to ensure the overall quality and effectiveness of program implementation, administration, evaluation, and compliance with the GEAR UP grant.
2. Utilizing best practices: Identify short-term and long-term strategies to accomplish the program's mission and objectives.
3. Coordinate efforts to establish a consortium of stakeholders (target school, university, community-based partners, college access programs) to streamline communication and enhance the overall effectiveness of GEAR UP services.
4. Oversees GEAR UP Budget and fiscal accountability, ensures the program has dollar-for-dollar matches, and ensures compliance with state and federal guidelines.
5. Creates and maintains a collaborative work environment. Leads and motivates staff advocates on their behalf and ensures staff receives support and development.
6. Manages day-to-day operations of the grant and guides and supports staff to assist them in their assigned areas of responsibility.
7. Promotes the GEAR UP program to stakeholders and facilitates participant involvement.
8. Collaborates with contracted evaluator to ensure a thorough and timely program evaluation that assesses GEAR UP's performance and assists with data collection and analysis.
9. Ensures GEAR UP data is disseminated to necessary stakeholders in a timely fashion.
10. Actively seeks out new opportunities to learn and promote GEAR UP best practices and high-impact college access practices.
11. Develops statewide, regional, and national partnerships and initiatives to enhance sustainability efforts, community support, professional development, a college-going culture, and systemic change in GEAR UP School and other college access programs.
12. Work collaboratively with other Educational Partnership directors and staff to implement the Toro Summer Academy program for GEAR UP and TRIO students.
13. Works on projects assigned by the Director of Educational Partnerships

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s Degree required in education, counseling, or public administration from an accredited college or university. A doctoral degree in education, organizational development, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience with federal GU/TRIO programs, academic support projects, or programs for diverse students.  Experience with federal program reporting and compliance. Professional or personal experience in overcoming barriers like those confronting Participants
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in program management, budget management, program development, staff/personnel supervision, and evaluation
• Knowledge of data assessment, interpretation, evaluation, and reporting.
• Proficiency in the use of computerized office systems and word processing tools. Knowledge of data assessment, interpretation, evaluation, and reporting.

Application Period: Applications will be reviewed beginning July 23, 2024, and the position will remain open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Toro Auxiliary Partners is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veterans:

Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may contact the Toro Auxiliary Partners Human Resources Office at (310) 243-1070.

E-Verify:

This position requires new and re-hires employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service in partnership with the Social Security Administration. If hired, the successful candidate will be required to furnish proof of legal authorization to work in the United States.

Conditions of Employment:

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated report” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth as a condition of employment.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily for any position that the CSUDH TAP deems sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children. Concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk for financial loss to the CSUDH TAP or individuals in the university community. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees.

Employees at the CSUDH TAP at will basis and can be terminated by either an employee or the Foundation at any time with or without case or advanced notice. Permanent status can neither be obtained nor granted.