Assistant Director

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Oversee complex, multi-year projects related to programming, partnerships, systems development, and grant deliverables. Develop and monitor project timelines and deliverables across teams.
• Support the Director in budget development, monitoring, forecasting, and fiscal planning across multiple grants.
• 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.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of program goals (5%).

Qualifications

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

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum: $83,268.00 annual Pay Range Maximum $124,908.00 annual Benefits Other Compensation: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/ Shift First Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) 100.00% Union/Bargaining Unit Not Applicable 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.