PROGRAM OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. 

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

For over 55 years, the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) has advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Washington, a campus that sits on tribal land. Through our programs and partnerships, we create pathways for diverse populations to access postsecondary opportunities, nurture and support their academic success, and cultivate a campus climate that enriches the educational experience for all. This legacy of work continues to drive excellence at UW and together, we help the university work toward its vision for becoming a more just and equitable campus community. More information about the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity is available at uw.edu/OMAD.

Within OMA&D is the College Access unit that implements programs focused on expanding access for underserved communities by partnering with K-12 school districts, two-year colleges, and community coalitions.

The University of Washington GEAR UP RISE UP  Program (Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) serves 8,000 students throughout Washington State with an annual operating budget of $4 million. The goal of the GEAR UP grant is to increase student college-going rates and preparedness by enhancing educational environments and creating sustainable programs at the middle school and high school grade levels. Focus is on interventions/activities that intentionally provide students with opportunities for acquiring intellectual and interpersonal skills that will increase their likelihood of success and retention at the post-secondary level. More information about GEAR UP RISE UP at:https://www.washington.edu/omad/rise-up-sky-gear-up/

The GEAR UP RISE UP program has an outstanding opportunity for a Program Operations Specialist.

The Program Operations Specialist (E S 7) will partner with all school districts  served by the grant, community-based partners, independent consultants and other stakeholders to implement college access services including financial aid support, college knowledge workshops, worksite tours, summer college tours, annual events like GEAR UP Week and First Generation Day, and participation in regional projects.

The Program Operations Specialist of the GEAR UP RISE UP  program will work with students, families, and k-12 schools to promote and develop strategies, activities, and resources to ensure college readiness in STEM fields and success of low-income first-generation students. This position requires the ability to collaborate with students, families, and schools to develop innovative college access events, parent academies, and summer programs that utilize best practices for supporting GEAR UP students who are motivated to pursue higher education in STEM fields. The Program Operations Specialist will increase communications and visibility of University of Washington to the GEAR UP RISE UP communities and contribute to higher applications and admittance of first generation and underrepresented minorities at UW and other postsecondary programs across the state and nation.

This position is located at the GEAR UP RISE UP office in Toppenish, WA and requires travel in Yakima, Grant and Skagit Valley counties, as well as occasional statewide and national travel.  In addition, this program offers residential programming in the summer and overnight college visits throughout the year.

This position is a federal grant-funded position and continuation is contingent upon funding.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
35% - Data Informed College Access Education and Engagement (fin/aid literacy, admissions process, etc.)