Sr. Program Administrator - GEAR UP Program

Program: GEAR UP Educate-U

Reports to: Assistant Superintendent

Classification/Range: Confidential Contracted/ Range SPA 02

FLSA: Exempt

Position Type: Limited Duration - GEAR UP federal grant funding anticipated through 2033

Schedule: 240 Days per year/ 8 hours per day

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides program leadership, strategic direction, and resource development for GEAR UP EDUCATE-U, a federally funded college-access program serving students in the region. Accountable for program vision and design, evaluation of program impact, development of external partnerships and funding, and supervision of the MESD-based program team. Responsible for building the partnerships and funding needed to sustain effective program practices beyond the federal grant period.

NATURE & SCOPE:

This position carries administrative authority to affect the responsibilities in this job description, including program strategy, program design, partnership development, and the supervision and evaluation of assigned staff. All commitments outside of authorized programs and services, and all agreements committing MESD or grant funds, are subject to prior approval by the Assistant Superintendent. The position''s scope covers all components of the grant, delivered in partnership with partner school districts, institutions of higher education, and community partners. The position supervises and evaluates the MESD-based program team, including TSPC-licensed and classified staff. It manages the program budget and approves program expenditures within the approved budget and delegated authority, in collaboration with program operations and business staff. This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes.

This is a limited-duration position funded by a federal GEAR UP grant with a project period through 2033. Continuation beyond that date, or any change in FTE, is contingent on the availability of grant or other dedicated funding. The position carries no expectation of continued employment in this or another MESD position after funding ends.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Lead development and maintenance of the vision and strategic direction for the program, in collaboration with MESD, district and school leadership, and program partners.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of each program component, ensuring alignment with the program''s vision, goals, and objectives and with the approved grant.
• Ensure the program operates in compliance with federal GEAR UP program requirements, the terms of the approved grant application and budget, and federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), including required federal performance reporting, cost-share documentation, and protection of student data under FERPA.
• Develop and secure external funding and resources, including grants and public, philanthropic, and corporate funding, to sustain effective program practices beyond the federal grant period. Lead grant writing for these efforts.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, institutions of higher education, government agencies, policymakers, and philanthropic and corporate partners, connecting mutually beneficial partnerships and funding sources to the program.
• Establish productive, mutually beneficial relationships with partner districts to increase program fidelity and create pathways for long-term district investment in program practices.
• Lead, mentor, and direct the MESD-based program team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Manage the program''s budget; approve program expenditures within the approved budget and delegated authority; monitor financial reports to ensure fiscal efficacy and compliance.
• Oversee and manage personnel changes; recruit, interview, and recommend staff for hire according to district procedures.
• Supervise and evaluate licensed, certificated, and classified staff in assigned programs; implement performance improvement or progressive discipline processes when necessary.
• Establish metrics and an evaluation strategy to monitor and measure the success and impact of program initiatives; conduct research and analyze program data to identify and communicate successful outcomes.
• Track partnership-building and resource development outcomes; provide regular reports to MESD leadership, district and school leadership, and the program team on the program''s vision, strategic plan, and outcomes.
• Serve as program spokesperson to increase program visibility with education, philanthropic, business, nonprofit, and government audiences; represent the program at regional, state, and national meetings and GEAR UP conferences.
• Monitor emerging education policy and student achievement trends to guide program strategy and evaluation.
• Maintain satisfactory attendance and punctuality.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

• Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives
• Vision: Lead with vision, follow-through, and student focus.
• Trust: Develop trust among coworkers and students through honesty and fairness.
• Communication: Communicate in an inclusive, effective, and collaborative manner.
• Personal Qualities: Be respectful, excel in customer service, caring, humble, and courageous.
• Attendance: Daily and consistent attendance and punctuality are paramount as this provides consistency and alignment with students, peers, and programming outcomes.
• Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD programs and services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated success in program evaluation, resource development, strategic planning, program implementation, and grant writing.
• Extensive supervisory, coaching, and mentoring experience with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated partnership development skills that have led to sustained stakeholder engagement and investment.
• Proven ability to design and integrate evaluation practices that inform continuous improvement, strategic decision-making, and resource acquisition.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including presenting to audiences across the education, philanthropic, business, and nonprofit sectors.
• Valid driver''s license and own transportation; ability to travel out of state.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Master''s degree or higher in education, educational leadership, social work, counseling, or related field.
• Valid Oregon Professional Administrator License issued by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). Required because the position supervises and evaluates TSPC-licensed staff.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of educational leadership experience, including supervising staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Three (3) or more years in an administrative role supervising and evaluating staff, including TSPC-licensed staff.
• Experience managing a federally funded program, preferably GEAR UP, TRIO, or other federal college-access program, including responsibility for program budget and compliance.
• Familiarity with the challenges of the Portland metropolitan area educational environment and the region''s school communities.
• Bilingual or multilingual in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, and/or Somali

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed primarily in an office setting, with regular travel to partner districts, schools, higher education, and community sites, and out-of-state travel (for example, to GEAR UP conferences). This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, subject to supervisor approval, operational needs, and MESD telework procedures. Regular in-person presence is required for staff supervision, partner and district meetings, program events, and other duties as scheduled by the supervisor. Work hours are variable and regularly include evening and weekend events. The position serves the general student and school population. Travel requires use of a personal vehicle and a valid driver''s license.

Work is performed in environments with light to moderate noise, frequent interruptions, and competing deadlines. Work at school and community sites may include variable conditions, including outdoor events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Mobility: Ability to sit for extended periods; stand and walk during site visits, meetings, and program events
• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds (for example, program and event materials)
• Vision: Visual acuity to read and interpret written and electronic information
• Computer and technology use: Significant daily use of computers and technology, including extended periods of keyboarding and screen use, video conferencing, data and reporting systems, and presentation and communication software; ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and standard office equipment
• Hearing/speaking: Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information so others will understand, including presenting to large groups and speaking at public events
• Travel: Ability to drive to district, school, and community sites, and to travel out of state, including air travel and overnight stays
• Emotional/Psychological: Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in challenging situations; manage competing priorities across multiple external partners; handle stress and pressure effectively; adapt to change in the workplace

The description contained herein reflects general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MESD recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of MESD that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment.

Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Human Resources Director for additional information or assistance. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.