Upward Bound Program Director Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

The Upward Bound program seeks a part-time College Access Specialist to support first-generation and low-income students at San Juan High School in Blanding, Utah. This position requires weekly on-site visits during the academic school year for a maximum of 12 to 15 hours per week. The successful candidate will recruit participants, help set educational goals, and provide guidance on college admissions, financial aid, and career choices. Responsibilities also include monitoring academic progress, reports, and coordinating social, cultural, and college experiences.

• Identify eligible participants who desire to go to college, conduct orientations, and monitor weekly check-ins to determine monthly stipend eligibility.
• Develop and maintain educational and career planning files for each participant.
• Provide information for admission to postsecondary institutions, financial aid, and scholarships, etc. through required weekly workshops.
• Deliver direct tutoring and mentoring services to program participants.
• Consult with parents via school orientations and/or home visits.
• Implement services as per Upward Bound Plan of Operation and submit monthly reports.
• Assist in strategies to orient school faculty, staff, and organizations about Upward Bound.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree required, or 2 years combined higher education and experience working with potential first-generation students.
• Demonstrated ability to relate well to participants, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in education, counseling, or related field experience.
• Experience working in TRIO projects or similar programs preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of student assessment instruments and learning styles.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

The environment and physical requirements may vary depending on the specific duties of the position and the department's operational needs. Incumbents work primarily in indoor environments but may be exposed to outdoor conditions while traveling between locations. Indoor work may occur in office, event, or public spaces that are protected from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. Duties may require prolonged periods of sitting and frequent use of repetitive hand motions, such as typing. Position responsibilities also include travel to and from work sites and conducting home visits.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 07/2026

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

titleix@usu.edu

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 08/2026