Program Assistant, Upward Bound

Posting Details

I. Job Overview

Job Description Summary:

Founded in 1824, the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences ( SMHS ) is the 11th oldest medical school in the country and the first in the nation’s capital. Since its establishment, the school has been at the forefront of medical education, and has grown to include highly-ranked programs in the health and biomedical sciences. With dozens of top-tier residency programs, SMHS is a competitive and esteemed destination for medical school graduates across the country. Find out more here: http://smhs.gwu.edu/

The Upward Bound Program is one the U.S. Department of Education TRIO Programs, which provide outreach and support to help low-income, first-generation college, and disabled students progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate programs. The goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

This Program Assistant, Upward Bound position is under the supervision of the Trio Upward Bound Director. This position works in collaboration along with the Trio Director, and other key program personnel to effectively provide program support and maintain program expectations concerning Marketing, Retention and Recruitment. This position will be working on recruitment and community outreach, student onboarding, and office responsibilities. The intention for this position is to split time between working as a representative for Upward Bound, as well as completing responsibilities within the office. This role will serve as a point of contact for the program, will answer program questions from faculty, staff, and students, and will provide functional support for the program administration.

Responsibilities Include

Recruitment and Community Outreach

• Recruit and coordinate the recruitment of eligible program participants
• Coordinates and implements various recruitment programs
• Facilitates and establishes partnerships within the community, partner schools and university community on behalf of the program. Maintains clear and concise communication with partner schools
• Develop Marketing strategies for special events relating to eligible population to meet requirements of recruitment efforts
• Assist with the effective communication with target school personnel key personnel, Act as a liaison to support program’s recruitment & retention efforts with Upward Bound students
• Use technology and social media as a means to engage and inform current and potential program participants
• Connect with local organizations/community mentors to support participant programming
• Develop intentional relationships in the community to create partnerships in order to discover ways to successfully guide 8th -12th grade high school student participants to reach their educational/career goals
  
  

Student Onboarding and Program Administration

• Coordinate and supervise student-related programs and events for eligible high school students interested in attending college
• Coordinates onboarding process for new student participants/families and new staff and faculty to the program while facilitating orientation
• Use assessment instruments to measure students participants and family feedback of services being provided
• Oversees all aspects of mentorship and community engagement programming
• Interviewing students and families for admissions into the program
  
  

Office Responsibilities

• Works closely with Program Associate Director and Program Director in developing faculty professional development programming
• Travel to TRIO related trips and events with program participants
• Organize and develop student participant ambassadors for recruitment efforts of the program
• Oversee all aspects of planning and developing parent communication
• Managing and maintaining student data records in the form of physical and electronic files
• Responsible for developing and maintaining student records in virtual database and physical file folders quarterly
• Managing Upward Bound external communications to students, partner schools, families, and other stakeholders
• Conducts evaluation and assessment of programs and oversees the collection of data for annual reports
• Oversees tutorial services for program participants including assigning tutors to participants
  
  

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a high school diploma/ GED plus 1.5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution preferably in education, counseling, communications, project management or related field; Master is preferred (or currently enrolled in a Masters program)
• Demonstrated experience working with students and families from underrepresented areas
• Valid drivers license and willing and able to operate a vehicle with student participants
• Experience in the administration of projects that serve academically disadvantaged, low-income, and potential first-generation college students (such as TRIO programs)
• Strong customer service and organization skills
• Experience working with a database system
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed
• Effective interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team and collaborate with others
• A self starter
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making in resolving problems
• Ability to maintain sensitivity, understanding and respect for a diverse academic environment inclusive of students, faculty and staff of varying social economic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds
• Ability to maintain and organize files for students
  
  

Hiring Range $18.06 - $23.50

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department: School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS)

Family Academic Affairs

Sub-Family Program Administration

Stream Service and Support

Level Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am-5pm; Tuesday & Thursday 11am-7pm; sometimes Saturdays

Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes

Employee Onsite Status Hybrid

Telework: Yes

Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions To Applicants

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.

This is a limited term position ending on 8/30/2027.

Internal Applicants Only? No

Posting Number: S013894

Job Open Date: 10/28/2025

Job Close Date

If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until: 08/30/2027

Background Screening Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.