Program Assistant, Upward Bound

The Program Assistant provides programmatic, outreach, and recruitment support to the Upward Bound Program administered through the Center for First Generation and Educational Equity. The Upward Bound Program is a federal TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education to help qualified high school scholars in the Dorchester, Massachusetts area develop the necessary skills to enroll and succeed in post-secondary education. This position reports to the Program Director of the Upward Bound Program. This position is grant-funded at 20 hours per week and currently runs through August 31st, 2026

Please include a resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and rationale for applying to this position. Applications without cover letters will not be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Primary Responsibilities:

Assist with the identification, outreach, and recruitment of eligible program participants, and work with program staff in the development, coordination, and implementation of academic and student services, academic year and 6-week summer program, and initiatives for program participants.

Collaborates with program staff and assists with identifying and scheduling programs, events, college visits, or other cultural or educational activities that may help promote the goals of each TRIO program or enhance community for the program participants, and ensures logistics of activities, travel, and events are in order.

Create, maintain, and update the program website and documentation (e.g., handbook, application, newsletter), as necessary, and assist in the development and distribution of program materials to promote the goals and objectives of the program to the community.

Propose, design, and help lead workshops and seminars appropriate to the immediate needs of the students and the overall goals and objectives of the program, including but not limited to: undergraduate admissions, financial aid, financial literacy, mental health, study skills, writing skills, time management skills, etc.

Assist with creating, maintaining, and/or updating of student records that may include but are not limited to: participant applications, meeting notes, evidence of program eligibility, requests for services, and other relevant documentation to track student progress and program service delivery – to ensure program compliance to the federal grant for record keeping and student tracking, as well as, completion of federal (APR) and institutional reporting, as needed.

Support other program-related initiatives and/or engage in other duties, as assigned, to further the mission and visibility of the Upward Bound Program and/or CAAO where the program is housed.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in appropriate field and one (1) year of educational, administrative, or appropriate professional experience OR any combination of five (5) years of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and ability have been achieved to perform the duties of this role
• Demonstrated ability working with low income, first generation, underrepresented student populations or other culturally and linguistically diverse groups through direct and indirect interaction
• Must have demonstrated capability of being a team player and possess strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work with multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to manage social and digital media profiles and develop recruitment plans
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information

Preferred Qualifications

• Skilled in data entry, Microsoft Office Suite applications, and Adobe Creative Cloud applications including Photoshop
• Previous experience working with TRIO (or similar) program databases such as StudentAccess, Blumen, BlumenOnline, COE Empower, or similar
• Familiarity working with grant funded programs and ability to work within federal and state guidelines
• Preference will be given to individuals who have similar backgrounds to those served by the Center for First-Generation and Educational Equity and the federal TRIO Programs

Salary: $28 - $32 per hour