Upward Bound Grant Administration

Position Summary:
The Temporary Administrative Director provides administrative leadership and federal grant oversight for the TRIO Upward Bound Program during a transitional period. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all U.S. Department of Education requirements, overseeing fiscal management of the federal grant, supervising program administration, coordinating reporting and evaluation activities, and leading preparation for the next grant funding cycle. The position works closely with program staff to ensure continuity of services to participants while maintaining program integrity and federal compliance.
Job Description:
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Grant Administration, Compliance, and Fiscal Oversight
Supervise the fiscal aspects, personnel administration, and evaluation processes of the project to ensure compliance with U.S. Department of Education requirements.
Maintain familiarity with federal TRIO legislation, regulations, and guidance.
Serve as the primary liaison between the U.S. Department of Education and the Fort Lewis College Upward Bound Program.
Maintain accurate program records and documentation required by the Department of Education.
Ensure compliance with all federal grant requirements and monitor performance outcomes.
Complete and submit all required annual, quarterly, and special reports in a timely manner.
Monitor grant expenditures and maintain sound fiscal decision-making to ensure program compliance.
Review and approve budget expenditures, purchasing requests, contracts, travel requests, and personnel-related expenditures.
Work collaboratively with College fiscal staff to monitor grant budgets and ensure proper use of federal funds.
Monitor documentation of program services and activities to ensure program compliance and audit readiness.
Attend and participate in professional development activities related to TRIO and federal grant administration.
Grant Renewal and Strategic Planning
Lead preparation for the next Upward Bound grant competition and funding cycle.
Develop and coordinate a grant application work plan and timeline.
Collect, organize, and analyze required program performance and outcome data for grant renewal.
Coordinate gathering of institutional, community, and participant data necessary for a competitive grant application.
Collaborate with program staff and institutional partners to develop project objectives, services, outcomes, and evaluation plans.
Prepare narrative sections, budgets, supporting documentation, and other materials required for grant submission. This position is not required to finalize or submit grant
If a federal funding opportunity announcement is not released prior to the end of the temporary appointment, create a detailed transition plan, timeline, and resource repository for completion of the application by subsequent personnel.
Program Evaluation and Administrative Leadership
Oversee project evaluation activities and review performance outcomes.
Ensure data collection and reporting systems support federal reporting requirements.
Review operational policies, procedures, and documentation to support program effectiveness.
Provide administrative guidance and support to program staff during the transition period.
Coordinate with the acting program lead regarding program operations and emerging needs.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required
Five years of experience administering federally funded programs, grants, or educational opportunity programs.
Three years of experience with budget management, compliance monitoring, and reporting.
Three years of experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting program data.
Demonstrated organizational and project management skills.
Effective written, oral, and intercultural communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree
Experience with TRIO programs.
Successful grant writing or grant management experience.
Knowledge of U.S. Department of Education regulations and reporting requirements.
Experience in higher education or college access programs.
Compensation
$32.93/hour , plus a comprehensive benefits package.
Application Process
A complete application packet includes:
Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
Resume
Names and contact information for three current, professional references
Application materials received by 11:59 PM on November 8, 2026, will receive full consideration.
The successful candidate will be required to submit official transcripts
and pass a background check.
About Fort Lewis College:
On a sage-brushed mesa overlooking downtown Durango and the La Plata Mountains, Fort Lewis College is Southwest Colorado’s premier public undergraduate research institution. With more than half of the 3,300 students identifying as people of color, FLC’s academic programming and campus life thrive on nurturing safe, diverse spaces for intellectual exploration and helping people achieve their career goals. A Native American-serving, Non-Tribal Institution, FLC is committed to promoting economic development in neighboring tribal communities and connecting students with the education they need to be the change in the world they want to see. Degree programs span the arts, business, education, health sciences, humanities, and social and natural sciences. Coursework builds on the natural, cultural, and historical resources found around the Four Corners region. Students work closely with faculty on research projects with real-world implications. Like the mountain town it resides in, FLC promotes a culture of work-life balance for students, faculty, and staff. Skyhawks enjoy unparalleled access to a healthy outdoor lifestyle thanks to 300 days of sunshine a year and more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails in and around Durango
Notice to Prospective Employees:
The Fort Lewis College is required by the Clery Act of 1990 to notify prospective employees, curr