Program Operations Specialist (STEM-Focused)

Job Description

Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA&D), College Access Unit, has an outstanding opportunity for a Program Operations Specialist (STEM-Focused) to join the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Rural Initiative in STEM Education and Undergraduate Preparation (RISE UP).

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the GEAR UP RISE UP Assistant Director, the Program Operations Specialist (STEM-Focused) plays a key role in advancing the goals of the GEAR UP program by supporting the implementation of comprehensive college and career readiness services across fourteen partner middle and high schools. This position collaborates closely with the GEAR UP Director, Program Operations Specialist- Service Manager, Assistant Director, and the central office team to deliver high-quality, data-driven programming and STEM programming that promotes student success.

This position leads the development, coordination, and implementation of STEM-focused initiatives designed to increase student engagement, academic achievement, and awareness of postsecondary opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Program Operations Specialist -STEM works to ensure that programming aligns with GEAR UP grant objectives and effectively serves first-generation, low-income, and underserved students.

This position is based out of the GEAR UP office in Toppenish, WA. The UW supports some hybrid remote work so long as it meets the business needs of OMA&D as determined by the position’s supervisor and unit leadership.

Key Responsibilities

STEM Programming Leadership and Coordination (50%):

• Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of STEM-focused programming, including STEM enrichment activities, career exploration events, experiential learning opportunities, and exposure to postsecondary STEM pathways.
• Collaborate with the Program Operations Specialist (Program Manager) to align programming with approved curriculum frameworks, learning outcomes, and grant expectations.
• Coordinate STEM-related events such as workshops, STEM camps, campus-based institutes, site visits, and partnerships with higher education and industry professionals.
• Identify and integrate best practices in STEM engagement, particularly for first-generation and underserved students.

Program Planning, Operations, and Implementation (Programming Focus) (15%):

• Plan, coordinate, and implement GEAR UP programming in collaboration with program leadership and another Program Operations Specialist (Program Manager).
• Support execution of academic-year and summer programming, including college readiness initiatives, college campus visits, career exploration activities, and large-scale program events.

Site Coordinator Support and Collaboration (10%):

• Provide guidance, consultation, and technical support to school-based GEAR UP Site Coordinators related to program implementation, STEM activities, and grant-aligned programming.

Family Engagement and Community Partnerships (10%):

• Support the Program Operations Specialist and Assistant Director in the development and delivery of family engagement programming, including STEM-focused family events, college planning workshops, and financial aid education.

Grant Support, Reporting, and Administrative Responsibilities (10%):

• Ensure programming activities are implemented in compliance with federal grant requirements.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of program goals. (5%)

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, STEM-related fields, social sciences, public administration, or a related discipline and 4 years of relevant experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience working with middle and/or high school students, particularly first-generation and low-income populations.
• Experience working with U.S. Department of Education–funded federal grants (e.g., TRIO, CAMP, GEAR UP) or similar programs.
• Experience providing college access services to students and families within a K–12 educational setting.
• Knowledge of Washington State postsecondary education systems, including colleges, universities, technical schools, and apprenticeship pathways, with the ability to support middle and high school students in making informed decisions about their educational and career futures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, STEM education, social work, or related field.
• Experience working with federally funded programs (e.g., GEAR UP, TRIO).
• Experience supporting or delivering college access-based and STEM programming.
• Using data driven outcomes for programming design.
• Using online database systems for federal reporting.
• Bilingual/bicultural experience and ability to work in multilingual environments.
• Experience working with school districts and community‑based organizations.
• Knowledge of Yakima, Grant, Kittitas and Skagit Counties and partner schools, regional initiatives and communities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, SharePoint, WorkDay and data‑tracking systems.
• We are looking for someone enthusiastic about the UW, has a strong work ethic, and exercises sound judgment, professionalism, and maturity.

Working Conditions

• Must have a valid driver’s license. (The Program Operations Specialist is required to travel throughout Washington State. Occasionally, they will transport students to program activities and events, as well as travel to locations where public transportation or ride-sharing is not readily available.)

About the Team

GEAR UP is a federal grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a competitive federal Task program that provides six- and seven-year grants to education/community partnerships and states to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

GEAR UP’s three objectives are:

• Increase academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education.
• Increase high school graduation and postsecondary participation rates.
• Increase students’ and their families’ knowledge of post-secondary options, preparation, and financial literacy.

Our mission is to help students in rural districts prepare for and succeed in college/career school.

About OMA&D

Established in 1968, the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity creates pathways to higher education for underserved communities, supports students through their academic journey, and fosters a campus climate that enriches the experience for all.

The OMA&D College Access unit implements programs focused on expanding educational access for underserved communities through partnerships with K–12 schools and districts, colleges and universities, and community coalitions. College Access provides programming beginning in middle school that helps students identify pathways to postsecondary education, prepare for college, explore careers, and gain admission to institutions of higher education, including the University of Washington.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$69,720.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$86,508.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.