Leadership
Build strategic, positive, effective partnerships with school staff, administrators, and teachers in order to ensure support to GEAR UP students is comprehensive, coordinated, data-informed, and non-duplicative.
Serve as a system-level advocate for a college-going culture by ensuring GEAR UP services are embedded into existing structures at the school and district level, including supporting teachers and staff to incorporate college access information and rigorous coursework and support into their regular work flow.
Responsible for maintaining a strong relationship with Appalachian State University GEAR UP by regularly attending meetings and communicating updates to district/school staff.
Participate in regular professional development opportunities to stay abreast of updates and the changing landscape of college access.
Support the strategic development of a 7-year district/school plan to implement GEAR UP and ensure alignment of plan to district goals.
Strategic Services
Ensure all GEAR UP students receive at least one service per year, with special emphasis on serving those students from populations that are marginalized.
Work with and support school staff in the implementation of GEAR UP services in classrooms, clubs, and other existing structures in the school such that services are embedded in the school culture.
Regularly collaborate with school counselors and other college access staff in the schools (CAC advisers, Career Coaches, etc.) to ensure roles and services are comprehensive, equitable, and balanced to meet student needs.
Facilitate student leadership skill development through intentional programs that seek student perspectives in GEAR UP services.
Coordinate the development of an annual GEAR UP annual plan and collaborate for the strategic development of services.
Support the development of academic/STEM services that demonstrate alignment between district and grant goals.
Plan and implement services to ensure grant funds are providing students with the skills, knowledge and access to reach their postsecondary goals.
Facilitate or leverage services that model best practices in education and/or organizational development.
Evaluation
Ensure all student services are entered into the GEAR UP database within 30 days of the service and in accordance with federal and Appalachian GEAR UP policies.
Responsible for the collection and submission of usage data (in accordance with Appalachian GEAR UP policies) for electronic services purchased using district GEAR UP funding.
Provide regular data updates to school and district staff to keep them informed and engaged in discussions regarding strategic alignment of GEAR UP goals with district goals.
In collaboration with the district GEAR UP Director and other district staff, engage in regular data reviews to monitor progress toward GEAR UP goals, identify gaps, and promote the implementation of data-informed, research-based services to strategically address those gaps.
Monitor and work to improve response rates for student, family, and teacher surveys.
Compliance
Maintain adequate service and financial records in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and GEAR UP policies.
Work with district finance staff to ensure all reimbursement and match documents are submitted on time and with minimal error.
Monitor progress toward cost-share commitments and budget spending.
Communicate regular updates to the district GEAR UP director regarding financial commitments to ensure match commitments are met and GEAR UP funding is utilized appropriately.
Qualifications and Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in education (Master’s degree beneficial) or a related discipline.
Experience in or knowledge of the public school setting is preferred.
The successful candidate is flexible, adaptable, committed and energetic.
Many of the program services require travel, as well as some evening, overnight and/or weekend hours.
Strong public relations skills, demonstrated proficiency in written and oral communication, computer competency and outstanding organizational skills are a MUST.
The ability to establish rapport with adults and adolescents and serve as a positive role model are essential.
Applications from candidates with backgrounds similar to the students served are encouraged.
This is a full-time, twelve-month position, contingent upon external funding.
Due to grant restrictions, GEAR UP Coordinators are not eligible to serve as athletic coaches.
Reports to: Director of Student Services
FSLA Status: Exempt
Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job.