GEAR UP Program Coordinator

Length of Position:  Grant Funded - 7 years

Type of Benefits:  Full

Months per year:  11

Number of hours per week:  37.5

Number of days per week:  5

State Salary Schedule: Yes

District Coordinator Position Description

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 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.

*What the position is not:

• Serving as a fill-in for classrooms/lunch/buses/etc. (fair share duty - this can be the exception, but not the rule)
• Cannot serve as an athletic coach.

Education/Experience

• A North Carolina certified educator license 
• 3 years of teaching experience preferred
• State pay scale

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 to this job.