What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of West Virginia GEAR UP position at West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission?
General Job Summary
Under the Supervision of the Senior Director of Student Affairs, the Assistant Director of West Virginia GEAR UP provides administrative leadership and is responsible for assisting in the overall implementation of the GEAR UP grant, a $24.5 million federal grant that helps low-income and underrepresented students prepare for and succeed in higher education. The program provides services to help students and their families plan, apply for and pay for education and training after high school. The program is currently funded until 2028. GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.
Classification: Full Time, Non-Classified, Exempt, Benefits-Eligible
Duties and Responsibilities
Ensures effective day-to-day operations of the project including planning, administering, and supervision of staff;
Serves as program’s liaison to GEAR UP school districts, college partners, and the community; develops strong partnerships with staff and administrators at the school site, key stakeholders, and partners.
Provides primary oversight of regional offices. Oversees and facilitates in the coordination of events, implementation of workshops, editing and proofreading of content; works in collaboration with key stakeholders, and provides professional development opportunities to GEAR UP staff, partners, and school staff.
Provides grant assistance for the Higher Education Policy Commission as requested.
Assist in the development, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of project components.
Trains, and assists in the supervision, and evaluation of program staff.
Works in collaboration with the Senior Director to coordinate programs, meetings, special events, summer programs, and travel to conferences.
Responsible for ensuring success in achieving grant objectives.
Supervises and collaborates with Regional Program Directors on a variety of services that help students, and their families plan and prepare for higher education.
Maintain quality partnerships with project schools’ sites, community-based organizations, and other educational partners.
Assist the Senior Director in preparing and submitting reports to US Department of Education. Ensures adherence to Federal and State policies and procedures.
Works to create sustainable changes aimed at fostering a college-going environment.
Travels to attend mandatory US Department of Education required training. Visits target school and off-campus sites on a regular basis.
Participates in committees as requested by the Senior Director. Serves as the Acting Director of West Virginia GEAR UP in the absence of the Director.
Performs all duties required for the implementation and operation of the project as required.
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to relay information clearly and accurately to students, parents, and school personnel.
- Ability to develop, manage and monitor projects and competing deadlines.
- Strong leadership, supervision, and human relations skills.
- Proficiency working with computers and popular software packages.
- Reliable, responsible, punctual, and self-directed.
- Experience in documenting services.
- Ability to travel via automobile, train or air.
Minimum Requirements
Master’s degree in Education, Student Personnel, Business or Education Administration or related field is required.
Five years recent and relative work experience is required.
Experience should include supervising staff and working with college access initiatives; developing and administering large grant program components; coordinating and developing partnerships with the community, school districts, teachers, principals, and students at secondary schools.
Experience in retention and academic support of low-income students from diverse backgrounds strongly preferred.
Supplemental Information
Closing Date: January 6, 2025.
Application Process: In addition to filling out the online application, qualified candidates must submit a letter of interest and contact information for three professional references.
Final candidates are subject to employment and credential verification, as well as reference and background checks.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Veterans/Disabled