College Transition Specialist

Title: College Transition Specialist

State Role Title: Education Support Spec III

Hiring Range: $54,000 - $66,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: State Council of Higher Educ

Location: State Council of Higher Educ

Agency Website: www.schev.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Are you passionate about creating opportunities for underserved students to achieve college success? Do you thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your work has a tangible impact? If so, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) invites you to join our team as the GEAR UP College Transition Specialist

The College Transition Specialist supports students in successfully transitioning to postsecondary programs as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Virginia grant. GEAR UP is a federal initiative aimed at improving college and career readiness for students in underserved communities. GEAR UP Virginia serves approximately 5,000 students annually across 12 school divisions across the Commonwealth.

The College Transition Specialist primarily works with students at Petersburg High School, Hopewell High School, and Brunswick High School (designated GEAR UP Priority High Schools) and will regularly travel to these locations. The specialist collaborates closely with Virginia College Advising Corps leadership to train and support advisers in Priority High Schools, ensuring their efforts align with GEAR UP goals and responsibilities.

In addition to working directly with students, the specialist builds relationships with institutions of higher education to create and enhance pathways to postsecondary opportunities. They manage the GEAR UP College Ambassadors peer mentoring program, providing training and guidance to student ambassadors and serving as a key resource for postsecondary students during their first year.

The role also includes promoting the GEAR UP Virginia scholarship through outreach and presentations to students and families. The specialist supports internal documentation and payment processes to ensure smooth scholarship administration.

This position requires a strong commitment to direct student service, the ability to build and maintain partnerships, and proficiency in project management. The College Transition Specialist reports to the GUV Project Director and works full-time for 12 months each year. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with options for telework and alternate work schedules available.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of college admissions, recruitment, outreach and financial aid processes and the strategies used to improve graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates
• Demonstrated understanding of public education in Virginia including but not limited to graduation requirements, SOLs and standardized tests, CTE credits, dual enrollment, advanced placement, etc.
• Knowledge of regional resources and culture
• Knowledge of federal grants program operations and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly and work in a fast-paced, deadline and purpose driven environment
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently/remotely, develop a work plan, set priorities, and meet deadlines and goals
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail accompanied by a high level of creativity
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups and populations
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others to accomplish goals and to establish and maintain effective working relationships remotely
• Ability to travel and drive extensively, using personal vehicle
• Demonstrated ability to direct and train others
• Demonstrated ability to use technology in reporting information, communicating with others and engaging participants
• Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and aptitude to learn new systems/technology

Additional Considerations

• Knowledge of federal grant program operations and regulations.
• A work history demonstrating experience working in a college access program/organization or in higher education desired.
  

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Taris Harmon

Phone: 804-292-6482

Email: taris.harmon@dhrm.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.