Coord Academic I - GEAR UP

Position Overview:

Coordinates program or services activities to ensure relevant guidelines, specifications, policy and/or procedures are followed for academic related programs, groups, and/or services. Assess to make sure the educational needs and goals are being met. Facilitates communication between administrators, faculty, staff, and students concerning program and/or services. Maintains relevant databases to ensure accurate and accessible records. Prepare reports summarizing statistical data or describing program objectives and accomplishments.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions:

Assist the director in the implementation and planning of 7^th Year Objectives for GEAR UP Central ensuring that various program activities are successfully implemented. Coordinate various program activities for students and families. Provide resources and support to GEAR UP Central students as they transition from high school to post-secondary opportunities. Use text messaging platforms like Remind to engage students and parents. Maintain active and engaging social media presence – Facebook, Instagram, etc. Schedule in-person and virtual meetings with cohort students on various college campuses. Provide support for students regarding financial aid and FAFSA submissions. Track students to determine if they entered a post-secondary institution, the workforce, military service, or are unemployed. Assist students who are underemployed into short-term certification programs at local career technology centers. Assist students in connecting to resources on various campuses, i.e. tutoring, mentoring, TRiO, etc. Conduct workshops designed to ensure students persist in post-secondary institutions. Foster connections with GEAR UP parents to support them in ensuring students persist in college. Plan and facilitate GEAR UP events on college campuses. Plan and family engagement to support students to persist from first year of higher education to the second. Maintain a constant presence with the students. Collect and enter data. Assist in managing the student filing system/database system and documentation. Assistance will include updating the files and ensuring records are accurate and up-to-date. Conduct day-to-day program activities and services. Advise participants on resources as well as mentoring on career and college issues. Provide direct services to participants on college access processes, resources as needed.

Qualifications

Experience Required:

Bachelor's degree in related field to the position plus 3+ years of relevant experience or 7+ years of equivalent work experience that provides knowledge of and exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts. Demonstrated application of expertise in a chosen field to achieve results.

Experience Preferred:

Required by grant: Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or related field. Direct work experience with target population. Familiarity with target areas and community resources. Knowledge of financial aid and post-secondary admissions process. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with GEAR UP/TRIO Programs.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Ability to serve as a mentor to GEAR UP Central students. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with target population, officials in post-secondary education institutions, community agencies, community organizations and community centers. The ability to cooperate and communicate with colleagues, participants, parents and community members involved with the program. Knowledge of current educational resources and information in testing, career planning, college admissions, and financial aid resources. Experience in coordinating and implementing counseling sessions, workshops, seminars, campus visits, and group activities. Ability to work independently and comply with program guidelines. Ability to coordinate various components of program goals. Demonstration of excellent written, oral and interpersonal skills. Commitment to the target population and the principles of equal educational opportunity.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.