Program Coordinator; Gear Up Program Coordinator

Reporting to the GEAR UP Project Director, the GEAR UP Coordinator(s) provides site-based, direct support services to middle and high school students across partner schools in Limestone County and Marshall County. Dedicating 100% effort to target school sites, this role operationalizes day-to-day grant activities to increase academic achievement, high school graduation rates, and college enrollment among first-generation and income-eligible students. The Coordinator delivers individual and group advising, coordinates academic and college readiness programming, manages site-level staff (tutors, mentors, instructors), and collaborates closely with school personnel, families, and community stakeholders to remove barriers to postsecondary success.

• Direct Student Advising & College/Career Readiness - 35% Deliver targeted academic, career, and financial literacy advising, guiding students through college entry requirements, financial aid applications (FAFSA), and postsecondary pathways.
• Provide individual and group academic support, helping students explore postsecondary institutions, workforce resources, and certificate programs.
• Develop and deliver classroom lessons, skill-building workshops, and six-week summer camp curricula focused on academic enrichment and college preparation.
• Support participant recruitment and eligibility determination, maintaining an active caseload of students across assigned target schools.
• On-Site Program Logistics & Event Coordination - 25% Plan, organize, and execute site-level activities, including college campus visits, industry tours, career fairs, financial aid workshops, and family engagement nights.
• Coordinate logistics for all off-site events, field trips, and summer academies—managing transportation, supplies, and youth safety compliance.
• Represent the GEAR UP program at school, university, and community outreach events to strengthen family and community engagement.
• Site Leadership, Personnel Oversight & Collaboration - 20% Support the recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising of site-level temporary personnel, including tutors, mentors, and summer instructors.
• Facilitate monthly collaborative meetings with school counselors, teachers, and administrators to align services, address student needs, and integrate GEAR UP goals into the school environment.
• Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians through workshops, meetings, and direct outreach.
• Data Management, Compliance & Administration - 20% Maintain accurate, up-to-date participant files, service logs, and academic progress records in compliance with federal guidelines and UAH policies.
• Collect and compile site data to support U.S. Department of Education progress reports, program evaluations, and grant performance tracking.
• Participate in state and regional GEAR UP professional development, staff meetings, and training sessions.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the GEAR UP Project Director or Vice President for Access, Connections and Engagement.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Social Work, Human Services, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Experience:

3-5 years of experience delivering grant-funded youth initiatives (e.g., GEAR UP, TRiO) that serve low-income, first-generation, and secondary students. Demonstrated track record of collaborating with high school staff, parents, and community partners, alongside proven experience supervising personnel (staff, tutors, or mentors), managing grant projects, and guiding curriculum design.

Knowledge &

Skills:

Strong…