Student Success Navigator - GEAR UP

In collaboration with the GEAR UP team, school personnel, and parent/community-based organizations, College Coaches coordinate college and career readiness initiatives that support the overall goals of the GEAR UP program. These may include college visits, career exploration events, academic planning sessions, and workshops that help students and families navigate postsecondary pathways. Through strong relationships with students, families, school staff, and community service providers, College Coaches implement individualized strategies to promote school success, post-secondary pathways, and meaningful classroom engagement.

* A Federal or private categorical grant funds this position. Continuation of the position is dependent upon the continuation and availability of the grant funding.

Jefferson MS, John Marshall MS, Mary Golda Ross MS, F.D. Moon/Rogers MS, Roosevelt MS, Skyline MS, Southeast MS, Taft MS, or Webster MS

• Great Teaching & Learning (Instructional Infrastructure):
  • Utilize the Check & Connect Student Engagement Intervention Model to provide targeted support for a caseload of students.
  • Coordinate with GEAR UP staff, families, and school counselors to ensure completion of key transition steps, including applications, financial aid, and career exploration.
  • Collaborate with GEAR UP staff and school personnel to plan and facilitate college readiness initiatives (e.g., college visits, career forums) that promote student achievement.
  • Guide students through individualized success planning focused on graduation and postsecondary pathways.
  • Assist with enrollment in postsecondary opportunities such as dual enrollment, AP courses, concurrent college classes, and career programs.
  • Promote consistent attendance and active engagement in school and GEAR UP activities, especially among students at risk of falling behind.
• Great People (Talent Management):
  • Partner with school staff and community organizations to deliver family-focused events (e.g., Family College Nights, academic workshops) that enhance college and career readiness.
  • Connect families with school and community resources that remove barriers to student success.
  • Offer flexible service delivery during evenings, weekends, and summer sessions to accommodate family availability.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with students, families, educators, school leaders, and community partners.
• Ensure all external communications align with the organization's mission and values.
• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders and keep them informed and engaged in program activities.
• Support team members during peak periods or when additional capacity is needed to meet program goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned to enhance the overall effectiveness of the GEAR UP program.
• Coordinate with school staff to administer annual GEAR UP student assessments and surveys.
• Great Systems (Support & Accountability):
  • Complete assigned tasks in alignment with project plans and timelines.
  • Participate in regular updates, reports, and status meetings.
  • Monitor student progress using indicators such as attendance, academic performance, and engagement.
  • Use data to inform and adjust intervention strategies for improved outcomes.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to grant reporting requirements.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

• An Associate's degree or higher in education or a human service field, or a minimum of 48 hours of successful college coursework.
• Experience working with adolescents in youth agencies, social services, college access programs, and/or school systems.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills
• Must be persistent and have the belief that all children can succeed in college with appropriate support.
• Ability to assist families from diverse backgrounds in supporting their students using a strengths-based, non-blaming approach.
• Excellent advocacy skills, including the ability…