College and Career Coach – GEAR UP Kentucky

College and Career Coach – GEAR UP Kentucky (7 positions)

Open Position Locations: Anderson County Schools (2 positions), Bath County Schools, Mason County Schools, Mercer County Schools, Pendleton County Schools, Washington County Schools
Work Locations
:
Primarily in assigned school building(s) or district(s) within the academic year. Occasional meetings and professional development at Frankfort, KY office.
Position Information: Time-limited interim position with a term from August 17, 2026, through May 14, 2027.
Travel
:
Infrequent in-state and out-of-state travel required.
Compensation
: $18 - $23/hour based on education, relevant professional experience, and prior GEARUP Kentucky service.

GEAR UP Kentucky is a federal, statewide grant program coordinated by the Council, which works with students, families, and schools in low-income Kentucky communities to support college preparation and success. GEAR UP Kentucky is designed to increase the percentage of students who graduate high school and successfully transition to and through postsecondary education.

In October 2025, the Council was awarded a seven-year, $35 million grant to serve at least 10,000 students in eight high-need KY school districts, the fifth GEAR UP state grant for Kentucky that has been administered through the Council. While this position is limited to the 2026-27 academic year, GEAR UP Kentucky is funded through September 30, 2032, and future opportunities may become available based on program needs and funding.

GEAR UP Kentucky (GUK) College and Career Coaches (CCC) serve as advisors to one or more cohorts of GUK students and families in partner middle and high schools during the academic year. The anticipated contract timeframe for  academic year will be August 17, 2026, to May 14, 2027.

• Collaborate with the District Program Manager (DPM), district personnel, school staff, GUK staff, and community partners to coordinate services and professional development opportunities aligned with school and program goals.
• Participate in School Site Team meetings, program meetings, trainings, conferences, networking opportunities, and other professional learning activities as assigned.
• Support positive working relationships with students, families, school personnel, and community partners.
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and responsiveness in supporting school and program initiatives.
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to college and career readiness, youth development, advising practices, and program implementation.

• Facilitate delivery of student curricula, advising, and related student and family activities to implement the GEAR UP Kentucky program with fidelity.
• Implement the School Site Team plan designed to support cohort students and families.
• Inform students, families, and school staff about the purpose, services, and resources available through GUK through orientations, presentations, and participation in school-based events.
• Recruit and support students to participate in GUK student engagement and leadership opportunities.
• Support the DPM in arranging college campus visits, career-focused field trips, and other postsecondary exposure opportunities for cohort students.
• Collaborate with students and families to promote college awareness through campus visits, summer experiences, career exploration, and other strategies designed to foster a strong postsecondary-going culture.
• Support the administration of student and family surveys.
• Assist the school (as requested) to meet mandates for each student to complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
• Collaborate with partner agencies to coordinate and support workshops delivered by Student Engagement Specialists.
• Provide guidance and support to families to develop plans for successful high school completions and postsecondary transitions.
• Conduct career interest assessments and support students in identifying career pathways and related academic strategies.
• Continuously monitor student progress and connect students and families with enrichment opportunities, interventions, and support resources.
• Support school-wide college and career readiness initiatives aligned with school, district, and GUK goals.

• Communicate the GUK vision and mission effectively and represent the GUK brand to all stakeholders.
• Adhere to FERPA/confidentiality expectations regarding any student/school data as outlined in GUK/CPE/KDE Data Collection and Use policies and procedures.
• Collect and maintain accurate and complete data on delivery of all services in accordance with GUK timelines and FERPA guidelines, including weekly entry of service delivery data into GUSS and submission of quarterly progress reports.
• Maintain all work-related activities on ky.gov calendar in Microsoft Outlook and communicate schedule with direct supervisor according to…