GEAR UP Partnership Coordinator

Job Summary

The GEAR UP Partnership Coordinator strengthens collaboration among school districts, community partners, and regional advisory groups to support student readiness for postsecondary education. This position ensures partner commitments are met, services align with approved grant activities, and all program events receive proper pre-approval within the internal finance process.

The Coordinator works with LEA teams to create, implement, and adjust annual workplans and leads the development and coordination of academic year and summer programs. By maintaining strong relationships and providing consistent support, the Partnership Coordinator helps ensure high-quality, compliant, and impactful GEAR UP services across the region.

This position plays a vital role in connecting partners, maintaining program fidelity, and delivering high-quality educational opportunities to students across the region.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Knowledge of the operation of a GEAR UP or similar type programs.

* Knowledge of administration and organization of secondary school systems.

* Ability to communicate effectively with program staff, district finance offices, and external auditors.

* Knowledge of successful intervention strategies to meet the needs of high and middle school students.

* Ability to assess the needs of middle and high school students.

* Ability to develop and maintain a positive rapport with target school administration and counselors.

* Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student information.

* Ability to plan and coordinate educational outreach activities.

* Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

* Attention to detail and ability to meet strict deadlines.

* Ability to work independently and to work as a team member of a college access team.

* Ability to make sound, feasible decisions in a timely, independent manner.

* Ability to analyze problems in an objective and consistent manner.

* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.

* Ability to learn and support new and fast-changing technologies for student engagement

* Ability to maintain flexibility, exhibit integrity, and exercise mature judgment,

* Ability to display interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy while demonstrating exemplary customer service in working with students, parents, staff, and the public.

* Knowledge of established university policies, regulations, and services.

* Ability to interpret and apply policies accurately and consistently.

Required Qualifications

* Bachelors' degree and minimum one (1) year of experience with college access programs, a youth-serving agency, or a project with similar goals, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's degree

Compensation & Benefits

* Job Family - Administrative Program Support 2

* Market Range - 5 (Salary Schedules)

* For information on benefits please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Application Instructions

* Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.

* Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check.

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond.

Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution's focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The

Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.