College Coach - GEAR UP- Cooper

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Title: College Coach - GEAR UP
Reports To: GEAR UP Project Director
Department: PK-12 Schools
Contract: 180 Days
Overtime Status: Exempt

Position Summary: 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. GEAR UP College Coaches utilize the Check & Connect Student Engagement Intervention Model to provide targeted support for a caseload of students.

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.

Education: Associate's degree in education or human service field or a minimum of 48 hours of successful college coursework.

Specialized Knowledge/Skills/Licenses:

• Must be persistent and have the belief that all children can succeed in college with appropriate support.
• Must possess competence in working with families from all backgrounds using a strengths-based, non-blaming approach.
• Must have excellent advocacy skills, including the ability to negotiate, compromise, and confront conflict in a professional manner.
• Must have organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to work independently in a variety of settings.
• Must be skilled in oral and written communication and able to apply technology to enhance program effectiveness.
• Must be willing to collaborate with a team of professionals to seek the best outcome for students.
• Individuals who are bilingual in Spanish and English are preferred.

Experience:

• Experience working with adolescents in youth agencies, social services, college access programs, and/or school systems.
• Preferred - Three years of experience working with adolescents in youth agencies, social services, college access programs, and/or school systems.

Physical Requirements:

• Valid driver's license, car insurance, a reliable means of transportation, and a willingness to use personal vehicle to complete required tasks.
• Job requires manual/visual skills.

Superintendent reserves the right to make exceptions to the minimum requirements.

Desired Outcomes: Increase the number of students enrolled in a postsecondary opportunity.

Postsecondary Readiness & Completion

• 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.
• Complete assigned tasks in alignment with project plans and timelines.
• Participate in regular updates, reports, and status meetings.
• 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.
• 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.
• Coordinate with school staff to administer annual GEAR UP student assessments and surveys.

Family & Community Engagement

• 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.

Customer Contacts: Students, Families of Students, Principals, Counselors, Teachers, GEAR UP Project Staff

Full-Time