GEAR UP Regional Coordinator; Midlands, Pee Dee Lowcountry Regions

Position: GEAR UP Regional Coordinator  (Midlands, Pee Dee, & Low country Regions)
Location: Columbia

GEAR UP Regional Coordinator (Midlands, Pee Dee, & Low country Regions)

Department: CED College of Education

Part/Full Time:
Full Time

Advertised Job Summary

Join the University of South Carolina's GEAR UP South Carolina team and make a lasting impact on the educational futures of students across the Midlands, Pee Dee, and Low country regions of South Carolina. The GEAR UP Regional Coordinator serves as a key liaison between schools, families, communities, and higher education institutions, providing college access and success support to students from underserved communities.

This position coordinates college readiness programming, FAFSA and financial aid initiatives, scholarship and postsecondary planning activities, and GEAR UP Freshman (13th Year) services designed to help students successfully transition to and persist in college. The ideal candidate is passionate about educational opportunity, skilled at building partnerships, and committed to empowering students and families to achieve their postsecondary goals. This field-based position requires regular travel throughout the assigned service region and offers the opportunity to positively influence students and families across multiple regions of South Carolina.

Preferred Qualifications Required

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in education or related discipline.
• At least three years of teaching, counseling, college access, student affairs, educational outreach, or related experience working with middle school, high school, or first-year college students.
• Experience with FAFSA completion initiatives, financial aid advising, college access programs, GEAR UP, TRIO, or related federally funded programs.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Experience working in public schools and with educational organizations.
• Knowledge of college admissions requirements, post-secondary education pathways, financial aid processes.
• FAFSA completion requirements, scholarship opportunities, and student persistence strategies.
• Experience assisting students and families with college and financial aid planning.
• Strong public relations and outstanding organizational skills. Ability to establish rapport with both adults and adolescents.
• Capable of working well and communicating effectively with students, staff, community partners, and students' family members in various large and small settings.
• Demonstrates cultural competency and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds of our students and community.

Job Close Date: 11/20/2026

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.