Vacancy Announcement & Summary of Professional Responsibilities GEAR UP Student Coordinator Position Summary: Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federally funded discretionary grant program designed to increase the number of low-income students prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The GEAR UP college access initiative national objectives are to: * Increase academic performance and preparation for postsecondary education. * Increase the rate of high school graduation and participation in postsecondary education. * Increase GEAR UP students and their family's knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing. To achieve these objectives, Rutherford County Schools (RCS) is partnering with Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) to provide a variety of interventions to students and their families in grades six through year one of postsecondary education. Services include and are not limited to college visits, summer programs, career exploration, mentoring, job shadowing, tutoring, college advising, and financial aid workshops. Professional development is offered to school and district staff to share best practices and assist in creating and strengthening a college-going culture for the target schools and their communities. The GEAR UP Student Coordinator is a full-time position requiring a 12-month, 100%-time commitment. Programmatic, evaluation, and counseling responsibilities are essential to the success of this position. The GEAR UP Student Coordinator will work collaboratively with other GEAR UP staff and local school district staff to fulfill the academic obligations communicated in the approved grant award. This position will report to, Mrs. Margaret McKinney, who serves as the GEAR UP liaison. Professional Responsibilities and Duties * Encourage RCS students and district staff to develop sustainable options that increase the college- going success rate for all GEAR UP students. * Guide RCS students in establishing student consistent utilization of CFNC.org or Naviance to promote college access awareness and readiness. * Implement and coordinate comprehensive pre-college programs for middle and high school students that include, but are not limited to, career exploration, academic planning and preparation, college visits, mentoring, and financial planning. * Serve as a college planning resource for teachers, educators, and counselors. * Work collaboratively with other district-based GEAR UP staff, school personnel, families, and the community, raising awareness of the benefits of a post-secondary education. * Work cooperatively with educators to provide summer enrichment activities that include academic preparation, job-shadowing, college visits, etc., meeting the needs of the school district's students. * Attend GEAR UP RCS/WSSU meetings, institutes, and conferences, providing continuous feedback and recommendations. * In cooperation with the central office liaison and other school administrators, prepare and submit comprehensive evaluative and programming reports. Maintain data collection of GEAR UP activities and record student progress. Provide continuous feedback to GEAR UP RCS/WSSU administrative staff regarding project benchmarks and outcomes. * It is important for the GEAR UP Student Coordinator to have a thorough understanding of the GEAR UP grant goals, objectives, and expectations. Certification and Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree * Strong background in education/counseling * Work experience with diverse pre-college, underrepresented student population * Knowledge of educational and financial aid opportunities * Experience in working with diverse populations * Excellent communication skills (virtual, oral, and written) * Demonstrate effective presentation skills * Ability to work effectively with school personnel and students * Commitment to education, demonstrates strong interpersonal and networking skills * A positive role model for students * Educational advocate for all students Questions about the position should be directed to Mrs. Margaret McKinney, at mmckinney@rcsnc.org.