GEAR UP Site Coordinator

Job Summary


The GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Partnership is funded by the US Department of Education to increase the college-going rate of low-income secondary school students in LEA. GEAR UP provides training and support for administrators and teachers at school names to enhance preparation for postsecondary education. Immediate supervision will be provided by the LEA District Liaison, in coordination with the GEAR UP Partnership Associate Director. This is a full-time position, contingent upon external funding.

The Site Coordinator manages daily implementation of GEAR UP services at the assigned school site(s). This position supports students, families, and staff by coordinating tutoring, mentoring, college visits, and workshops to promote academic achievement and college readiness. Coordinates and implements GEAR UP services at the school site(s) to promote student academic achievement, college readiness, and career exploration. Develops and maintains positive relationships with students, parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators. Organizes and facilitates tutoring, mentoring, college visits, family workshops, and enrichment activities. Monitors student academic progress, attendance, and participation in GEAR UP services. Maintains accurate records, data, and documentation required for grant compliance and reporting. Assists with scheduling guest speakers, workshops, and professional development activities. Communicates regularly with parents/guardians to encourage family involvement in student success. Collaborates with school staff to integrate GEAR UP services into the academic setting. Supports college and career awareness initiatives, such as F AFSA completion events, scholarship workshops, and test preparation. Submits reports and updates to the Program Director as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the operation of a GEAR UP program.
• Knowledge of college admissions and financial aid procedures.
• Knowledge of successful intervention strategies to meet the needs of high and middle school students.
• Knowledge of guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education as stated in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations, 0MB A-121, Federal Register and the approved grant.
• Knowledge of established university policies, regulations, and services.
• Knowledge of administration and organization of secondary school systems.
• Knowledge of the delivery of services for educational outreach programs.
• Ability to work independently and to work as a team member of a college access team.
• Ability to utilize software and student data systems proficiently.
• Ability to counsel/advise youth.
• Ability to make sound, feasible decisions in a timely, independent manner.
• Ability to assess the needs of middle and high school students.
• Ability to design strategies that utilize successful motivational techniques for the participants. Ability to develop and maintain a positive rapport with target school administration and counselors. Ability to interpret and apply policies accurately and consistently.
• Ability to analyze problems in an objective and consistent manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding student information.
• Ability to plan and coordinate educational outreach activities.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors' degree
• One to three years of experience working with middle or high school students, college access programs, a youth-serving agency, or a project with similar goals
• OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Three or more years of experience working with middle or high school students, college access programs, youth-serving agencies, or similar projects.

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family – Student Services Professional 1E
• Starting Salary: $47,002.36
• For information on benefits please visit .

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.

ETSU is an equal opportunity employer.

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.