Coordinator - Wichita GEAR UP

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 37,800 - 46,200; Full time

Job summary

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY is seeking a dedicated professional for the Wichita GEAR UP program, focused on supporting students in grades 6-12 and first-year college. The role involves supervising staff, managing regional educational services, and building relationships with students and families to promote college readiness.

Ideal candidates will have at least six years of educational program management experience and strong organizational skills. A master's degree is preferred, reinforcing the importance of leadership in this dynamic, student-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Six years of experience in educational program management.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting low-income students.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff and monitor regional services provided to students.
• Design and run workshops focused on college readiness.
• Coordinate campus visits and connect students to resources.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Master's degree in education or related field

Job description

Department: Wichita GEAR UP South/West

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - Other Wichita Location

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary is set at $42,000/yr

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8a-5p (regular evenings & wknds based on scheduled events but flexible)

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Do you believe every young person deserves a shot at the future they dream of? Are you the kind of leader who can turn “what if” into “what’s next”? If so, this is your moment.

Wichita GEAR UP is a program serving students grades 6-12 and first year in college. Multiple positions available at multiple school locations within Wichita.

Students today are navigating a world of rapid change: shifting graduation requirements, AI‑altered career paths, mental‑health challenges, and families stretched thin. This isn’t a desk‑only job. It’s relational, dynamic, and rooted in showing up, consistently and compassionately, for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and first‑year college students. Your role is to help them cut through the noise and build a future built on confidence, readiness, and opportunity. You’ll serve as the bridge between Wichita State University, the schools they attend, and families who want the very best for their kids.

The Type of Person Who Thrives Here

• You’re not just organized, you’re strategic. You think several steps ahead, and a large caseload doesn’t scare you because systems, structure, and charts are your love language.
• Balances warmth with boundaries; students trust you, but they also respect your expectations.
• Understands the realities many students face, including other external agency’s policies and barriers that shape their long‑term outcomes.
• Communicates just as comfortably with a 13‑year‑old as you do with a principal or district leader.
• Pivot gracefully when the school day shifts (because it will).
• Manages multiple deadlines without losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Documentation is meticulous because accuracy is critical when federal funding and student progress intersect.
• Shows up for kids, not because it’s the job, but because students notice when adults stick around.

You won’t be sitting on the sidelines. You’ll be in hallways, classrooms, gym bleachers, evening workshops, and campus tours… helping students imagine and build futures they didn’t even know to dream about yet. If that energizes you, we’d love to meet you.

Job Summary

Responsible for supervising the staff and monitoring the services provided to students in each region. Collaborates with partners to set up services for students, collect in‑kind documentation and document all activities in the region.

Essential Functions

Manages regional office by coordinating all activities which may include, but is not limited to, foster care facilities, schools, and community organizations. Ensures maximum enrollment for region. Prepares monthly and annual reports. Provides leadership to regional staff and volunteers. Supervises various staff actions including, but not limited to, hiring, training, performance appraisals, promotions, transfers and vacation schedules. Instructs program students in college access workshops. Plans and coordinates resource center development for students, parents, teachers and staff. Serves as representative at local school, foster care agencies, and community meetings. Negotiates in‑kind donations with partners to ensure grant dollar for dollar match.

Job Duties

Wichita GEAR UP is a program serving students grades 6-12 and first year in college. Multiple positions available at multiple school locations within Wichita.

• Work directly with students during the school day, building rapport and creating personalized academic success plans.
• Design and run workshops/events, focused on middle school transitions, high school requirements, and early financial aid concepts. These are often in the evenings or on weekends, that make college readiness feel real.
• Coordinate campus visits and connect students to on‑site/off‑site resources.
• Integrate GEAR UP programming into the school day, advisory periods, after‑school time, classroom collaborations.
• Track and document every service, outcome, and contact with precision and professionalism.
• Use real‑time student data (grades, attendance, progress) to tailor interventions before a student falls behind.
• Engage parents and guardians so they’re part of their student’s success story, not watching from the sidelines.
• Lead and supervise staff, coaching them to deliver consistently excellent student support.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Six (6) years of experience in educational program management with diverse populations or related field. Every 30 hours of college coursework in education, counseling, or social services can be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Required License/Certifications/Training

Valid Kansas drivers licence for Trio Talent Search, Trio Talent Search South, Haysville GEAR UP, and TRIO Upward Bound Wichita Prep

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in implementing programs in schools.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting low‑income students, grants or other K‑12 programs.
• Knowledge of the education systems, assessments in the State of Kansas or higher‑ed entrance exams.
• Strong computer, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Management skills: able to analyze problems and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to independently manage time, pivot as need with competing priorities.
• Knowledgeable on how to supervise staff and utilize coaching methods.
• Exceptional organizational skills in order to execute plans with efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, counseling, social services or related field

Preferred License/Certifications/Training

None listed.

Additional Information

No additional information provided.

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to travel in a vehicle for distances including but not limited to across city, county, and state.

Additional Physical Requirement

Ability to drive 7 to 15 passenger van safely & travel distances regularly.

Must be able to escort students on campus visits - which may include lots of walking.

Must be able to attend community and school presentations.

Overnight travel occasionally to trainings and conferences may be required.