GEAR UP Partnership Grant Project Director - Full-Time, Interim

BRADLEY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT; Cleveland (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bradley County School District is seeking a Project Director for the GEAR UP program to provide overall oversight and leadership for a 12-month grant. The role coordinates services across Bradley, Meigs, and Polk Counties, launches advisory and enrichment programs, and ensures compliance with federal grant terms.

The position requires a Master's degree in a related field and at least five years of relevant experience with school-based programs, plus strong communication and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, counseling, guidance, or related field.
• At least five years of work experience with middle or high school students in school- or community-based settings.
• Ability to work with diverse populations including low-income and first-generation students.
• Experience with project and federal grant management and familiarity with grant regulations.
• Familiarity with GEAR UP, TRIO or similar programs to support postsecondary education.
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall program oversight and leadership in the implementation of GEAR UP.
• Coordinate all planned GEAR UP services, activities, and events between Bradley County Schools, Meigs County Schools, Polk County Schools, and partners.
• Launch advisory, mentoring, and enrichment programs.
• Provide program orientation, college and career workshops, and parent and student engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with US Department of Education policies and grant terms/conditions.
• Manage budget, authorize expenditures, and monitor fiscal resources.
• Coordinate with external evaluator on data collection for reporting and continuous improvement.
• Lead GEAR UP Management Team and advisory council; supervise Site Coordinators and staff.
• Develop partnerships and sustainment plans beyond grant life.

Education

Master's degree in education, counseling, guidance, education administration, social work, or related field

Five+ years of relevant work experience with middle/high school students

Excellent communication and leadership skills

Strong project and grant management abilities

Job description

Background

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a pre-college initiative funded by the US Department of Education. GEAR UP's goals aim 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 families' knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, and financing.

12 Month Position

The GEAR UP Project Director provides overall program oversight and leadership to the GEAR UP grant program.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall program oversight and leadership in the implementation of GEAR UP
• Coordinate all planned GEAR UP services, activities, and events between Bradley County Schools, Meigs County Schools, Polk County Schools, and partners.
• Launch advisory, mentoring, and enrichment programs.
• Provide program orientation, college and career workshops, and parent and student
• events include college tours.
• Remain current on US Department of Education policies and grant terms/conditions to ensure that the program operates in compliance throughout the period of federal support.
• Provide budget management including fiscal management and accountability.
• Authorize expenditures in the project and maintain control over the budget and responsibility for the appropriate utilization of funds.
• Coordinate grant activities with existing district services to facilitate maximum effectiveness and utilization of program resources, including personnel.
• Serve on GEAR UP Advisory Council.
• Lead GEAR UP Management Team.
• Conduct weekly team meetings with target school staff.
• Manage student records.
• Organize student recognition ceremony.
• Identify teachers and staff to participate in professional development.
• Develop partnerships and facilitate communication between program partners.
• Attend trainings and symposiums in appropriate content areas to support ongoing improvement of the GEAR UP program.
• Ensure that all external contract arrangements are operating and executed according to schedule and policy.
• Engage in progress monitoring process with external evaluator to ensure that grant goals and objectives are met.
• Coordinate with external evaluator on evaluation activities related to data collection for continuous feedback and required reporting.
• Lead dissemination of best practices and program results.
• Develop sustainability plans to ensure sustainability beyond the life of the grant program.
• Supervise Site Coordinators, Mentor Coordinators, and other certified instructional personnel.
• Advise and assist in inventory and distribution of supplies.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, counseling, guidance, education administration, social work,
• or related field.
• At least five years of work experience in teaching, counseling, or similar education programs and working with middle or high school students in a school- or community-based setting.
• Ability to work with diverse populations including low-income youth, potential first-generation college students, and/or youth who are most likely to experience academic failure.
• History of working with institutions of higher education, community colleges, and community organizations and businesses.
• Experience in project and/or federal grant management and familiarity with grant management regulations.
• Familiarity and/or experience with GEAR UP, TRIO or other similar programs to overcome challenges to pursuing postsecondary education.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Evidence of experience in program planning.
• Effective organization skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Evidence of knowledge and ability to effectively implement professional development.