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

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Carolina is seeking a GEAR UP Regional Coordinator to serve Midlands, Pee Dee, and Lowcountry regions. This field-based role partners with schools, families, and higher education to increase college readiness and FAFSA participation.

The coordinator will travel regionally to implement GEAR UP activities and support students’ transition to college. The ideal candidate has experience in public schools, knowledge of financial aid processes, and a proven ability to engage diverse

Qualifications

• 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.
• Demonstrates cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key liaison between schools, families, communities, and higher education institutions to provide college access and success support to students from underserved communities.
• Coordinate college readiness programming, FAFSA and financial aid initiatives, scholarship and postsecondary planning activities, and GEAR UP Freshman services.
• Travel regularly throughout the assigned service region to support program delivery and student success across multiple regions.

Education

Master's degree in education or related discipline

Job description

Job Responsibilities

GEAR UP Regional Coordinator (Midlands, Pee Dee, & Lowcountry Regions) Department: CED College of Education Part/Full Time: Full Time Advertised Salary Range: About UofSC From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. 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 Lowcountry 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.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Additional Comments

Job Close Date 11/20/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

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.