GEAR UP School Specialist

Maine Tasting Center; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Syntiro, located in Augusta, Maine, seeks a GEAR UP School Specialist to support 8th-12th grade students and promote college readiness across Somerset, Piscataquis, Northern Penobscot, Aroostook, and Washington counties.

This full-time, grant-funded role requires travel and a mix of remote and in-person work, with occasional nights and weekends; a Bachelor's in education is required and experience with underserved students is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in education or closely related field; Master’s preferred.
• Experience using social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) and texting apps (Remind).
• Experience working with first-generation college-going students and/or underserved populations preferred.
• Experience navigating Maine higher education offices (Student Support Services, Financial Aid, Admissions, Registrar) preferred.
• Proficient use of Google Drive and applications.
• Clear, persuasive written communication across settings.
• Strong judgment in prioritizing and completing work under resource constraints.
• Ability to collaborate to achieve team/organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Implement career- and college-readiness lessons and promote a college-going culture in schools across specified counties.
• Work with high-school students in 11th and 12th grades and their families to help them graduate and prepare for postsecondary education.

Skills

Social media

First-gen students experience

Google Drive

Communication

Prioritization

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in education or closely related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Facebook

Instagram

Remind

Google Drive

Job description

Syntiro, a mission-driven non-profit headquartered in Augusta, Maine, seeks a GEAR UP School Specialists. Are you a qualified, creative, passionate, and experienced person who shares our determination to reduce inequities and make a difference in the lives of youth from rural, economically-disadvantaged communities in our great state?

In collaboration with the University of Maine at Farmington, Syntiro has received funding from the U.S. Department of Education for a seven-year State Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) (2023-2030). GU-ME RISE is designed to enhance and improve the rate at which students graduate high school and enroll in and complete postsecondary education. GU-ME RISE is framed upon four attributes (Relevance, Inquiry, Supports and Equity for All, and Expectations and Aspirations for Postsecondary Education) that have critical importance to addressing the needs of economically-disadvantaged, rural Maine communities.

GEAR UP School Specialist–Key Responsibilities & Requirements

GEAR UP School Specialists provide direct support in schools in Somerset, Piscataquis, Northern Penobscot, Aroostook, and Washington counties. We are currently seeking a Specialist for the Skowhegan School.Priority will be given to applicants who reside in the Skowhegan area.

GEAR UP School Specialists will work closely with educators to (1) implement career- and college-readiness lessons, adopt and promote a college-going culture, and implement a myriad of other activities beginning in 8th grade and following the students through the first year of postsecondary education; and/or, (2) work directly with high-school students in 11th and 12th grades and their first year in postsecondary education as well as their families and faculty to help them graduate and prepare for a postsecondary education.

The GEAR UP Maine School Specialist is a full-time, grant-funded position. This position requires reliable transportation due to extensive statewide travel. Flexibility to work remotely and face-to-face--including occasional nights and weekends--is required. This position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced and constantly-changing environment.

GEAR UP School Specialist–Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in education or closely related field required; Masters preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in using social media (Facebook, Instagram, texting program [ex. Remind]).

• Experience working with students who are first generation college going, and/or are from underserved, and/or under-resourced populations strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience successfully navigating and collaborating with Maine institutes of higher education (eg. Student Support Services, Financial Aid, Academic Support, Admissions, Registrar’s Office) strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated proficient use of Google drive and applications.

• Write and communicate clearly, succinctly, and persuasively in a variety of communication settings and styles.

• Demonstrated good judgment in prioritizing and accomplishing work in an efficient manner, even in the face of limited resources or conflicting and/or changing priorities.

• Ability to collaborate effectively toward the achievement of team and/or organizational goals.

GEAR UP School Specialist–Compensation

Competitive salary and benefits for the most qualified candidates.

Hiring Range: $55,000-60,000

About Syntiro

Syntiro, located in Augusta, works for equity in partnership with educators, state agencies, and community organizations seeking to acquire knowledge, embrace change, and increase effectiveness in education and employment. For almost 40 years, our Maine-based nonprofit has been respected for its commitment to providing creative and innovative professional development and results-based services addressing critical issues facing Maine and the nation.

Syntiro is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against candidates on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. Women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and members of other minority or marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.