GUAR College Ready Navigator Academic Preparation Coordinator

UCA; Conway (AR); Hybride; USD 60 000 - 70 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

University of Central Arkansas is seeking a GUAR College Ready Navigator Academic Preparation Coordinator to support high school students' readiness for college through ACT/SAT preparation, placement testing readiness, tutoring, and enrichment. The role collaborates with schools, counselors, and university partners to provide structured academic support and manage program activities.

The position emphasizes direct student preparation, data-driven interventions, and coordination of services

Responsabilités

• Coordinate and implement ACT and SAT preparation programming and related activities.
• Identify students needing academic preparation and coordinate targeted supports.
• Collaborate with schools and staff to ensure access to college-readiness resources.
• Maintain documentation and collect data for program evaluation and grant reporting.

Description du poste

GUAR College Ready Navigator Academic Preparation Coordinator

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please provide contact information for three references. Letter of reference will NOT be requested at this time.

Title Information

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time/Part-Time Full Time

Salary Range

Salary Range $60,000 - $70,000

Will this position be Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid?

Will this position be Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid? Hybrid

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number NC1222026

Working Title

Working Title GUAR College Ready Navigator Academic Preparation Coordinator

Department Org

Department Org 210535- Gear Up Year 4 of 7

Why should you work at UCA?

We are excited that you are considering joining the UCA Family—the faculty, staff, students and alumni—who make the University of Central Arkansas a great place to work!
At the University of Central Arkansas, we value our employees striving to maintain a work-life balance. We realize that this affects the overall well-being of employees while learning to prioritize challenging work and the ability to make a difference. Participation in university-wide flexible work schedules may be available for certain positions. Training is provided on systems or job-specific software, and tools are available supporting professional and personal development. The benefits package allows you to customize your benefits to meet your current needs, with the ability to adjust them as your priorities change. This includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, 80% tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a retirement program with university contributions of 10% of employee salary. Also available are health and wellness incentives, as well as access to sports and cultural activities on campus for the family, free gym membership and equipment rentals.

Position Summary

The GEAR UP Arkansas Academic Preparation Coordinator will
support the academic and postsecondary readiness of students
across GEAR UP Arkansas partner schools. This position provides
additional capacity within the GEAR UP Arkansas team to meet the
expanding academic needs of students as they progress through
high school and prepare for postsecondary education.
This position will have a strong emphasis on direct student
academic preparation, ACT / SAT preparation, college placement
readiness, tutoring and academic intervention, and academic
enrichment. The Coordinator will work directly with students and
partner schools to identify academic needs, coordinate targeted
supports, and provide programming designed to increase students’
readiness for college-level coursework and postsecondary success.
The Academic Preparation Coordinator will work collaboratively
with other GEAR UP Arkansas coordinators and staff, school
administrators, counselors, teachers, university partners, and
external service providers to ensure students have access to
coordinated academic and college-readiness supports.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Academic & College Readiness Preparation

• Coordinate and implement ACT and SAT preparation programming, including diagnostic assessments, preparation sessions, boot camps, practice testing, targeted skill development, and other test-readiness activities.
• Coordinate preparation for ACCUPLACER and other college placement or readiness assessments as appropriate.
• Work with schools and GEAR UP staff to identify students who would benefit from additional academic preparation and intervention.
• Help students understand college-readiness benchmarks, assessment results, and the relationship between academic performance and postsecondary opportunities.
• Coordinate academic enrichment opportunities that strengthen student skills in mathematics, English/language arts, reading, science, and writing.
• Support student preparation for dual/concurrent enrollment, Advanced Placement, and other advanced academic opportunities.
• Identify and utilize high-quality resources, curricula, digital tools, and strategies to strengthen academic and college readiness.
  

Student Academic Support & Intervention

• Coordinate and support tutoring, high-dosage tutoring, academic intervention, and academic enrichment opportunities across partner schools.
• Work with school staff to identify students requiring targeted academic support based on assessment data, course performance, and other indicators.
• Assist with developing student-centered academic support strategies and connecting students with appropriate GEAR UP and school-based resources.
• Provide and coordinate direct student programming focused on academic skills, study habits, test-taking strategies, and preparation for college-level coursework.
• Support academic programming offered after school, on Saturdays, during the summer, and through other extended- learning opportunities.
• Monitor student participation and progress in assigned academic preparation initiatives.
• Review ACT / SAT , state assessment, course performance, attendance, college-readiness benchmark, and other relevant student data to identify areas requiring additional academic support.
• Use student and school-level data to inform academic preparation services and interventions.
• Track student participation, progress, and outcomes associated with ACT / SAT preparation, tutoring, assessment preparation, and other assigned programming.
• Maintain accurate documentation necessary for grant reporting and program evaluation.
• Collaborate with GEAR UP staff and evaluation partners to assess the effectiveness of academic preparation activities.
• Use program and student outcome data to recommend adjustments and strengthen services.

School-Based Programming & Support

• Collaborate with partner schools to schedule and implement academic preparation programming that complements existing school initiatives.
• Develop and facilitate student workshops and activities related to academic preparation, test-taking strategies, study skills, college-level expectations, and postsecondary readiness.
• Support school-based initiatives connected to GEAR UP academic and college-readiness goals.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with students, teachers, counselors, administrators, families, and school partners.
• Maintain consistent communication and follow-up with assigned schools regarding programming, student participation, and identified needs.
• Participate in school visits, student events, family events, team meetings, and other GEAR UP activities as needed.

Program & Partner Coordination

• Collaborate with other GEAR UP Arkansas Academic Preparation, College and Career Aspirations, Steps to College Entry, and Family and Community Engagement staff to provide coordinated student support.
• Coordinate assigned relationships with ACT / SAT preparation providers, tutors, academic intervention partners, university programs, and other external service providers.
• Assist with implementation plans, schedules, student recruitment, communications, and logistics for assigned academic initiatives.
• Monitor assigned programs and services to ensure they are implemented effectively and are responsive to student and school needs.
• Collect participation and outcome data from assigned partners and service providers.
• Assist with identifying resources, partnerships, and strategies that strengthen academic preparation programming.
• Contribute to GEAR UP Arkansas team planning, school work plans, grant initiatives, and statewide program goals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of K–12 education, secondary academic preparation, and college-readiness practices.
• Knowledge of ACT / SAT preparation, college-readiness benchmarks, standardized assessments, and student academic support.
• Understanding of academic intervention, tutoring, and evidence-based strategies for improving student achievement.
• Ability to interpret student achievement and assessment data and use findings to inform programming.
• Understanding of the academic skills and preparation students need to transition successfully into postsecondary education.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives, schools, and deadlines.
• Ability to develop and facilitate engaging programming for middle and high school students.
• Ability to build productive relationships with educators, administrators, students, families, university personnel, and community partners.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently toward common program goals.
• Ability to work effectively in diverse and dynamic school and community environments.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, demonstrate initiative, and provide consistent follow-up.
• Knowledge of university, state, and federal policies and procedures related to grant-funded educational programs or the ability to develop such knowledge.

Skills Considered Essential for Success

-Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
-Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
-Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
-Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
-Ability to make sound judgments.
-Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
-Civility in all interactions.
-Demonstrate effective follow-up.

Required Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, higher education,
educational leadership, student affairs, or a related field.
Three (3) or more years of professional experience
teaching and/or leading in K–12 education, college access,
academic preparation, student support, or a closely related
educational setting.
Demonstrated experience working directly with middle and/or
high school students.
Experience developing, coordinating, facilitating, or supporting
educational programs designed to improve student academic
achievement, college readiness, or postsecondary access.
Experience collaborating with educators, administrators,
counselors, students, families, or educational partners.
Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple projects,
programs, or initiatives simultaneously.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

Master’s degree in education, educational leadership,
counseling, higher education, student affairs, or a related field.
Experience with ACT / SAT preparation, ACCUPLACER ,
tutoring, academic intervention, or college-readiness
programming.
High school teaching, counseling, instructional coaching,
academic intervention, or college-access experience.
Experience supporting students pursuing dual/concurrent
enrollment, Advanced Placement, or other advanced academic
opportunities.
Experience working with students and schools in rural, high-
poverty, or historically underserved communities.
Experience coordinating external partners, tutors, consultants,
or educational service providers.
Experience with federally funded college-access programs,
including GEAR UP, TRIO , or similar initiatives.
Experience collecting, analyzing, and using student data to
improve educational programming.

University, Campus, and Community Description

Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas.
Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities.

Desired start date 12/01/2026

Position Summary and Qualifications

License(s)/Certifications

Physical Demands Checklist

Physical Demands Checklist Sitting, Kneeling, Standing, Lifting/Carrying, Walking

Physical Exertion

Physical Exertion Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

UCA EEO Statement

The University of Central Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. In keeping with its nondiscrimination policy in employment, admissions and other functions and programs, the university considers employees and students on the basis of individual merit and will not discriminate against a person on the basis of gender, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs.

Open Date

Open Date 10/23/2026

Close Date

Close Date 10/30/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please provide contact information for three references. Letter of reference will NOT be requested at this time.

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).