Mid Michigan Gear UP Grant Graduation Coach Muskegon/Partnership Coordinator

Davenport University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Davenport University is seeking a Mid-Michigan GEAR UP Graduation Coach/Muskegon Partnership Coordinator in Muskegon Schools. This full-time role reports to the Director of MMGU and supports GEAR UP cohorts with guidance counseling and graduation planning.

The position requires a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with experience in postsecondary strategies, data analysis, and strong collaboration across schools and partners. Travel between campuses and districts is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education or related field preferred; Bachelor's degree required.
• GEAR UP experience strongly preferred.
• 5+ years in middle or high school academic planning or guidance counseling.
• Experience with data analysis and collaboration across multiple schools and districts.
• Willingness to travel among Davenport University campuses and partner districts.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing guidance counseling and graduation coaching to MMGU cohorts.
• Staff College Resource Center in cohort high school.
• Initiate and monitor Graduation Portfolios to track student outcomes.
• Launch Postsecondary Accountability strategies to track college enrollment after graduation.
• Implement MMGU programs and services to assigned cohorts in GEAR UP schools.
• Facilitate communication with community partners, stakeholders, and school districts.
• Complete grant duties to support full program implementation.

Skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Education or related field

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Mid-Michigan GEAR UP (MMGU) Graduation CoachMuskegon/Partnership Coordinator

Status: Full Time

Duration: (7 Years) October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2032

Location: Muskegon Schools

Reports To: Director, Mid-Michigan GEAR UP

Pay: $65,000

SUMMARY:

Mid-Michigan GEAR UP (MMGU), a Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Partnership grant initiative (CFDA # 84.334A), is a federally funded grant program designed to provide high-quality education and enrichment services for GEAR UP students in two cohorts, grades 6 – 7, attending low-income schools across three partner school districts: Lansing School District, Ypsilanti Community Schools and Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System. This position will service the Lansing School District.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide ongoing guidance counseling and graduation coaching services to MMGU cohorts;
• Follow cohort forward to upper grades;
• Staff College Resource Center in cohort high school;
• Initiate and monitor Graduation Portfolios to track student performance outcomes and GEAR UP participation;
• Teach Survey Courses and serve on Advancement Teams;
• Launch Postsecondary Accountability strategies to track student enrollment in college after graduation;
• Implement MMGU programs and services to assigned cohorts in GEAR UP schools;
• Facilitate communication between community partners, stakeholders, including school district administration, program partners, teachers and program staff;
• Sustain and expand partnerships to increase community support;
• Cooperate with evaluation team to conduct rigorous program evaluation; and
• Complete grant duties as needed to facilitate full implementation of the Mid-Michigan GEAR UP.
• Demonstrate and promote the University Cultural Values.
• Provide GREAT customer service, anticipating and exceeding the needs of our customers.
• Understand and abide by all external and internal regulations and policies. This includes NCAA, GLIAC and national affiliations associated within athletics or other role specific regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in Education or related field preferred, Bachelor’s degree Required;
• GEAR UP experience strongly preferred;
• Five + years in middle or high school academic planning / guidance counseling;
• Ability to work in collaboration with multiple schools, faculties and administrators;
• Ability to collaborate with community partners - businesses, agencies and organizations;
• 5+ years of experience in postsecondary strategies, programming and enrichment activities;
• 5+ years of experience providing college prep services and academic planning;
• Experience in data analysis;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Experience working with low-income and / or first-generation college going students preferred;
• Desire to improve quality of education provided to Mid-Michigan GEAR UP students;
• Ability to travel among Davenport University campuses, partner K-12 school districts, and to attend conferences, trainings, and professional development events; and
• Willingness to attend and coordinate events outside of regular business hours, including evenings and occasional weekends, as required to support program activities and university initiatives.

Davenport University is committed to building and supporting a diverse community of students, faculty and staff. Davenport University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants and students without unlawful discrimination based on national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, veteran, or military status, marital status, height, weight, genetic information, or other protected status

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Revised: 2/17/2025