MS Delta GEAR UP Program Coordinator

Delta State University; Cleveland (MS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Delta State University is seeking an on-site program coordinator in the Center for Community and Economic Development to lead grant activities for students, families, and educators. You will collaborate with districts to implement work plans and budgets and support postsecondary preparation through direct engagement.

The role emphasizes advisory council facilitation, relationship building with districts, and data tracking across activities, with responsibilities in marketing, outreach, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 3–5 years in education or related field; college access experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• On-site implementation lead for grant activities with students, families, and educators.
• Collaborate with districts to create and amend work plans and budgets across sites.
• Engage district staff to prep students for post‑secondary education.
• Host Advisory Council meetings and embed in district culture.
• Develop flyers and marketing for events.
• Promote participation in GEAR UP activities and manage social media engagement.
• Attend events, collect data and share success stories and photos.

Skills

Meeting leadership

Effective communication

Confidential information handling

Diversity awareness

Work ethic

Microsoft Office

Quick learning

Tech proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Performance Insights (PI)

Job description

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Department Center for Community and Economic Development

Posting Number

Posting Number 201201742

Full or Part Time

Full or Part Time Full Time

Benefit Eligible Yes

If Other, Please Explain:

Salary Basis

Salary Basis 12 month

If Other, Please Explain:

Position Summary Information

Responsibilities

• Program Oversight & Implementation – 35%
  • On-site implementation leader and coordinator for grant activities and services for students, families, and educators.
  • Work with districts to create, implement, and amend of all work plans and budgets across multiple school sites.
  • Liaise with local coordinators and district staff to support their efforts to enhance preparation for post‑secondary education through direct student, family, and educator engagement.
• Collaboration, Relationship Building, & Communications– 30%
  • Host monthly Advisory Council meetings at each school district, providing oversight to local GEAR UP implementation.
  • Become embedded in the school district’s culture to build collaborative and cooperative relationships with administration, staff, students, families, partners, vendors, and GEAR UP staff.
  • Work with the Partnership Coordinator to create flyers and marketing campaigns for all events.
  • Promote, support, and encourage participation in all GEAR UP activities and services
  • Support social media accounts to engage with students and families.
  • Attend all activities and events, collect data and photos, and share success stories and photos with the Partnership Coordinator.
• Compliance & Fiscal Management – 15%
  • Verify that all activities being conducted align with the Board Approved work plan and budget expenditures.
  • Check all activities for pre‑approval prior to reimbursement as a part of the internal finance process.
  • Maintain accurate record-keeping and documentation of duties in line with GEAR UP grant requirements, including tracking all services and student/family/educator participation.
  • Maintain a Monthly Activity Tracker that tracks individual activities each month.
• Data, Evaluation & Reporting – 20%
  • Collect and enter data into Performance Insights (PI) database: sign‑in sheets, Advisory Council meetings, Parent University, College Visits, and all other activities and services listed in the Board Approved work plan, as required.
  • Prepare monthly report cards for each district.
  • Use reports and analysis to evaluate data trends and make data‑driven decisions.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• Bachelors degree with 3‑ 5 years of experience working in education or a related field, preferably with experience in college access and an understanding of the barriers to post‑secondary education
• Ability to lead meetings and communicate effectively in both oral and written formats
• Interpersonal, organizational, and typing skills
• Ability to work and maintain confidential information
• Ability to relate to diverse age and demographic backgrounds
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic, integrity, punctuality, quality work, pleasant attitude, positive, self‑starter, open to new & different perspectives
• Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to learn and retain new tasks quickly and expand that knowledge frequently
• Ability to learn new software quickly and comfort with technology

PREFERRED

• Demonstrated experience presenting information to small and large groups
• Experience working with Performance Insights (PI) software or a comparable longitudinal data tracking platform, particularly with large data sets and data‑driven systems
• Strong organizational skills and independent work initiative
• Evidence of effective problem‑solving, decision‑making, and time management skills
• Demonstrates a proactive approach in identifying problems
• Evidence of flexibility, willingness to change, open‑mindedness, fairness, accepting responsibility, and personal growth

Salary Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and university’s resources.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Special Instructions to Applicants

Additional Information

Open Date

Open Date 08/20/2026

Close Date

Close Date 09/06/2026

Open Until Filled No

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • DSU Employee
  • DSU Job Website
  • Invited by Department to Apply
  • MS State Employment Service
  • HigherEdJobs
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Diverse Issues
  • Indeed.com
  • Other
• * Will you now or in the future require "sponsorship" for an employment based visa status?
  • Yes
  • No
• Briefly describe your experience with providing college access opportunities to high school students.

  (Open Ended Question)

• Briefly discuss your experience engaging multiple stakeholders to provide services for students/clients/families.

  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Unofficial Transcripts

Optional Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Reference 1
• Letter of Reference 2
• Letter of Reference 3

Delta State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Delta State University is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from sexual and gender‑based discrimination or harassment. Our goal is for all to have equal access to the many great services and opportunities we offer. For more information, or to report an incident, see https://www.deltastate.edu/titleix/ or email [e-mail] .