Program Coordinator

University of Alabama in Huntsville; Alabama; On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama in Huntsville seeks a GEAR UP Coordinator to support middle and high school students at partner sites in Limestone and Marshall counties. You will deliver advising, coordinate college readiness programming, and supervise site staff to boost academic achievement and college enrollment.

Reporting to the GEAR UP Project Director, you will manage daily grant activities, partner with families and school staff, organize field trips and workshops, and help ensure compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of grant-funded youth program experience.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating curricula.

Responsibilities

• Lead site-based advising and college readiness activities.
• Coordinate site events, field trips, and family engagement nights.
• Supervise site staff including tutors and mentors.
• Maintain participant files and program data per policies.
• Report progress for federal grants and DOE requirements.

Skills

Youth counseling

Event planning

Time management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Job description

Purpose of the Position

Reporting to the GEAR UP Project Director, the GEAR UP Coordinator(s) provides site-based, direct support services to middle and high school students across partner schools in Limestone County and Marshall County. Dedicating 100% effort to target school sites, this role operationalizes day-to-day grant activities to increase academic achievement, high school graduation rates, and college enrollment among first-generation and income-eligible students. The Coordinator delivers individual and group advising, coordinates academic and college readiness programming, manages site-level staff (tutors, mentors, instructors), and collaborates closely with school personnel, families, and community stakeholders to remove barriers to postsecondary success.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct Student Advising & College/Career Readiness - 35% Deliver targeted academic, career, and financial literacy advising, guiding students through college entry requirements, financial aid applications (FAFSA), and postsecondary pathways.
• Provide individual and group academic support, helping students explore postsecondary institutions, workforce resources, and certificate programs.
• Develop and deliver classroom lessons, skill-building workshops, and six-week summer camp curricula focused on academic enrichment and college preparation.
• Support participant recruitment and eligibility determination, maintaining an active caseload of students across assigned target schools.
• On-Site Program Logistics & Event Coordination - 25% Plan, organize, and execute site-level activities, including college campus visits, industry tours, career fairs, financial aid workshops, and family engagement nights.
• Coordinate logistics for all off-site events, field trips, and summer academies—managing transportation, supplies, and youth safety compliance.
• Represent the GEAR UP program at school, university, and community outreach events to strengthen family and community engagement.
• Site Leadership, Personnel Oversight & Collaboration - 20% Support the recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising of site-level temporary personnel, including tutors, mentors, and summer instructors.
• Facilitate monthly collaborative meetings with school counselors, teachers, and administrators to align services, address student needs, and integrate GEAR UP goals into the school environment.
• Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians through workshops, meetings, and direct outreach.
• Data Management, Compliance & Administration - 20% Maintain accurate, up-to-date participant files, service logs, and academic progress records in compliance with federal guidelines and UAH policies.
• Collect and compile site data to support U.S. Department of Education progress reports, program evaluations, and grant performance tracking.
• Participate in state and regional GEAR UP professional development, staff meetings, and training sessions.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the GEAR UP Project Director or Vice President for Access, Connections and Engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Social Work, Human Services, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Experience: 3-5 years of experience delivering grant-funded youth initiatives (e.g., GEAR UP, TRiO) that serve low-income, first-generation, and secondary students. Demonstrated track record of collaborating with high school staff, parents, and community partners, alongside proven experience supervising personnel (staff, tutors, or mentors), managing grant projects, and guiding curriculum design.

Knowledge & Skills: Strong knowledge of postsecondary admissions, secondary school college-ready curricula, and financial aid processes. Working knowledge of youth counseling skills, case management practices, and student advocacy. Excellent time management, event planning, and written/verbal communication skills.

Licensure: Valid Alabama driver’s license authorized for youth transportation.

Desired Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications Education: Master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, Counseling, Public Administration, or a related field.

Published Salary (if available)

$36,000 - $46,550

Advertised

Oct 26 2026 Central Daylight Time

Please note, job openings are posted for a minimum of three (3) business days and may be removed from the job posting board and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.