Director of Postsecondary Readiness Programs
General Job Summary
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a pre-college initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC). West Virginia’s project aims to dramatically increase the number of West Virginia students who access and succeed in higher education. To this end, WV GEAR UP provides students with a clear path to college.
The Director of Postsecondary Readiness Programs is a key leader in Curriculum and Instruction development and implementation for GEAR UP program participants. The director plays a central role in supporting underserved students and families by identifying students in need of support, developing, and aligning support services in line with the GEAR UP framework, and monitoring outcomes and implementation.
Classification: Full Time, Non-Classified, Exempt, Benefits Eligible, Grant Funded
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide direction and leadership in the development, implementation, and accountability programming related to college and career readiness initiatives, as well as professional development for site-level staff supporting the Federal GEAR UP grant.
- Oversee the development of comprehensive first-year programming for WV GEAR UP students at the postsecondary level, including the coordination of student, family and community events.
- Develop and monitor quality student readiness strategies that include course preparation, programs, assessments, services and supports for students to demonstrate college readiness and earn postsecondary credit.
- Provide strategic leadership and direction in the development of transition supports such as college and career exploration, integration of academic and technical skills, hands-on learning to develop technical skills, work-based learning opportunities, and internships and/or apprenticeships.
- Develop and sustain strong relationships with K-12 and postsecondary administration and other stakeholders to ensure equitable access to college and career readiness supports.
- Effectively communicate and collaborate with a variety of external partners to advocate for equitable access to opportunities for postsecondary preparation.
- Ensure participating schools are tracking key metrics such as college applications, scholarship applications, college acceptances, scholarships received, and matriculation of GEAR UP graduating students.
- Participate in day, evening, and weekend GEAR UP activities and events, deliver GEAR UP presentations as needed, and attend local, state, and Federal meetings and activities related to GEAR UP efforts.
- Collaborate with the WV GEAR UP Assistant Director of Research and Evaluation to effectively collect, analyze, and communicate data regarding transition programming and college and career readiness activities for the Federal Annual Report.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Master’s degree required in education, counseling, higher education, or related field. Four years experience that includes evidence of curriculum or program development required.
College admissions, outreach, and/or financial aid experience preferred.
WV Teaching or Guidance Counseling certificate preferred.
Other Skills, Knowledge and Abilities include:
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Strong written and verbal presentation skills required.
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with educators.
- Exhibit strong leadership skills.
- Ability to work well independently.
- Must have a strong aptitude in options for college and career pathways.
- Detailed knowledge of postsecondary options in WV, and academic standards related to K-12 education.
- Knowledge of curriculum development strategies.
- Understanding of effective educator professional development strategies.
- Knowledge of effective planning, executing, and evaluating professional development activities.
- Proficiency with computers, internet, and Microsoft Office software required.
- Ability to travel to targeted sites required
- Occasional airline travel is necessary.
Supplemental Information
Closing Date: October 27, 2024
Application Process: In addition to filling out the online application, qualified candidates must submit a letter of interest and contact information for three professional references.
DETAILS OF RELATED EXPERIENCE MUST BE SHOWN IN THE WORK EXPERIENCE SECTION OF YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION.
Final candidates are subject to employment and credential verification, as well as reference and background checks.
