GEAR UP Program Manager

Job Summary The GEAR UP Program Manager provides strategic leadership, oversight, and operational management for the GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant. This role ensures that all program initiatives support the long-term academic success, college readiness, and postsecondary enrollment of participating students. The Director collaborates with school districts, higher education partners, community organizations, and internal staff to deliver high‑impact services that meet federal grant requirements and advance the program's mission. The Program Manager will oversee program operations, coordinate resources, and ensure that all activities align with the mission to empower youth through educational support, mentorship, and college preparation initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' futures while demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills. Duties Develop and execute comprehensive GEAR UP program strategies that promote college awareness, preparation, and access for underserved middle and high school students Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi‑year plan aligned with GEAR UP grant goals. Lead program design, evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts. Ensure all activities support college readiness, academic achievement, and equitable student outcomes. Build and maintain partnerships with local schools, community organizations, higher education institutions, and stakeholders to expand program reach and effectiveness Oversee program activities including workshops, mentoring sessions, college visits, and parent engagement events Manage program staff, including hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating team members to ensure high-quality service delivery Monitor program budgets, track expenditures, and prepare reports to demonstrate progress and compliance with funding requirements Coordinate student recruitment efforts through outreach initiatives and informational sessions Facilitate professional development opportunities for staff and partners to enhance program delivery and best practices in educational support Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations related to educational programming and funding sources Grant and Compliance Management Oversee full compliance with federal, state, and institutional GEAR UP regulations. Manage grant budgets, financial reporting, and documentation of matching funds. Prepare and submit required reports, data, and performance metrics. Maintain accurate records and audit-ready documentation. Team Management Recruit, supervise, and support program staff, site coordinators, and student workers. Provide coaching, professional development, and performance evaluations. Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture. Data and Evaluation Use data to guide decision-making, track outcomes, and identify areas for improvement. Present findings to stakeholders and use insights to refine programming Collaborate with evaluators to collect, analyze, and report program data. Qualifications Master's degree in education, counseling, public administration, or related field (preferred). Experience managing federal or state grants, especially college access or youth development programs Demonstrated leadership experience in K-12, higher education, or nonprofit settings. Strong background in program development, evaluation, and staff supervision Proven experience in managing educational or youth development programs with a focus on college readiness or similar initiatives Strong leadership skills with experience supervising staff and managing teams in a fast-paced environment Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging diverse stakeholders including students, families, educators, and community partners Ability to develop strategic plans, manage budgets effectively, and analyze data for continuous improvement Knowledge of college access resources, financial aid processes, and higher education systems is highly desirable Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and serving underserved populations This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead impactful programs that transform lives through education. We seek energetic leaders passionate about empowering youth to reach their full potential!

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$57,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person