University of South Carolina
Job Summary
The GEAR UP Director provides leadership and oversight for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that promote college readiness and success for middle and high school students in partnership with schools, families, and community organizations. The Director manages program operations, ensures compliance with federal and state guidelines, supervises staff, monitors budgets, and evaluates program outcomes to achieve grant objectives. This role requires strong leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to educational equity.
Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Strategic Planning (30%) Direct planning, execution, and evaluation of GEAR UP activities in alignment with grant goals. Develop annual work plans and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
Compliance & Reporting (20%) Ensure adherence to U.S. Department of Education regulations and GEAR UP guidelines. Prepare and submit required reports, including performance and financial documentation.
Budget & Resource Management (15%) Oversee grant budget, monitor expenditures, and maintain fiscal accountability. Collaborate with finance staff to ensure accurate tracking and reporting.
Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement (15%) Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, community organizations, higher education institutions, and families. Coordinate services such as mentoring, tutoring, college visits, and family engagement activities.
Data Collection & Evaluation (10%) Supervise data collection and analysis to measure program impact and student outcomes. Use evaluation results to inform continuous improvement and sustainability planning.
Staff Supervision & Development (10%) Recruit, train, and manage program staff and volunteers. Foster a collaborative and mission-driven team environment.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5 or more years of job-related experience, or equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Graduate degree in education or a related field.
Five or more years of experience working in the K‑12 and/or university setting.
Experience providing services on other federal grants with a focus on socially and/or economically challenged student populations that include low‑income, first‑generation, and minority students.
Preferred experience directing a college access/success program in a public agency or institution, including management of fiscal and administrative tasks.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge:
Federal grant regulations, compliance standards, and reporting requirements.
College access and readiness strategies for underserved populations.
Budget development, financial management, and cost control principles.
Program evaluation methods and data-driven decision-making.
Educational systems, including K‑12 and higher education partnerships.
Skills:
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
Advanced organizational and project management skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems.
Ability to develop and maintain collaborative partnerships.
Abilities:
Interpret and apply federal regulations and grant guidelines accurately.
Manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines under pressure.
Analyze complex data and prepare clear, actionable reports.
Build trust and engage effectively with students, families, educators, and community partners.
Adapt to changing program needs and innovate solutions for challenges.
Application Instructions Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending on a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by December 17, 2025.
EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
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Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Strategic Planning (30%) Direct planning, execution, and evaluation of GEAR UP activities in alignment with grant goals. Develop annual work plans and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
Compliance & Reporting (20%) Ensure adherence to U.S. Department of Education regulations and GEAR UP guidelines. Prepare and submit required reports, including performance and financial documentation.
Budget & Resource Management (15%) Oversee grant budget, monitor expenditures, and maintain fiscal accountability. Collaborate with finance staff to ensure accurate tracking and reporting.
Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement (15%) Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, community organizations, higher education institutions, and families. Coordinate services such as mentoring, tutoring, college visits, and family engagement activities.
Data Collection & Evaluation (10%) Supervise data collection and analysis to measure program impact and student outcomes. Use evaluation results to inform continuous improvement and sustainability planning.
Staff Supervision & Development (10%) Recruit, train, and manage program staff and volunteers. Foster a collaborative and mission-driven team environment.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5 or more years of job-related experience, or equivalent combination of certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Graduate degree in education or a related field.
Five or more years of experience working in the K‑12 and/or university setting.
Experience providing services on other federal grants with a focus on socially and/or economically challenged student populations that include low‑income, first‑generation, and minority students.
Preferred experience directing a college access/success program in a public agency or institution, including management of fiscal and administrative tasks.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge:
Federal grant regulations, compliance standards, and reporting requirements.
College access and readiness strategies for underserved populations.
Budget development, financial management, and cost control principles.
Program evaluation methods and data-driven decision-making.
Educational systems, including K‑12 and higher education partnerships.
Skills:
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
Advanced organizational and project management skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems.
Ability to develop and maintain collaborative partnerships.
Abilities:
Interpret and apply federal regulations and grant guidelines accurately.
Manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines under pressure.
Analyze complex data and prepare clear, actionable reports.
Build trust and engage effectively with students, families, educators, and community partners.
Adapt to changing program needs and innovate solutions for challenges.
Application Instructions Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending on a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by December 17, 2025.
EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
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