Inside Higher Ed
GEAR UP Director
Department: CED College of Education
Employment Type: Full Time
Advertised Salary Range: $105,550 - Salary commensurate with qualifications.
About UofSC: From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in‑person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Advertised 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.
Required Education and Experience
A 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
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.
Job Close Date: 12/17/2025
We are only accepting applications submitted by December 17, 2025.
To apply, please visit: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/199628
University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
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Employment Type: Full Time
Advertised Salary Range: $105,550 - Salary commensurate with qualifications.
About UofSC: From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in‑person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Advertised 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.
Required Education and Experience
A 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
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.
Job Close Date: 12/17/2025
We are only accepting applications submitted by December 17, 2025.
To apply, please visit: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/199628
University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
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