Description
This position will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have applied. The first review of applications is expected to occur on 10/23/2024 and will be open continuously. Applicants should submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice.
Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council?
At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school. To achieve our mission, we:
- Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
- Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
- Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
Learn more about the work of the Washington Student Achievement Council.
At WSAC
Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
- We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.
- Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.
- Employees have access to tuition assistance and tuition waiver programs.
- If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities, you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don’t meet all of the desired/preferred qualifications listed.
Learn more about WSAC’s mission and Our Commitment to Equity.
About Division
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federal program that provides competitive six- and seven-year grants to education/community partnerships and states to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Washington State was awarded its fifth consecutive state GEAR UP grant in 2024. The $35 million award provides direct services to over 6,800 students and their families in 13 high-poverty school districts across three regions of Washington. GEAR UP’s vision is that all students are academically, socially, and financially prepared to enter and complete the postsecondary education or training program of their choice.
About the Position
The Associate Director works under general supervision from the Director of GEAR UP to administer the Washington State GEAR UP program, an early college awareness and readiness program funded by state and federal funds. As the Associate Director, you will provide oversight, guidance, training and technical assistance to school district partner staff, school-based GEAR UP advisors, and family engagement staff to fully implement GEAR UP activities and services. This includes working with school-based staff to plan, manage, and facilitate work plan activities to ensure program fidelity and accountability.
Additionally, as the Associate Director, you will collaborate with the WSAC GEAR UP team and other WSAC programs to ensure schools have the resources and support they need to provide high-quality services, interventions, and programs to GEAR UP students and their families. Planning school and regional professional development in collaboration with the Associate Director for Capacity Building to ensure staff have the necessary skills and competencies to implement GEAR UP programming, and assisting the Director in strategic planning and operationalizing GEAR UP program components will be part of your responsibilities.
Working Conditions
This is a full time, exempt position and is eligible for benefits, leave, and retirement. This position is currently eligible for telework, with expectations for in-person meetings in Olympia approximately one day each month. Flexible work schedule must be agreed to by the employee and supervisor. The position is expected to travel in the state to school district partner locations for about 30 percent of the time. GEAR UP is a federally funded grant program that is expected to be funded through September 2031. Funding for this position is contingent upon continuation funding from the U.S. Department of Education each year.
Duties
Some of what you will be doing
Program Management: As the Associate Director, you will guide and support school districts in implementing GEAR UP services in line with program, federal, and state guidelines. Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing GEAR UP program implementation by providing daily support and technical assistance to school district partners and school-based GEAR UP staff.
- Interpreting and communicating program requirements to partner schools.
- Providing daily support and expert technical assistance to school districts, focusing on college and career readiness for underrepresented populations.
- Consulting as expert-level technical assistance to school district partners related to college and career readiness strategies and services for historically underrepresented and underserved populations.
- Building effective school-based teams and relationships.
- Monitoring partner schools and program workplans through in-person and virtual site visits.
- Updating program policies and procedures annually.
- Collaborating with GEAR UP and WSAC staff to achieve program goals.
Professional development and training: As the Associate Director, in collaboration with the GEAR UP Team, you will plan, develop, and facilitate professional development and training. Responsibilities of this include:
- Collaborating with GEAR UP staff to develop and facilitate a professional development plan that meets the program goals and objectives and aligns with local and statewide needs and initiatives and is responsive to the needs of school district staff teams.
Other Duties:
- Represent and promote Washington GEAR UP at state, regional and national meetings and public events.
- Represent GEAR UP in internal work groups or cross division work as needed.
Qualifications
Required Education, Experience and Competencies:
- A Master’s degree in education or related field/program and five years of experience in an education program or setting; or a Bachelor’s degree and eight years of work experience in an education program or setting.
- A minimum of three years’ experience developing and leading college and career readiness programming in a non-profit, school district, or similar setting.
- Experience providing instruction or support to secondary school-age students and families.
- Foundational knowledge of college and career readiness research and best practices to support student preparation for and success in postsecondary education and training.
- Understanding of secondary school operations, graduation requirements, and a culture that supports student aspirations for postsecondary education and training.
- Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the diverse needs of students and families, especially those from historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds.
- Excellent collaborative experience and skills; ability to work with and develop strong and effective teams.
- Demonstrated competence in delivering training and information to diverse audiences.
- Excellent skills in Microsoft Office products including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Preferred/Desired Education, Experience and Competencies:
- A Master’s Degree in School Counseling, or a Master’s in Teaching, or similar degree.
- Bi-lingual, Spanish preferred.
- Experience working with secondary school administration, teachers, or staff to implement programming.
- Experience administering and managing a federally funded program, similar to GEAR UP.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of school improvement theories and research.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities with a minimum amount of supervision.
- Attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
Supplemental Information
Application Procedures
To be considered for this position you must possess the required qualifications listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at A complete application package includes:
- Letter of Application. A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience described in this announcement. Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may eliminate the application from further consideration.
- Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.
- References. A list of names, titles, and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references.
- Your responses to the supplemental questions.
Compensation
The posted salary is the starting salary consideration. The full salary range is $74,292 - $100,513.
Please Note: Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about this recruitment, email
EEO Statement
The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email