GEAR UP Project Director

Position Summary

This position is grant funded and works ten months of the year. The anticipated grant period is seven years, 9/1/2024 - 8/31/2031, and is contingent upon annual renewals.

The Division of Student Services is recruiting for a full-time GEAR UP Project Director. This position, under the general supervision of the Vice President of Student Services, will oversee the Victoria College GEAR UP program in partnership with Victoria ISD. The position will provide leadership in program policy, development, implementation, assessment, communication and evaluation of a $1.2 million dollar federally funded grant. The position will be responsible for:

1. The realization of increased college eligibility, preparation, and enrollment within the established cohort, largely functioning with autonomy to establish program goals, budgets, and personnel.
2. Grant oversight, compliance, and meeting of grant deliverables within the established narrative, including hiring, supervision, training, and support to direct service staff.

The position will also represent the program internally and externally - leading communication with United States Department of Education (USDOE) - and will work with administration to reach both programming and unit goals/strategic plans.

This position is benefits eligible. For more information on Victoria College's excellent benefits package, click the benefits tab.

About Our Institution
Victoria College (VC) is a vital public community college located in Victoria, Texas and has been a respected community partner in the Crossroads region since 1925. VC offers quality, affordable educational opportunities to help our students achieve their dreams. VC serves approximately 8,200 students across diverse backgrounds and learning styles, including full-time, part-time, online, veterans, and adult learners.

Duties & Responsibilities

Program Management, Supervision, and Evaluation

• Provides administrative leadership for Victoria College’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) programs with the goal of increasing college access and preparation for low-income, first generation, underrepresented students.
• Fosters college-going and completion cultures at partner district/schools in partnership with postsecondary institutions, community partners and program staff.
• Ensures all GEAR UP program deliverables are met; develops and implements programming and policy decisions that comply with federal and state grant guidelines.
• Collects, reviews, and analyzes participant and program data, ensuring accountability to stakeholders and monitoring progress towards meeting program grant deliverables.
• Provides direct oversight and leadership to all assigned staff members, including hiring, supervision, training, and mentoring.

Budget Management

• Provide leadership in the development, implementation, and maintenance of GEAR UP programs' spending plans.
• Manage and maintain budget documentation, approve expenditures, and ensure they align with program outcomes.
• Perform ongoing analysis of expenditures to advise partners and staff on budget priorities.

Collaboration, Communication, and Community Building

• Build and sustain partnerships with K-12, postsecondary institutions, community organizations, and VC Office of the Vice President of Student Services personnel.
• Increase public awareness and engage stakeholders around program goals and needs.
• Serve on department, organization, and external committees, facilitating meetings and creating agendas.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Applied Statistics, Accounting, or related area.
• Knowledge of community college application, admission, and financial aid processes.
• Demonstrated experience working within projects to assist underserved populations.
• Five years’ progressively responsible administrative experience in education, with demonstrated fiscal management skills.
• Experience collecting and analyzing data and evaluating outcomes for a project.
• Excellent writing skills for producing reports and publications.
• Experience working collaboratively with K-12 key constituents and community organizations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in developing, managing, and monitoring budgets.
• Experience building partnerships with external organizations.
• Knowledge of pedagogical issues underlying student academic development strategies.
• Computer literacy.

PREFERRED

• Five years' work experience in college access and preparation programs.
• Experience designing and implementing K-12 college preparation programs.
• Documented experience in coordinating projects involving multiple partners.
• Experience managing the delivery of in-person and virtual services.
• Experience working with traditionally underrepresented groups.
• Knowledge of relevant federal/state regulations.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish).

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle controls, key pads, etc. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Hearing of light to moderate sound is required.