Director, GEAR UP

School District of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Develops and implements the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). Coordinates programs and activities at designated middle and high schools which inform students, parents/guardians and the community of post-secondary educational programs at colleges and universities and preparation for these programs. Monitors programmatic activities and financial expenditures. Ensures that all programmatic activities are in compliance with governmental mandates.

Requirements

• Master’s degree program from an accredited college or university.
• Ten years of full-time, paid, professional administrative experience, which has involved working in an educational setting and has included managing grants and working with community or corporate partners, at least five of which have been in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Talent and Development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the current practices, methods and techniques utilized in the implementation of post secondary readiness initiatives.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the methods and techniques used in effective program planning, design and administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of school reform initiatives and current issues facing urban public education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of governmental mandates impacting education.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the theories and principles of adolescent growth and development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of budgetary practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of software applications used to maintain databases.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret all relevant District and federal rules and regulations concerning program administration.
• Demonstrated ability to guide and channel resources, ideas and recommendations for problem solution and program refinement.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and direct program operations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage a work team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and interpret data.
• Demonstrated ability to use a personal computer.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally an in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the planning and implementation of GEAR UP initiatives; develops and strengthens the partnership and maintains a cooperative and effective relationship; ensures that matters of mutual concern are resolved in an affable manner.
• Convenes and chairs the meetings of the GEAR UP partners; plans and directs the establishment of procedures which will ensure program compliance with federal mandates; discusses the most complex programmatic problems; reviews and approves plans for implementing policies.
• Interprets the program’s goals and objectives to the community through conferences and workshops with individuals and groups; promotes the GEAR UP program; ensures that GEAR UP accomplishments and activities are communicated to internal and external audiences through a website and newsletter.
• Coordinates and monitors program implementation; develops and implements a timetable to achieve short and long-term goals; ensures that GEAR UP activities are aligned with other School District initiatives; determines the need to modify or expand the range of programmatic activities and makes recommendations to GEAR UP partners accordingly.
• Completes the annual performance report for the United States Department of Education; prepares and submits other reports to senior management.
• Oversees and directs the activities of staff; establishes areas of responsibility for subordinates.
• Serves as a liaison to GEAR UP school administrators, external evaluators and the Deputy Chief.
• Manages the project budget; prepares annual budget estimates for the GEAR UP program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director