GEAR UP Virginia Regional Manager (00099)

DHRM•Richmond, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) invites applications for the position of GEAR UP Virginia Regional Manager. This position supports the implementation of the U.S. Department of Education’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant, which serves more than 8,000 students in 20 high schools across 12 school divisions. Regional Managers serve as the primary liaison between the GEAR UP Virginia central office and their assigned partner school divisions. They provide guidance, training, and technical assistance to help schools plan and implement activities that prepare students for postsecondary education and career success. Regional Managers also help cultivate a local college-going culture by supporting schools in developing strategies that increase access and readiness for students and families, and by supporting students during their transition to and first year of college. Each manager travels regularly within their assigned region to provide on-site support and monitor progress. This position is ideal for someone who cares deeply about helping students and families succeed, understands the barriers that affect college access and success, and enjoys working with educators, school divisions, postsecondary partners, and community organizations to expand educational opportunities. Regional Managers work independently to coordinate and oversee GEAR UP implementation, ensuring that local activities are responsive to student needs, compliant with program requirements, and aligned with statewide goals. In addition to supporting their assigned divisions, each Regional Manager leads one specialty area, such as supporting students with disabilities, family engagement, or summer programming. They collaborate with colleagues to strengthen statewide coordination and contribute to ongoing efforts to improve college readiness and postsecondary outcomes for all students.

Requirements

Knowledge of college access, admissions, financial aid, and strategies that help students enroll in and complete postsecondary education.
Knowledge of Virginia's K–12 and postsecondary education systems, including graduation requirements, advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and career and technical education.
Knowledge of public school division operations and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with school divisions, colleges and universities, community partners, and families.
Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple projects independently while meeting deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences through presentations, training, technical assistance, reports, and professional correspondence.
Ability to collect, interpret, and report program and student data to support grant requirements and program improvement.
Ability to work independently in a remote environment and use technology to communicate, collaborate, and manage work.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and the ability to learn new software and data systems.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and use personal vehicle to drive to job related activities or have reliable transportation to get to job related activities.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of federal grant program operations and related regulations.
Experience supporting college access or readiness initiatives in a K–12, higher education, or nonprofit setting.
Experience collecting, tracking, and analyzing program or student data for reporting or program improvement.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain strong relationships with school and division leaders, serving as their primary point of contact for all aspects of GEAR UP Virginia.
Support schools in developing and implementing annual Implementation Plans that align with grant objectives and performance measures.
Serve as a local resource on college access by sharing strategies, materials, and professional development that help schools strengthen their college-going culture.
Provide ideas and guidance to help schools expand postsecondary opportunities and support successful transitions for students and families.
Monitor and support student-focused programming such as mentoring, tutoring, college visits, summer experiences, and family engagement activities.
Track progress toward project objectives, monitor student outcomes, and review expenditures to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
Lead one statewide specialty area (such as family engagement, support for students with disabilities, or financial aid) and contribute to broader college access initiatives across Virginia.
Represent GEAR UP Virginia at regional and statewide meetings, trainings, and events, and share effective practices with other partners.