GEAR UP Virginia Regional Manager (00099)

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is seeking a GEAR UP Virginia Regional Manager to support the implementation of the U.S. Department of Education’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant. This grant serves over 8,000 students in 20 high schools across 12 school divisions. The Regional Manager acts as the primary liaison between the central GEAR UP Virginia office and their assigned partner school divisions, providing guidance, training, and technical assistance to help schools prepare students for postsecondary education and career success. This role also focuses on cultivating a local college-going culture by supporting schools in developing strategies to increase access and readiness for students and families, and by assisting students during their transition to and first year of college. The position requires regular travel within the assigned region for on-site support and progress monitoring. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about student success, understanding college access barriers, and collaborating with educators, school divisions, postsecondary partners, and community organizations. Regional Managers work independently to coordinate and oversee GEAR UP implementation, ensuring local activities are responsive to student needs, compliant with program requirements, and aligned with statewide goals. Additionally, each Regional Manager leads a specialty area (e.g., supporting students with disabilities, family engagement, summer programming) and collaborates with colleagues to enhance statewide coordination and improve college readiness and postsecondary outcomes.

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.

Benefits

Excellent health and life insurance benefits
Pre-tax spending accounts
State-funded short and long-term disability
Paid holidays
Vacation
Tuition assistance
Free wellness programs
State retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching
State Health Benefits
Flexible Spending Account
Paid Holidays
Paid and Unpaid Leave
Group Life Insurance
Optional Life Insurance
Long-term Care Insurance
Employee Wellness Program Opportunities
Employee Assistance Program
Education Assistance
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Telework and Alternate Work Schedules