Scholarship and Student Success Program Coordinator

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

1d•$53,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) invites applications for the position of Scholarship and Student Success Program Coordinator. This position supports the implementation of the U.S. Department of Education's Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Virginia grant. GEAR UP is a federal initiative designed to increase college and career readiness, access, and persistence for students in underserved communities and serves approximately 5,000 students annually across 12 school divisions throughout the Commonwealth. This position is primarily responsible for supporting scholarship outreach, administration, and student success initiatives that promote postsecondary enrollment and persistence. The Scholarship and Student Success Program Coordinator primarily serves students at Petersburg High School, Hopewell High School, and Brunswick High School (designated GEAR UP Priority High Schools) and is expected to travel regularly to these schools to provide advising, student support, and college access programming. The coordinator leads outreach efforts to students and families to increase awareness of GEAR UP scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application processes, and provides ongoing support to ensure students successfully navigate postsecondary transitions. In addition, the coordinator supports student success programming designed to strengthen college persistence, including first-year student engagement efforts, postsecondary transition support, and collaboration with postsecondary partners. The role also assists with tracking scholarship-related documentation, supporting compliance requirements, and ensuring accurate and timely processing of program records. The coordinator works closely with internal SCHEV staff, school and division partners, and institutions of higher education to strengthen pathways to postsecondary success and ensure students are supported from application through early college completion. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of college admissions, recruitment, outreach and financial aid processes and the strategies used to improve graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates.
Demonstrated understanding of public education in Virginia including but not limited to graduation requirements, SOLs and standardized tests, CTE credits, dual enrollment, advanced placement, and regional resources and culture.
Knowledge of federal grants program operations and regulations.
Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly and work in a fast-paced, deadline and purpose driven environment.
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and meet program objectives/goals.
Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently/remotely, develop a work plan, set priorities, and meet deadlines and goals.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail accompanied by a high level of creativity.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups and populations.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others to accomplish goals and to establish and maintain effective working relationships remotely.
Valid driver's license required; must have reliable transportation and possess ability to travel and drive extensively using personal vehicle; frequent day travel and occasional overnight travel required.
Demonstrated ability to direct and train others.
Demonstrated ability to use technology in reporting information, communicating with others and engaging participants.
Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and aptitude to learn new systems/technology.

Nice To Haves

Considerable knowledge of federal grant program operations and regulations.
A work history demonstrating experience working in a college access program/organization or in higher education desired.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact for scholarship outreach, advising, and student support services across assigned schools and partners.
Provide guidance and technical assistance to support scholarship administration, student eligibility verification, and postsecondary transition processes.
Coordinate and support student engagement activities, including advising sessions and other college access programming.
Build and maintain relationships with school staff, college access partners, and stakeholders to strengthen student support systems.
Support training and capacity-building efforts for staff and partners on scholarship processes, systems, and implementation procedures.
Provide direct student support, advising, and postsecondary transition services at Petersburg High School, Hopewell High School, and Brunswick High School (GEAR UP Priority High Schools), including regular travel to assigned school sites.
Assist with statewide initiatives, communications, events, and programming designed to increase college access and success.
Maintain accurate records, reporting, and data tracking to support program compliance and continuous improvement.
Represent GEAR UP Virginia at regional and statewide meetings, trainings, and events, and share effective practices with other partners.