What are the responsibilities and job description for the GEAR UP Director position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
RTF00280PO25
USC Market Title
Program Director
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/175242
Business Title (Internal Title)
GEAR UP Director
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
College of Education
Department
CED College of Education
Advertised Salary Range
$105,550 -Salary commensurate with qualifications.
Location of Vacancy
Field-Based
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
- Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Type of Staff Position
Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Other Professional
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
South Carolina Retirement
Yes
State Insurance Programs
Yes
Annual Leave
Yes
Sick Leave
Yes
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The GEAR UP Director provides leadership and oversight for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that promote college readiness and success for middle and high school students in partnership with schools, families, and community organizations. The Director manages program operations, ensures compliance with federal and state guidelines, supervises staff, monitors budgets, and evaluates program outcomes to achieve grant objectives. This role requires strong leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to educational equity.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 5 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
Preferred Qualifications
- A graduate degree in education or a related field;
- Five or more years of experience working in the K-12 and/or university setting;
- Experience providing services on other federal grants with a focus on socially and/or economically challenged student populations that include low-income, first-generation, and minority students.
- Preferred experience directing a college access/success program in a public agency or institution, including management of fiscal and administrative tasks.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge -Federal grant regulations, compliance standards, and reporting requirements. College access and readiness strategies for underserved populations. Budget development, financial management, and cost control principles. Program evaluation methods and data-driven decision-making. Educational systems, including K–12 and higher education partnerships.
Skills -Strong leadership and team management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences. Advanced organizational and project management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems. Ability to develop and maintain collaborative partnerships.
Abilities -Interpret and apply federal regulations and grant guidelines accurately. Manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines under pressure. Analyze complex data and prepare clear, actionable reports. Build trust and engage effectively with students, families, educators, and community partners. Adapt to changing program needs and innovate solutions for challenges.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Program Leadership & Strategic Planning: Direct planning, execution, and evaluation of GEAR UP activities in alignment with grant goals. Develop annual work plans and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
30
Job Duty
Compliance & Reporting: Ensure adherence to U.S. Department of Education regulations and GEAR UP guidelines. Prepare and submit required reports, including performance and financial documentation.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Budget & Resource Management: Oversee grant budget, monitor expenditures, and maintain fiscal accountability. Collaborate with finance staff to ensure accurate tracking and reporting.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, community organizations, higher education institutions, and families. Coordinate services such as mentoring, tutoring, college visits, and family engagement activities.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
15
Job Duty
Data Collection & Evaluation: Supervise data collection and analysis to measure program impact and student outcomes. Use evaluation results to inform continuous improvement and sustainability planning.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Staff Supervision & Development: Recruit, train, and manage program staff and volunteers. Foster a collaborative and mission-driven team environment.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Position Attributes
Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
01/01/2026
Position End Date
Job Open Date
12/10/2025
Job Close Date
12/17/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by December 17, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/199628
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $105,550