
GEAR UP Project Director
Job Description
Position Title: Project Director - GEAR UP
Position Type: Competitive Salary / Commensurate with Experience / Exempt
Position Hours: Full-time extended workdays, occasional Saturdays, and frequent travel
Length of Term/Employment: 223 workdays / At-Will
Reports to: Executive Director
Position Mission: The GEAR UP Project Director will provide strategic leadership, comprehensive project management, and oversight to ensure the successful implementation of the GEAR UP program. This role includes managing the budget, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and driving initiatives that support positive student outcomes. The Project Director will lead the GEAR UP Executive Team and Advisory Group, coordinate with partners, and serve as the primary liaison to the U.S. Department of Education's GEAR UP Office. The Director will supervise GEAR UP staff and ensure the alignment of educator, parent, student, and partner initiatives to the program's goals.
Position Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, Master's degree preferred.
- Valid Texas mid-management or other appropriate Texas certificate preferred.
- 3 years minimum teaching experience preferred.
- Previous experience in financial management and grant compliance.
- Must believe fully in the mission and vision of Jubilee Academies.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Strong leadership skills with experience in managing large-scale educational projects.
- Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with student success metrics.
- In-depth knowledge of federal grant management, including budget oversight and compliance.
- Ability to analyze data to drive decisions that enhance student performance and program effectiveness.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Proficient in using data management systems for tracking program progress and reporting to stakeholders.
Job Duties:
- Provide strategic direction and leadership to ensure that all program activities are aligned with the GEAR UP mission and objectives. Oversee the development and execution of the program's strategic plan.
- Coordinate all aspects of the GEAR UP program, ensuring that timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met. Regularly review project progress and make adjustments as necessary to achieve program goals.
- Oversee the grant budget, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. Conduct monthly budget reviews and audits to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Lead and facilitate regular meetings with the GEAR UP Team, advisory groups, and partners to ensure ongoing collaboration and alignment of efforts.
- Collaborate with the CCMR Team, Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Director of Accountability to ensure GEAR UP programming aligns with the district's academic priorities.
- Use data to monitor program effectiveness, identify trends in student performance, and develop strategies for improvement. Ensure that all program activities are informed by data and best practices.
- Ensure that all program activities comply with federal, state, and district regulations. Prepare and submit all required reports to the U.S. Department of Education and other stakeholders.
- Supervise GEAR UP District staff, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities. Ensure that staff are equipped to deliver high-quality services that support student success.
- Act as the program's representative to the community, building relationships with parents, educators, and partners to promote the program's goals and increase engagement.
- Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Supervise all GEAR UP staff, ensuring they are effectively supporting the program's objectives and contributing to positive student outcomes.
Charter & Community Responsibilities:
- Convey the charter's mission to the public and encourage support in accomplishing the mission.
- Illustrate understanding of Charter and community needs and begin activities to meet those needs.
- Demonstrate use of productive and efficient skills to raise community and parent involvement.
- Actively participate in student recruitment efforts.
Charter Atmosphere:
- Encourage a constructive, thoughtful climate for learning.
- Promote fairness of students and staff from all cultural backgrounds.
- Communicate with students and staff in an effective manner that promotes and sustains the Jubilee culture.
Working Conditions:
- Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
- Maintain emotional control under stress.
- Busy office environment with multiple priorities and frequent interruptions.
- Occasional district and statewide travel.
- Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.