GEAR UP North Carolina (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs in North Carolina) is a college access initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education and designed to increase the number of first generation, low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

The GEAR UP Success Coach and Student Activities Coordinator will support first-year college students from designated high schools guided by GEAR UP goals and objectives. This includes but is not limited to increasing students’ knowledge of post-secondary education options, increasing academic performance and preparation in a post-secondary setting and easing transition from high school to college.  Coaches are expected to complete various coach training programs, engage in observation and debrief processes, while developing and fine tuning the GEAR UP student coaching methodology. Additionally, the Gear Up Success Coach and Student Activities Coordinator will plan and execute campus activities to support, educate, and engage diverse student populations.

The GEAR UP Success Coach and Student Activities Coordinator should be a creative and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills. A self-starter who advocates for him/herself possessing excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

The GEAR UP Success Coach and Student Activities Coordinator reports to the Director of Student Success and Equity.

The duties of the GEAR UP Success Coach and Student Activities Coordinator include:

• At the direction of the GEAR UP Access and Success Manager, represent GEAR UP at middle and high schools and other functions to encourage interest and enrollment of students at the partner institution and build support for student success. This may include delivering presentations to both small and large groups. 
• Contact and meet with area high school counselors to explain benefits of the College's programs and to assist high school students with the College’s enrollment process
• Conduct follow-up sessions with prospective students and parents via telephone and email to determine their educational needs, concerns, interests, and career options
• Maintain a list of prospective students from designated high schools
• Help schedule, plan, and conduct campus tours for GEAR UP students and parents as needed
• Attend and participate in GEAR UP NC and Inside Track trainings as requested
• Build trusting relationships with a diverse student population by delivering personalized, constructive, engaging, motivating, and informative coaching sessions
• Coach students on developing a plan to achieve their academic and career goals by assessing values/goals, needs, and obstacles
• Manage confidential information and provide accurate student information in contact management system(s)
• Regularly contact and schedule coaching sessions with students
• Utilize online database programs to assist in the documentation of outreach, student coaching and general student services
• Provide accurate and direct feedback to Gear Up Access and Success Manager to receive assistance and foster continuous improvement
• Project, assess, and report on student retention
• Contribute as both an individual coach and a team member in order to further the missions of GEAR UP NC and Lenoir Community College
• Serve on assigned college committees
• Assist the SGA Advisor and collaborate to plan campus activities
• Spearhead campus activities to engage diverse student populations
• Other duties as assigned by partner institution supervisor

Working Conditions

• Infrequent lifting and carrying items up to 25 lbs. without assistance
• Frequent travel between buildings on campus and travel to other campuses
• Frequent listening to and talking with students, faculty, and other staff members
• Frequent sitting at a desk or workstation using a telephone, computer, keyboard, and mouse
• Some travel will be required
• Successful candidate must be willing to use cell phone for work-related activities

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Lenoir Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College complies with existing federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination. The College prohibits discrimination against and/or exclusion from participation in any benefits or activities by any person, either on the staff and faculty or in the student body, on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, political affiliation, or disability.