VSAC GEAR UP Director

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Vermonters of all ages prepare for, plan, and pay for college and career training. Serving as a cornerstone in educational outreach and support throughout Vermont, VSAC offers a range of programs and services that assist students and families in overcoming barriers to higher education and career readiness. Committed to increasing access and opportunity, VSAC focuses on fostering student success through financial aid, counseling, and outreach initiatives that promote educational attainment and lifelong learning.\n\nOne of VSAC's hallmark programs is GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), a federally funded initiative designed to boost postsecondary enrollment rates among Vermont students from modest-income backgrounds and those who are first-generation college-bound. The GEAR UP program spans across more than 35 middle and high schools statewide, engaging over 2,000 students through comprehensive college and career readiness activities and supports. This program collaborates with various subgrantees and contractors to ensure delivery of services that empower students to explore their passions, identify education pathways, and secure financial aid necessary for their academic and career aspirations.\n\nThe Director of VSAC's GEAR UP program is a pivotal leadership position responsible for managing one of the organization's largest and most complex federally funded grants. This role demands a seasoned leader who can balance strategic oversight with detailed operational management. The successful candidate will lead a team of over 20 dedicated staff members deployed across the state, who work directly with students from middle school through their first year of postsecondary education or training. These staff members play diverse roles such as embedded school personnel dedicated to personalized student engagement and support, guiding learners through career exploration, education planning, and financial aid processes.\n\nThe Director will serve as the primary steward of grant compliance, ensuring that all reporting and programmatic requirements are met with accuracy and timeliness to satisfy federal guidelines. This includes developing and enhancing systems and processes that support both staff efficiency and student success. The Director will create and maintain comprehensive policies, procedures, documentation, and intervention tools essential to the smooth and effective execution of the GEAR UP grant activities.\n\nSupervision and mentorship are key components of the role, with a strong emphasis on fostering a collaborative, cohesive team environment. The Director is expected to be an experienced coach and team leader, dedicated to the professional growth and success of the GEAR UP staff. Additionally, the position involves managing a complex federal budget and pursuing additional funding opportunities through grant writing to sustain and expand program impact. A holistic, analytical perspective on the integration of GEAR UP within the broader spectrum of VSAC's programming is essential to maximize resources and outcomes.\n\nNetworking and partnership building are also critical to the role. The Director will maintain and grow relationships with community organizations, educational institutions, and stakeholders engaged in college and career readiness work, keeping abreast of innovative and evidence-based practices that can be adapted to enhance services for Vermont students and families.\n\nThis is a full-time, hybrid remote position located in Winooski, VT, offering a salary range of $100,000 to $115,000 annually. VSAC provides a comprehensive benefits package including a 10% employer contribution to a 403(b) plan, generous paid time off, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, health and dental insurance, and opportunities for flexible work schedules. The supportive culture at VSAC fosters dedication to student success and professional excellence among its team members.