Mid-Michigan GEAR UP Graduation Coach Ypsilanti Community Schools

Mid-Michigan GEAR UP (MMGU) Graduation Coach Ypsilanti Community Schools Duration: (7 Years) October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2032. This is a limited term appointment contingent upon annual Congressional approval of grant funding. Status: Full-time Reports To: Director, Mid-Michigan GEAR UP Salary: $50,000-55,000 * Actual salary will depend on education and experience.Description:

Mid-Michigan GEAR UP (MMGU), a Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Partnership grant initiative (CFDA # , is a federally funded grant program designed to provide high-quality education and enrichment services for GEAR UP students in two cohorts, grades 6 – 7, attending low-income schools across three partner school districts: Lansing School District, Ypsilanti Community Schools and Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System.

Graduation Coach to work 5 days per week in Ypsilanti Community Schools.

Minimum Requirements

• Masters degree in Education or related field;
• GEAR UP experience strongly preferred;
• Five + years in middle or high school academic planning / guidance counseling;
• Ability to work in collaboration with multiple schools, faculties and administrators;
• Ability to collaborate with community partners - businesses, agencies and organizations;
• 5+ years of experience in postsecondary strategies, programming and enrichment activities;
• 5+ years of experience providing college prep services and academic planning;
• Experience in data analysis;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Experience working with low-income and / or first-generation college going students preferred;
• Desire to improve quality of education provided to Mid-Michigan GEAR UP students;
• Working directly with students at Ypsilanti Community Schools locations;
• Ability to travel among Davenport University campuses, partner K-12 school districts, and to attend conferences, trainings, and professional development events; and
• Willingness to attend and coordinate events outside of regular business hours, including evenings and occasional weekends, as required to support program activities and university initiatives.

Primary Activities / Responsibilities

• Provide academic enrichment, informational, and motivational opportunities and interventions, including mentoring, tutoring, and advising activities (before, after, during school hours) for GEAR UP cohort students including at-risk, LEP, online, and special education students.
• Initiate and monitor career/college/life skills portfolios to track student performance outcomes and GEAR UP participation.
• Organize group events such as student assemblies and pep rallies, family night events, and other student and parent support activities (before school, during school, after school, evenings, Saturdays) that encourage students to consider, plan for, and apply to colleges and universities and prepare for careers.
• Provide one-on-one, group, and family advice about admissions and financial aid.
• Establish productive working relationships with building principals, counselors, and teachers in the assigned middle and high schools.
• Assist grant director and district personnel to staff trips and events at other program sites, campuses, and workplaces.
• Identify, collect, enter, and interpret key data to evaluate grant effectiveness.
• Participate in professional development to increase college and career readiness.
• Launch Postsecondary Accountability strategies to track student enrollment in college after graduation.
• Assist students with multiple online platforms, services, and applications, especially FAFSA.
• Develop and distribute grant, program and department-specific materials including flyers, brochures, posters, handbooks, reports and letters.
• Complete grant duties as needed to facilitate full implementation of the Mid-Michigan GEAR UP.
• Provides GREAT customer service, anticipating and exceeding the needs of our stakeholders.
• Demonstrate and promote the University Cultural Values.
• Understand and abide by all external and internal regulations and policies. This includes NCAA, GLIAC and national affiliations associated within athletics or other role specific regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Mobility & School-Based Responsibilities

• Serve as visible MMGU presence across different buildings, developing relationships with staff and students in various settings
• Adapt to diverse school environments and schedules while maintaining consistent grant service delivery
• Coordinate with administrators and teachers to align support with school-specific needs
• Manage time effectively to balance responsibilities
• Represent MMGU professionally while working in classrooms, offices, and other student-centered spaces
• Ensure reliable transportation to district buildings

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Davenport University is committed to building and supporting a diverse community of students, faculty and staff. Davenport University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees, applicants and students without unlawful discrimination based on national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, veteran, or military status, marital status, height, weight, genetic information, or other protected status.