College and Career Coach – GEAR UP Kentucky (7 positions)

Open Position Locations: Anderson County Schools (2 positions), Bath County Schools, Mason County Schools, Mercer County Schools, Pendleton County Schools, Washington County Schools  
Work Locations: Primarily in assigned school building(s) or district(s) within the academic year. Occasional meetings and professional development at Frankfort, KY office.
Position Information: Time-limited interim position with a term from August 17, 2026, through May 14, 2027.
Travel: Infrequent in-state and out-of-state travel required.
Compensation: $18 - $23/hour based on education, relevant professional experience, and prior GEAR UP Kentucky service.

Overview

GEAR UP Kentucky is a federal, statewide grant program coordinated by the Council, which works with students, families, and schools in low-income Kentucky communities to support college preparation and success. GEAR UP Kentucky is designed to increase the percentage of students who graduate high school and successfully transition to and through postsecondary education.

In October 2025, the Council was awarded a seven-year, $35 million grant to serve at least 10,000 students in eight high-need KY school districts, the fifth GEAR UP state grant for Kentucky that has been administered through the Council. While this position is limited to the 2026-27 academic year, GEAR UP Kentucky is funded through September 30, 2032, and future opportunities may become available based on program needs and funding.

Duties and Responsibilities

GEAR UP Kentucky (GUK) College and Career Coaches (CCC) serve as advisors to one or more cohorts of GUK students and families in partner middle and high schools during the academic year. The anticipated contract timeframe for 2026-2027 academic year will be August 17, 2026, to May 14, 2027.

Overview

Coaches collaborate with school and GUK staff to assist students and their families in making meaningful connections between school, work, and career and college options and pathways. These positions work under the supervision of the District Program Manager (DPM) and the plans of service developed by the School Site Teams to deliver a structured curriculum, provide individualized student and family advising, coordinate and implement GUK services and events.

Coaches will have access to multiple professional development and networking opportunities related to the education sector. Some in-state and overnight travel are expected to attend GUK-sponsored training sessions, meetings, and conferences. Candidates will complete all required training and background checks required by the school district in which they serve.

Program Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the District Program Manager (DPM), district personnel, school staff, GUK staff, and community partners to coordinate services and professional development opportunities aligned with school and program goals.
• Participate in School Site Team meetings, program meetings, trainings, conferences, networking opportunities, and other professional learning activities as assigned.
• Support positive working relationships with students, families, school personnel, and community partners.
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and responsiveness in supporting school and program initiatives.
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to college and career readiness, youth development, advising practices, and program implementation.

Services to Students, Families, and Schools

• Facilitate delivery of student curricula, advising, and related student and family activities to implement the GEAR UP Kentucky program with fidelity.
• Implement the School Site Team plan designed to support cohort students and families.
• Inform students, families, and school staff about the purpose, services, and resources available through GUK through orientations, presentations, and participation in school-based events.
• Recruit and support students to participate in GUK student engagement and leadership opportunities.
• Support the DPM in arranging college campus visits, career-focused field trips, and other postsecondary exposure opportunities for cohort students.
• Collaborate with students and families to promote college awareness through campus visits, summer experiences, career exploration, and other strategies designed to foster a strong postsecondary-going culture.
• Support the administration of student and family surveys.
• Assist the school (as requested) to meet mandates for each student to complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
• Collaborate with partner agencies to coordinate and support workshops delivered by Student Engagement Specialists.
• Provide guidance and support to families to develop plans for successful high school completions and postsecondary transitions.
• Conduct career interest assessments and support students in identifying career pathways and related academic strategies.
• Continuously monitor student progress and connect students and families with enrichment opportunities, interventions, and support resources.
• Support school-wide college and career readiness initiatives aligned with school, district, and GUK goals.

Communication and Information Management

• Communicate the GUK vision and mission effectively and represent the GUK brand to all stakeholders.
• Adhere to FERPA/confidentiality expectations regarding any student/school data as outlined in GUK/CPE/KDE Data Collection and Use policies and procedures.
• Collect and maintain accurate and complete data on delivery of all services in accordance with GUK timelines and FERPA guidelines, including weekly entry of service delivery data into GUSS and submission of quarterly progress reports.
• Maintain all work-related activities on ky.gov calendar in Microsoft Outlook and communicate schedule with direct supervisor according to agreed- upon practice.
• Communicate postsecondary, career readiness, and student success information to students and families using approved communication platforms and outreach methods.
• Maintain consistent communication with direct supervisor-District Program Managers, Director of District Services, school personnel, families, and program partners regarding program implementation, student support, timelines, and needs.

Professional Development

• Complete all required district, state, and program trainings and background checks.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, seminars, conferences, and networking opportunities as assigned.

Other

• Other duties as assigned by District Program Manager, Director of District Services, Executive Director, and/or leadership of the Council on Postsecondary Education.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree, in education, psychology, sociology, guidance counseling, business management, communications or a closely related field preferred.
  • Enrolled undergraduates who have completed at least 60 college credit hours and are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields will be considered.
  • Candidates with an associate degree in another field may be considered if they have relevant experience providing direct services to middle and high school-aged students.
• Experience working with middle and/or high school-aged students is preferred.

GEAR UP Kentucky seeks candidates who:

• Understand and commit to the mission, vision, and goals of GEAR UP Kentucky.
• Demonstrate a team-oriented mindset, ability to work collaboratively toward the success of the GEAR UP program.
• Communicate effectively and professionally in interpersonal interactions with students, families, school staff, community organizations, and postsecondary representatives.
• Produce clear, concise, and professional written communications.
• Organize multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
• Commit to continuous growth and receive and respond to feedback in a constructive manner.
• Work independently while adhering to established program policies, procedures, and expectations in a hybrid environment.
• Effectively engage, connect, and communicate with students.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with program partners, including families, school staff, community organizations, and postsecondary representatives.
• Coordinate and collaborate with program partners to plan and execute program activities.
• Manage time and workload to pursue and achieve established goals while making strategic adjustments as needed.
• Plan, facilitate, and document meetings with clarity and purpose.
• Proficiently use Microsoft Office including Teams and Outlook and manage multiple email accounts and platforms to coordinate communication, scheduling, and documentation.
• Maintain a valid Kentucky driver’s license and fulfill requirements to be authorized to drive a Kentucky Division of Fleet Management vehicle.

Application Information

Interested applicants should submit:

• A letter of application specifically addressing the responsibilities and qualifications of the position and identifying the school district(s) for which you would like to be considered
• A current resume
• Names, titles, and contact information for at least three professional references

Materials should be sent to CPE.HR@ky.gov.