Director of GEAR UP
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary: $120,000.00 - $125,000.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: WSAC 02-2025
Department: Washington Student Achievement Council
Opening Date: 02/12/2025
Description
This position will remain open until enough qualified candidates have applied. The first review of applications is expected to occur on 3/7/2025 and will be reviewed continuously. Applicants should submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.
Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council?
At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school. To achieve our mission, we:
At WSAC
Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
About the Position
The Washington Student Achievement Council seeks a Program Director to provide leadership and staff management of the statewide GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) initiative. GEAR UP is an early college awareness and readiness program funded by state and federal sources. The GEAR UP Director oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of large-scale, school-based outreach efforts, ensuring they effectively support students' journeys toward postsecondary education.
This role is best suited for candidates with extensive experience developing, implementing, and evaluating large-scale school-based projects. An ideal candidate is comfortable managing complex projects alongside strategic vision-setting, embraces ongoing evaluation as a powerful avenue for ensuring that college outreach activities effectively support the target populations, and has experience managing large federally funded grant budgets. The role involves extensive collaboration with the Research and College Access Initiatives divisions at WSAC. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster productive, positive working relationships with colleagues across divisions and work groups.
Under the direction of the Deputy Executive Director, this position will lead WSAC's efforts to pilot and evaluate diverse strategies from its college access portfolio. To do this, the GEAR UP Director will leverage relationships and collaborative opportunities with GEAR UP schools, which will ensure the implementation of effective and impactful support strategies for students pursuing postsecondary education. The individual in this role will manage and engage in strategic planning and operationalizing of GEAR UP program components, managing day-to-day operations for the program, and continuously grounding programmatic staff in an approach to work that enables learning and adaptation.
Working at WSAC includes opportunities for professional growth, such as training in new tools/techniques, mentorships, and engagement with experienced outside consultants. Lifelong learners will thrive in this position. Furthermore, individuals with direct academic, professional, or lived experience as adult learners will bring significant assets to the role.
Working Conditions
This is a full time, exempt position and is eligible for benefits, leave, and retirement. This position is currently eligible for telework, with expectations for in-person meetings in Olympia and project site visits when required or necessary. Flexible work schedules must be agreed to by the employee and supervisor.
GEAR UP is a federally funded grant program expected to be funded through September 2031. Funding for this position is contingent upon continuing funding from the U.S. Department of Education each year.
Duties
Some of what you'll be doing includes:
Program Leadership and Staff Supervision
Operations and Outreach
Ongoing Learning and Adaptation
Qualifications
Required Education, Experience, and Competencies
Preferred/ Desired Education, Experience and Competencies
Supplemental Information
Application Procedures
To be considered for this position you must possess the required qualification listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at . A complete application package includes:
Letter of Application. A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience described in this announcement. Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may eliminate the application from further consideration. Resume. A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience. References. A list of names, titles, and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references. Your responses to the supplemental questions. Please Note: Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about this recruitment, email KarenM@wsac.wa.gov
EEO Statement
The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email .
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
How did you hear about this job opportunity?
02
If you selected "other" in Q1, How did you hear about this job opportunity?
03
Describe how you meet the following minimum qualification:Three years working in a leadership and/or management role in a field related to college access, serving underrepresented populations, or public administration.
04
Proven supervisory skills: Demonstrated success in guiding, coaching, and mentoring diverse teams to foster a cohesive, high-performing unit characterized by professionalism and continuous professional growth.
05
Knowledge of school reform and improvement methods, including the latest research and best effective practices.
06
Describe how you meet the following minimum qualification:Familiarity with program evaluation concepts and activities, able to identify methodological challenges and revise research designs accordingly.
07
Describe how you have experienced, supported or led equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives in your current or previous roles.(Note: Non-responsive or single word answers of Yes, No, or N/A will not be accepted, and may result in you being removed from the applicant pool)
08
Which answer best describes your experience managing and overseeing program budgets?
Required Question
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: WSAC 02-2025
Department: Washington Student Achievement Council
Opening Date: 02/12/2025
Description
This position will remain open until enough qualified candidates have applied. The first review of applications is expected to occur on 3/7/2025 and will be reviewed continuously. Applicants should submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.
Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council?
At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school. To achieve our mission, we:
- Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
- Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
- Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
At WSAC
Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
- We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.
- Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.
- Employees have access to tuition assistance and tuition waiver programs.
- If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities-including those directly impacted by the criminal justice system; people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay, or bisexual; veterans; and people with disabilities, you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don't meet all of the desired/preferred qualification listed.
About the Position
The Washington Student Achievement Council seeks a Program Director to provide leadership and staff management of the statewide GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) initiative. GEAR UP is an early college awareness and readiness program funded by state and federal sources. The GEAR UP Director oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of large-scale, school-based outreach efforts, ensuring they effectively support students' journeys toward postsecondary education.
This role is best suited for candidates with extensive experience developing, implementing, and evaluating large-scale school-based projects. An ideal candidate is comfortable managing complex projects alongside strategic vision-setting, embraces ongoing evaluation as a powerful avenue for ensuring that college outreach activities effectively support the target populations, and has experience managing large federally funded grant budgets. The role involves extensive collaboration with the Research and College Access Initiatives divisions at WSAC. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster productive, positive working relationships with colleagues across divisions and work groups.
Under the direction of the Deputy Executive Director, this position will lead WSAC's efforts to pilot and evaluate diverse strategies from its college access portfolio. To do this, the GEAR UP Director will leverage relationships and collaborative opportunities with GEAR UP schools, which will ensure the implementation of effective and impactful support strategies for students pursuing postsecondary education. The individual in this role will manage and engage in strategic planning and operationalizing of GEAR UP program components, managing day-to-day operations for the program, and continuously grounding programmatic staff in an approach to work that enables learning and adaptation.
Working at WSAC includes opportunities for professional growth, such as training in new tools/techniques, mentorships, and engagement with experienced outside consultants. Lifelong learners will thrive in this position. Furthermore, individuals with direct academic, professional, or lived experience as adult learners will bring significant assets to the role.
Working Conditions
This is a full time, exempt position and is eligible for benefits, leave, and retirement. This position is currently eligible for telework, with expectations for in-person meetings in Olympia and project site visits when required or necessary. Flexible work schedules must be agreed to by the employee and supervisor.
GEAR UP is a federally funded grant program expected to be funded through September 2031. Funding for this position is contingent upon continuing funding from the U.S. Department of Education each year.
Duties
Some of what you'll be doing includes:
Program Leadership and Staff Supervision
- Providing effective and strategic supervision of project staff, including goal setting, professional development, and performance reviews
- Ensuring the division's overarching work plan is implemented in a timely manner
- Working with the GEAR UP program staff to create a vision and goals and to develop program-sponsored activities that support the program goals
- Overseeing the planning, development, implementation, and assessment of school-based activities and professional development materials/trainings with partner middle and high schools
- Coordinating development and implementation of program activities with other K-16 and college access initiatives to enhance college access statewide
- Serving as a representative of GEAR UP in state, regional, and national meetings
Operations and Outreach
- Managing day-to-day operations of GEAR UP, including but not limited to oversight of policies and procedures, budget development, and contract administration
- Overseeing submission of reports to meet federal reporting requirements and maintaining compliance with federal grant guidelines
- Developing annual budgets, monitoring and approving expenditures, and approving budget reports on a monthly basis (Budgets include federal funds as well as non-federal matching funds required by the U.S. Department of Education)
- Establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with K-12, higher education, and community partners to increase access to postsecondary success among students in GEAR UP schools and other low-income communities
- Developing professional development plans that meet the goals and objectives of Washington State GEAR UP and align with local and statewide needs and initiatives
Ongoing Learning and Adaptation
- Working in partnership with colleagues on the Research team to use data and evidence from research to make programmatic decisions
- Leading the design and implementation of organizational learning activities for the GEAR UP team, with input from the Research team
- Directing and overseeing the development of effective evaluation and assessment tools
- Leading the identification, synthesis, and drafting of key findings identified during learning and evaluation of existing GEAR UP initiatives
- Incorporating program staff and community voices into the research design as part of co-interpreting and contextualizing programmatic learning
- Bringing an equity, place-based lens to ongoing learning that GEAR UP staff engage in
Qualifications
Required Education, Experience, and Competencies
- Master's degree in education, public policy, management, or a related field.
- Minimum three years working in a leadership and/or management role in a field related to college access, serving underrepresented populations, or public administration.
- Proven supervisory skills.
- Experience successfully developing, implementing, and managing school/educational programs.
- Experience managing and overseeing program budgets.
- Experience working with schools, community-based organizations, or postsecondary institutions.
- Knowledge of school reform and improvement methods, including the latest research and best effective practices.
- Understanding and knowledge of college access and success for low-income learners.
- Familiarity with program evaluation concepts and activities, able to identify methodological challenges and revise research designs accordingly.
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Preferred/ Desired Education, Experience and Competencies
- Experience administering federal grant programs
- Experience managing large operational/grant budgets in excess of $3 million annually.
- Demonstrated experience presenting complex information to small and large groups.
- Direct academic, professional, or lived experience as and/or with students and families from low-income backgrounds and students who are the first in their family to pursue postsecondary education
- Fluency, or near-native fluency in Spanish. Ability to read, write and present relevant content in Spanish.
- Two or more years of research experience.
- Understanding of issues related to college access and financial aid.
Supplemental Information
Application Procedures
To be considered for this position you must possess the required qualification listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at . A complete application package includes:
QUESTIONS?
For questions about this recruitment, email KarenM@wsac.wa.gov
EEO Statement
The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email .
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
How did you hear about this job opportunity?
- Careers.wa.gov
- WSAC Employment Page
- Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc)
- Other
02
If you selected "other" in Q1, How did you hear about this job opportunity?
03
Describe how you meet the following minimum qualification:Three years working in a leadership and/or management role in a field related to college access, serving underrepresented populations, or public administration.
04
Proven supervisory skills: Demonstrated success in guiding, coaching, and mentoring diverse teams to foster a cohesive, high-performing unit characterized by professionalism and continuous professional growth.
- I have no direct supervision experience.
- have supervised a small team (2 employees or less), or I have supervised a team for less than 2 years.
- I have managed a team of 3 or more employees or I have supervised a team for more than 2 .
- None of the above.
05
Knowledge of school reform and improvement methods, including the latest research and best effective practices.
- My understanding of school reform and improvement strategies is based on researching school improvement strategies as part of my educational training.
- My understanding of the above is based on direct experience evaluating the effectiveness of school-based initiatives designed to enhance student outcomes.
- My understanding of the above is based on direct experience designing and implementing school reform/improvement strategies.
- My understanding of school reform is based on direct experience and research, as described in the above three choices.
- I have limited knowledge of school reform and improvement methods through educational training or professional experience.
06
Describe how you meet the following minimum qualification:Familiarity with program evaluation concepts and activities, able to identify methodological challenges and revise research designs accordingly.
07
Describe how you have experienced, supported or led equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives in your current or previous roles.(Note: Non-responsive or single word answers of Yes, No, or N/A will not be accepted, and may result in you being removed from the applicant pool)
08
Which answer best describes your experience managing and overseeing program budgets?
- Willing (Little or no experience or training regarding this competency, but interested and willing to learn.)
- Developing (Developing knowledge and skills regarding this competency through at least 6 months of experience applying this competency in the workplace.)
- Skilled (Has successfully and regularly applied this competency in the workplace. Recognized by others as demonstrating ample knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 1 to 3 years of experience.)
- Expert (Application of this competency is polished to excellence and is extensive in nature. Recognized by others as demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills regarding this competency. Generally, this is achieved through 3 or more years of experience.)
Required Question