JOB POSTING: GEAR UP College and Career Coach

GEAR UP College and Career Coach

FLSA Status:

Position Type: Fixed Term / Temporary (3years, with a possibility of extension to 4 years)

Reports to: Program Director of GEAR UP

Department: Programs

Pay: $80,000.00

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About DC CAP

The DC College Access Program (DC CAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting D.C. students' access and complete college with little to no debt. Through financial aid, college advising, university partnerships, and long-term student support, DC CAP works to remove barriers to higher education and expand opportunity for students across the District.  

DC CAP is in a period of growth and transformation, with expanding partnerships and ambitious long-term goals through our 2050 Moonshot initiative. Our Communications team plays a central role in shaping how DC CAP tells its story, builds trust, and engages students, partners, donors, and the broader community.  

Job Summary

DC CAP is seeking a College and Career Coach to play a vital role in serving students through their first yearof college as part of our commitment to enhancing educational and career opportunities. This position requires a high level of community involvement, engagement with parents, and the willingness to work occasional weekends to ensure the success of the program. The College and Career Coach will be guided by the GEAR UP Grant's requirements, which will be provided for review, to fulfill the role's objectives.

GEAR UP is a multi-year project that follows a single cohort through their first year of college to meet the requirements of the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) program. The GEAR UP program is funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant and provides services and resources to a cohort of students with the goal of increasing college awareness and readiness.

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Essential Functions‍

• Serve as a mentor and advisor to students in grade 10 through their first year of college
• Assist students in defining and pursuing their academic and career goals
• Provide guidance on educational choices, course selection, and career pathways
• Aid students in exploring post-secondary education options and preparing for college
• Engage parents and guardians actively to foster a supportive environment for students
• Plan and organize events, workshops, and programs for students and community members
• Collect, enter, and track data related to GEAR UP activities for required U.S.Department of Education annual progress reports as well as general project operations
• Offer detailed information on scholarships, financial aid, and grant opportunities
• Cultivate students' essential life skills and soft skills for future success
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication, as well as collaboration skills
• Proactively engage with community members and District residents
• Collaborate with team members and contribute to a positive, collaborative atmosphere
• Take the initiative to meet the mission and goals of the DC GEAR UP Grant project
• Accurately record and submit hours worked in accordance with DC CAP timekeeping policy

What You Bring

• 3+ years in the college advising/access space
• The ability to positively and productively engage with community members and District residents
• Experience planning events for students and community members
• Strong project management and organization skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication and collaboration skills
• Apositive and collaborative attitude, responsible nature, and willingness to take initiative to achieve the mission and goals of the DC GEAR UP Grant project
• Proven ability to work with minimal direction and flexibility to adapt to changing environments
• Prior experience with social emotional learning or other strengths-based approaches to supporting students
• Possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., education, psychology, sociology, politics, college/guidance counseling, college admissions, public policy, public service, nonprofit management)

Duration and Status

This is a fixed-term position, initially for 3 years with the possibility of extension to 4 years based on the program's needs and funding.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position, and the office environment requires using the computer, phone, and other routine office equipment. The College and Career Coach position requires reporting to school sites a minimum of 4 days a week. Additionally, some work on weekends and participation in events and programs beyond regular office hours is required. This flexibility enables you to meet the needs of the students and the community.

Physical Requirements

The ability to move within and between different work locations, including our main office and various community settings, is essential. This may include walking, standing, and the capacity to travel to off-site events and meetings.

Travel

The role may require travel to attend training sessions, meetings, and events within the community. Access to reliable transportation is necessary.

Hours of Work

Working hours are 9 AM to 5 PMET Monday-Friday. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required to accommodate community engagement events and workshops.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.

Why Join DC CAP

This role offers the opportunity to help shape DC CAP’s digital presence during a pivotal moment of growth and transformation. The Digital Communications Manager will play a central role in elevating DC CAP’s storytelling, strengthening engagement, and building systems that support long-term impact.  

DC CAP is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that supports employees professionally and personally through our employment practices and benefits offerings. We encourage applications from individuals who represent a variety of backgrounds, including those based on sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, and other factors protected by law. If we can make the application process easier through accommodation in the recruitment process, please reach out to jobs@dccap.org.

EEO Statement

DC CAP is committed to ensuring an environment free from discrimination and equal employment opportunity. As such, employment decisions at DC CAP are based on merit, qualifications, experience, and skillset. DC CAP does not discriminate in employment opportunities and practices based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, and any other characteristics. DC CAP will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with orwithout notice.

How to Apply:  

Interested candidates should submit their resume in an email to jobs@dccap.org with the subject line, “GEAR UP College and Career Coach”.

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