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Job Title: Project Manager (GEAR UP) 2025-2026  and Requisition ID number: 103725

Close Date: 11:59 PM on  

Organizational Unit:  GEAR Up (10001053) 

Site:  Davis Center (0001) 

FTE:  40 hours a week; 52 weeks; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time

Union:  AMP(42) 

Functional Area:  Administrative 

Salary Range:  $79,277 (Step 1)  - $99,006 (Step 10)  

Benefits:  Dental insurance | Health insurance | Vision insurance | Paid time off | HSA & FSA | Retirement plan

Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

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Summary:

Minneapolis Public Schools

About the Program

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federally funded grant dedicated to increasing the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. This program provides comprehensive support to students and their families from middle school through their first year of college. The services include college visits, summer programs, career exploration, mentoring, tutoring, college advising, and financial aid workshops.

Position Summary

The GEAR UP Project Manager will oversee the daily operations and strategic direction of the GEAR UP grant, ensuring all programmatic, budgetary, and federal reporting obligations are met. This includes direct responsibility for managing the program's budget, preparing the Annual Performance Report (APR), and serving as the primary liaison for the grant’s partnerships. This role requires a dynamic leader who can work collaboratively with school personnel and the broader community to foster a culture of college readiness and success. The Project Manager reports directly to the Director of Counseling Services and GEAR UP.

Responsibilities

● Program Leadership: Manage the GEAR UP programs (State and Local), providing a variety of interventions to students and their families in grades six through year one of postsecondary education.
● Fiscal Management and Reporting: Oversee the program's budget, ensuring compliance with all grant requirements. Prepare and submit the federal Annual Performance Report (APR) and other required documentation.
● Postsecondary Initiatives and Partnership Management: Serve as the main point of contact and liaison for all grant partners. Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including universities, non-profits, and community organizations, to ensure collaborative program delivery and shared goals are met. This includes leading and implementing postsecondary initiatives such as MN Office of Higher Education (OHE) Direct Admissions, organizing job fairs, and developing other postsecondary readiness programs.
● Collaboration and Coordination: Work closely with federally funded GEAR UP programs, and at the local and state level with school staff to fulfill the academic and
programmatic requirements of the grant. Provide support to the Counseling Services department as needed.
● Strategic Planning: Develop and implement sustainable, comprehensive pre-college programs for middle and high school students, including career exploration, academic planning, and financial aid workshops.
● Resource Management: Serve as a central resource for GEAR UP and other MPS staff, providing guidance and expertise on college planning and postsecondary education.
● Community Engagement: Partner with school personnel, families, and the community to raise awareness about the benefits of postsecondary education and build strong relationships.
● Event and Program Management: Coordinate summer enrichment activities, such as job shadowing, academic preparation, and college visits.
● Data and Evaluation: Maintain and analyze data on all GEAR UP activities to track student progress and ensure grant compliance.
● Professional Development: Attend and actively participate in GEAR UP meetings, institutes, and conferences, providing continuous feedback and recommendations to improve the program.

Qualifications

Required:

● Bachelor's degree in education or a related field.
● Experience in program and grant management, including a proven ability to manage a budget, handle federal reporting requirements (e.g., APR), and manage partnerships.
● Demonstrated knowledge of college admissions, financial aid processes, and postsecondary education pathways, including recent trends and initiatives (e.g., direct admissions programs).
● Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and external partners.
● Experience in data collection and program evaluation.

Preferred:

● Master's degree in a related field.
● Experience working with low-income students or first-generation college students.
● Knowledge of the Minneapolis Public Schools system and local community resources.
● Experience in a student support role.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work, heavy phone usage, and ability to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

• Bargaining Unit: AMP
• Grade: 59
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Job Group: Business Support Group
• New: December 9, 2013

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Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready.  Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Posting Notes: | 12:01 AM On | GEAR Up (10001053) | Davis Center (0001) | Administrative