GEAR UP Program Assistant - IE

Working Title: GEAR UP Program Assistant - IE

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Institutional Employment

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

 

College/Division: Access and Enrollment

Department: 520120 - GEAR UP Staunton

 

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $18 / hour

 

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

 

Beginning Review Date: 09/19/2025

 

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

 

General Information:

GEAR UP is a federally grant-funded program to empower first-generation and underrepresented students on their path to college. GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. As a GEAR UP Program Assistant, you'll play a role in shaping futures while working in a supportive, collaborative environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in students’ lives while gaining meaningful experience in college access and success initiatives.

The GEAR UP Program Assistant will work closely with the Project Director, Advisor, and Parent Liaison. GEAR UP serves a two-year cohort from the Staunton City Public School District, starting in middle school and following the cohort through their first year of post-secondary education. GEAR UP aims to increase the rate at which students complete secondary education.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement GEAR UP programming with students in schools on topics including study skills, career and college readiness, financial literacy, and postsecondary education options.
• Work with GEAR UP staff to plan and implement field trips, workshops, and events.
• Supervise students during GEAR UP field trips, workshops, and events, ensuring student safety.
• Support and mentor high school students on the college admission process and applications.
• Assist in the evaluation of GEAR UP operations during the academic year.
• Maintain accurate records on student participation and interactions in the student database system.
• Collaborate with GEAR UP staff and school personnel to foster effective team building and cooperatively fulfill shared duties and responsibilities.

 

Qualifications:

Must pass a background check to work in the school system.

 

Additional Posting Information:

Must have access to a vehicle and be willing to drive to Staunton 2-3 days per week.
Position involves working after school two or three days a week, between 3-6 PM.
Some occasional later evenings and weekends are possible.

 

Conditions of Employment:  

Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

 

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national ori