Academic Advisor Talent Search

SE; Durant (OK); On-site; USD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeastern Oklahoma State University invites applications for the position of Academic Advisor for Talent Search (a TRIO Program). The role focuses on increasing retention and successful completion by disadvantaged youth through counseling, information on admissions and financial aid, and career planning.

The ideal candidate will guide participants through admissions processes, coordinate tutoring as needed, and maintain confidential records, while engaging with local schools and community

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Communications, or related field.
• Desire to relate to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and work with stakeholders.
• Strong written and oral communications, computer literacy, and ability to relate to diverse populations.
• Initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Professional ethics relevant to position.
• Must have dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license; flexible hours including some weekends/evenings.

Responsibilities

• Orient target area agencies and schools to project goals.
• Establish relationships with target area schools and post-secondary institutions.
• Identify and select eligible participants for project services.
• Disseminate post-secondary admission and financial aid information.
• Counsel participants on career options, educational goals, and planning.
• Assist with the admissions and financial aid application process when needed.
• Arrange tutoring as required.
• Maintain confidential participant files and prepare progress reports.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Diversity sensitivity

Initiative

Professional ethics

Transportation and driver's license

Flexibility in hours

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Communications, or related field

Master’s degree preferred in Counseling/Guidance or related field

Job description

Southeastern Oklahoma State University invites applications for the position of Academic Advisor. for Talent Search (a TRIO Program).

SUMMARY

To increase the retention and successful completion of secondary school and the enrollment in post-secondary educational programs by the disadvantaged target youth population through motivation, the provision of designated education, financial aid, career, and other services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Orient the target area agencies and schools of the project goals
• Establish a working relationship through personal contact and group meetings with target area secondary schools and post-secondary educational institutions in the target area.
• Identify and select eligible participants for the project services.
• Collect and disseminate post-secondary admission and financial aid information.
• Advocate for low-income, first generation student and provide appropriate career, educational information, and assistance with the application process for admissions and financial aid, identify admissions and financial aid problems for participants and assist them with resolution of these problemsand develop intervention strategies accordingly.
• Counsel eligible participants concerning career options, educational goals, and planning.
• Encourage completion of secondary school through motivational, career, and academic planning and activities.
• Assist eligible participants with the application process for post-secondary admission, re-admission, graduation equivalency and financial aid.
• Arrange tutorial assistance as needed.
• Maintain confidential files on all participants to include documentation of all services provided.
• Prepare progress reports on each participant and conduct follow-up research of previous participants.
• Must maintain positive public relations
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities related to position as assigned by Director and the Assistant Director within the parameters of the U.S. Department of Education Guidelines.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (FUNCTIONS, DUTIES)

• 1. Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended upon to report to the assigned duty station at the scheduled time. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious, about assignments.
• 2. Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the University.
• 3. Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the University. The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working environment.
• 4. Safety: Employee works safely, attends safety training offered/required, and follows appropriate safety rules and regulations. In relation to level of NIMs training completed, participates in incident management preparation, and performs incident duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Communications, or related field.
• Must demonstrate a desire and the ability to relate to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, parents, school administrators and personnel, service agency personnel and post-secondary personnel in a positive manner.
• Must demonstrate strong written and oral communications skills; computer literacy; and the ability to relate effectively with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Display initiative and ability to assume responsibility and perform duties with minimal supervision.
• Professional ethics related to position.
• Must have dependable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and a willingness to work flexible hours with some weekend and evening work.

PREFERRED:

• Master’s Degree or pursuant of Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance, Public Relations/Communications; or related field desired. Preference given for educational/social background similar to that of students served and previous experiences in TRIO or other programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Founded in 1909 as a teachers’ college, Southeast Oklahoma State University continues the strong tradition of producing outstanding educators for southeast Oklahoma and north Texas.Student enrollment is approximately 6,000 students and the campus is situated in rural Oklahoma.The main campus is located in Durant, Oklahoma, which is 90 miles north of Dallas, Texas, and 150 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. The community is close to Lake Texoma and the Choctaw Casino Resort. Southeast Oklahoma State University continues to be among the nation’s most affordable universities according to the U. S. News & World Report’s America’s Best colleges.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The preferred start date is October 15, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediatelyand continue until filled.

Southeastern offers a comprehensive benefits package including university paid health, vision, life insurance, long term disability, retirement contributions to Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System, as well as a tuition waiver for employees and spouse/dependents who wish to enroll at Southeast. Southeast offers 25 paid holidays per fiscal year and has a generous leave package including annual/vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and birthday leave. In addition to the SE paid benefits, there are many voluntary products available to employees such as 403(b), Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, dental, short term disability, dependent life insurance and a variety of ancillary benefits .

Employment is contingent upon the results of a national criminal and sex offender background check. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.SE participates in E-Verify.
SE is an AA/EEO employer committed to multicultural diversity.

Notice to applicants:

If selected, official transcripts from each degree-granting institution will be required upon date of hire.

It is Southeast Oklahoma State University’s policy that all newly hired employees must provide an original social security card during the hiring process. Failure to provide an original social security card will delay the hiring process and ability to begin employment.