Educational Talent Search - Assistant Director (Panama City Campus)

Florida State University; Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida State University Panama City is seeking an Assistant Director for the TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) program. The role focuses on recruiting, advising, and data management to support high school students’ college readiness and postsecondary enrollment.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree with four years of related experience and a Florida/Georgia driver’s license. Occasional travel to Bay County schools is expected; some evenings and weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years experience related to academic and/or student services or a combination of post high school education and experience equal to eight years in the same.
• A valid State of Florida or Georgia Driver’s License or the ability to obtain prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and participates in the recruitment of pre-collegiate students to enhance academic enrichment and improve access to postsecondary opportunities for targeted middle and high school students.
• Mentors and advises program participants regarding educational planning, career development, postsecondary pathways, and understanding federal financial aid.
• Assists in the overall coordination and implementation of program services and objectives; supervises Talent Search staff and supports daily operations.

Skills

Recruitment

Advising

Data management

Program coordination

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Driver’s License

Job description

Department

PCC Sponsored Programs

Florida State University is one of the nation’s top public universities, and FSU Panama City amplifies the university’s efforts to preserve, expand, and disseminate knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and human services professions. FSU Panama City is located 100 miles west of Tallahassee on the beautiful North St. Andrews Bay, and is only three miles from the beaches of the Emerald Coast. FSU PC currently houses 20 bachelor's programs, 9 master's programs, and 1 doctoral program, and boasts a small faculty-to-student ratio, which gives students a more personalized academic experience. Please visit https://pc.fsu.edu/promise for information about our FSU PC Promise to students and https://pc.fsu.edu/ for more information about our campus. FSU Panama City also recently opened a brand-new residential housing complex on campus, right on the water. This new apartment-style complex at FSU PC houses both undergraduate and graduate students. For more information about our on-campus housing, visit https://seminolelandingfsu.com/.

Responsibilities

• Student Recruitment, Services, Advising, and Data Management: Oversees and participates in the recruitment of pre-collegiate students to enhance academic enrichment and improve access to postsecondary opportunities for targeted middle and high school students. This includes organizing, implementing, and monitoring individual and group activities and services. Mentors and advises program participants regarding educational planning, career development, postsecondary pathways, and understanding federal financial aid. Additionally, monitors and maintains the electronic student database (BLUMEN) to ensure data integrity, accurate documentation of participant services, and timely updates. The Assistant Director will also assist in the progress monitoring of objectives directly tied to high school seniors.
• Participant Assessment, Progress Monitoring, and School Collaboration: Assesses the academic and personal needs of Talent Search participants to support achievement of Educational Talent Search (ETS) program objectives. Maintains and reviews student data in preparation for the Annual Performance Report (APR) through transcript evaluations, student interviews, academic progress monitoring, and regular participant check-ins. Collaborates with key personnel at target schools to develop and implement service plans responsive to participant needs while monitoring progress toward high school graduation and college readiness. This includes reviewing completion of college preparatory coursework and monitoring the submission of college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship applications.
• Responsible for Program Leadership, Staff Support, and Program Coordination: assists the TRIO ETS Director in the overall coordination and implementation of program services and objectives. Supervises and supports TRIO Talent Search staff in daily operations, program planning, service delivery, professional development, federal TRIO training, and team meetings. The Assistant Director serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and helps ensure consistent, high-quality programming across all service areas. Assists in developing and maintaining partnerships throughout the University in order to obtain Talent Search goals. Assists with grant-related administrative responsibilities, such as monitoring program activities and deliverables, supporting compliance, reviewing program data, assisting with federal reporting, and ensuring services are implemented in accordance with grant objectives. Responsibilities also include coordinating educational enrichment activities and program events, assisting with supervising and transporting program participants during approved activities, and performing other duties necessary to support program goals and objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years experience related to academic and/or student services or a combination of post high school education and experience equal to eight years in the same.
• A valid State of Florida or Georgia Driver’s License or the ability to obtain prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with high school students.
• Prior experience supervising a team.

Helpful

The Assistant Director supports the implementation and delivery of Florida State University Panama City’s TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) Program across eight designated target counties. The position requires regular travel to participating middle and high schools throughout Bay County and the surrounding areas to provide academic guidance, college and career-readiness services, and post-secondary planning support. The Assistant Director collaborates with students, families, school personnel, community partners, and program staff to promote academic success, high school graduation, and postsecondary enrollment among TRIO‑eligible students. Responsibilities include monitoring participant progress, tracking high school seniors, and documenting postsecondary enrollment outcomes to support program objectives and federal reporting requirements. This position requires flexibility including attending monthly staff meetings, quarterly professional‑development at FSU PC and FSU, work occasional evenings, weekends, as well as overnight, and out of area travel, to support program activities including, college visits, educational enrichment activities, professional development, student workshops, and other approved program events.

Contact Info

Melinda Jones

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Anticipated Salary Range

Starting at $51,500, commensurate with education and experience.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check, including a fingerprint‑based screening via AHCA’s Clearinghouse pursuant to Section 1012, Florida Statutes, for positions in a FSU Developmental Research School or Section 409.175, Florida Statutes, for positions in a Childcare or Summer Camp position. Visit the AHCA Clearinghouse Screenings webpage for more information.

This position requires occasional travel to Tallahassee, FL.

This position will begin in late Fall 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.