Talent Search Advisor

South Dakota Board of Regents; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A state education authority in South Dakota is seeking an advisor for the TRIO Talent Search program. The advisor will work onsite at target schools and assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds in achieving their educational goals. Responsibilities include building relationships with schools, planning activities for student success, and providing academic assistance. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and good communication skills are required. This position offers a dynamic work environment with irregular hours during the school year.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Knowledge of Native American and disadvantaged student populations.
• Ability to apply education models and good teaching practices.
• Good communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license to attend meetings and development.
• Good computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in identifying, preparing for, and attaining educational goals.
• Maintain relationships with schools and communities through visits.
• Plan activities to help students succeed in school.
• Plan activities to help students graduate high school and enroll in postsecondary education.
• Provide academic assistance and arrange tutoring as needed.
• Disseminate information about postsecondary institutions, financial aid, admissions, and housing.

Skills

Good communication skills

Good computer skills

Computer skills

Relate to students and adults

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, counseling, or related field

Job description

Overview

TRIO Talent Search at the University of South Dakota has an opening for a full time 10-month position of advisor at the Todd County and White River Schools in Mission and White River, SD. The advisor is located onsite at the schools and the position is off contract mid-June through mid-August. The advisor assists Talent Search participants in identifying, preparing for, and attaining their educational goals. Talent Search participants will finish high school in four years, graduate, and enroll in postsecondary education the following fall.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a cooperative relationship with the target schools (Todd County and White River) and the communities of Mission and White River, SD through visits with students and collaboration with the schools, staff, and parents.
• Work in the community schools 3-4 days per week.
• Meet with Talent Search participants weekly in class and/or small group meetings and/or individual visits.
• Plan and carry out activities designed to help students succeed in school, graduate from high school, and enroll in postsecondary education.
• Provide academic assistance including study skills and goal setting activities; encourage, conduct, or arrange tutoring as needed.
• Collect and disseminate information regarding postsecondary institutions, student financial aid, admissions, housing, and academic assistance programs.
• Arrange campus visits to colleges for TRIO Talent Search participants.
• Be available to meet with students’ parents through letters, personal visits, parent–teacher conferences, or other activities.
• Maintain a record keeping system including student files to document student assistance and counselor activity.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, counseling, business administration, or related field is required.
• Experience: Previous work with students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Knowledge and abilities: Knowledge of Native American and disadvantaged student populations, secondary and postsecondary education requirements, and ability to relate to middle school, secondary, postsecondary students, and adults.
• Good communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license (to attend staff meetings and professional development).
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to apply education models and good teaching practices in the classroom.

Posting Information

Posting Date: 11/01/2025

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

First Consideration Date: 11/21/2025

Advertised Salary: commensurate with qualifications

Duration of the Term: 10 months

If Other, describe duration: Off contract Mid June through Mid August

Appointment Percent: 100

Work Hours: Irregular work hours in Mission and White River, SD.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week:

Appointment Type: Regular

Faculty Status: No

Scope of Search: External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search:

This position requires: Travel, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate:

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference List

Optional Documents

• Other

Equal Opportunity Notice

The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take Affirmative Action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting the appropriate Human Resources office. Please see the Contact Us section of this webpage for more information.

Notice to all applicants: If you are selected as a finalist, job references and a background check may be conducted.

South Dakota Board of Regents
306 E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3455