Talent Search Associate Director — Champion College Access

Abilene Christian University; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 58,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Abilene Christian University is seeking a Talent Search Associate Director to oversee TRIO Talent Search services for 9th–12th graders, managing partnerships, student selection, and academic support. The role emphasizes mentoring, grant compliance, and collaboration with Abilene ISD, postsecondary partners, and the program Director to help first‑generation, low‑income students prepare for college.

Responsibilities include coordinating recruitment, data entry, and program activities across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in education, counseling, psychology, or related field.
• Experience in teaching, college recruiting, advising, and/or supervision is desired.
• Experience working with students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate activities for high school students.
• Experience in writing newsletters and desktop publishing is desired.
• Ability to present to students, parents, and community.
• Spanish communication proficiency is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage partnerships with Abilene Christian University Talent Search target schools, local service agencies, local partners, and area postsecondary institutions.
• Coordinate the student selection process; assist enrolled students in completing high school and enrolling in a postsecondary education program; supervise, evaluate, and document the overall needs assessments for all students enrolled in Talent Search; document student eligibility as required by Federal Guidelines and enter them into the program.
• Mentor high school seniors by helping them complete postsecondary and financial aid applications and will follow up with those graduates during the summer after graduation to assist with postsecondary progress and enrollment.
• The Assistant Director will be assigned at least 2 target schools and will travel to them to meet regularly with students to provide academic advisement and information on successful school completion, postsecondary education, financial aid, careers, and curriculum planning for each grade level.
• Monitoring regional grant objectives and aligning regional program activities to improve performance.
• Collaborate with education institutions and professional organizations for development and to share best practices; serve on College committees and perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Implement and monitor all grant-regulated Priorities each grant cycle; create activities to meet priorities for each grant proposal.
• Review, adapt, and present TS college access curriculum to participants/school administration to assist with career exploration and postsecondary preparation.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Advising

Public speaking

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Spanish (preferred)

Budget management

Grant compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Apple Software

Lacai Database training

Job description

Abilene Christian University is seeking a Talent Search Associate Director to oversee TRIO Talent Search services for 9th–12th graders, managing partnerships, student selection, and academic support. The role emphasizes mentoring, grant compliance, and collaboration with Abilene ISD, postsecondary partners, and the program Director to help first‑generation, low‑income students prepare for college.

Responsibilities include coordinating recruitment, data entry, and program activities across