TRIO Educational Talent Search Advisor

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid leave & holidays

Well-being program

Tuition waiver

Job summary

James Madison University (JMU) seeks a TRIO Talent Search Advisor to identify eligible students and provide academic, career, and financial aid counseling. The role involves coordinating activities for middle and high school students and partnering with local schools to support postsecondary education goals.

The advisor schedules workshops, tours, and college applications, assisting students and families with admissions and aid processes while contributing to continuous program improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social science, or related field.
• Familiarity with online resources for college admissions, FAFSA, scholarship applications, and career planning.
• Knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of economically and educationally disadvantaged youth, and an ability to establish rapport with low-income, first-generation college students and their parents.

Responsibilities

• Identify and recruit eligible students.
• Plan, organize and execute activities, programs, and direct student services for middle and high school students, in partnership with school divisions.
• Execute activities, programs, and provide direct student services for middle/high school students, including those who did not apply to postsecondary institutions.
• Coordinate transition to postsecondary enrollment with Admissions and Financial Aid offices.
• Provide college application and financial aid assistance to participants.
• Assist program director with development of promotional materials and training manuals.
• Maintain accurate program records and participate in staff meetings and target school meetings.
• Assist TRIO Director with hiring and onboarding of student staff.
• Attend professional development workshops and conferences.

Skills

Online resources for collegeAdmissions

FAFSA knowledge

Career planning knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Working Title: TRIO Educational Talent Search Advisor

State Role Title:Education Support Specialist III

Position Type:Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Access and Enrollment

Department: 520123 - Talent Search Year 4

Pay Band:4

Pay Rate:Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $45,739

Is this a JMU only position?No

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?No

Beginning Review Date:09/08/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.
Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

TRIO Talent Search Advisors partner with campus and community colleagues to identify and assist first generation income eligible students in 6th through 12th grade who attend local middle schools and high schools and want to continue with their post-secondary education. The program provides academic, career and financial aid counseling to participants. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
The Advisor works directly works with the students, assisting them with academic class scheduling, implementing workshops, developing and implementing educational field trips and college tours, providing college application and financial aid assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and recruit eligible students.
• Plan, organize and execute activities, programs, and provides direct student services designed for middle school and high school students, in partnership with school divisions, such as test preparation, goal setting and related skills.
• Execute activities, programs, and provide direct student services designed for middle school, high school students and students who have dropped out of school or who not applied to post-secondary institutions in partnership with school divisions, such as test preparation, goal setting and related skills.
• Execute activities, programs, and services designed for transition to postsecondary enrollment, in partnership with the Office of Admissions, Financial Aid and other university departments.
• Execute activities, programs, and services designed for college degree attainment in partnership with faculty, administrators, and university advisors.
• Provide case management, academic support, curriculum development and advising services for students related to admissions and financial aid.
• Assist project director with the development of promotional materials, educational materials, training manuals, newsletters, and/or brochures, as appropriate to the program.
• Assists project director with efficient and effective data collection and management to inform continuous program improvement. Maintain accurate program/project records.
• Participate in staff meetings, unit meetings, and target school meetings.
• Assist TRIO Director with hiring and onboarding of student staff.
• Attend professional development workshops and conferences.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social science, or related field.
• Familiarity with online resources for college admissions, FAFSA, scholarship applications, and career planning.
• Knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of economically and educationally disadvantaged youth, and an ability to establish rapport with low-income, first-generation college students and their parents.

Additional Posting Information:

• Position involves frequent travel within Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
• Must pass criminal background check to work in schools.

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
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 origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.