TRIO Talent Search Academic Advisor (Multiple Open Positions)

StartupNWA; Fayetteville (AR); On-site; USD 43,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The TRIO Talent Search Academic Advisor at the University of Arkansas serves as a college/career coach, supporting high school students to plan for college and careers. You will recruit participants, advise on academics and scholarships, and deliver college preparatory activities in approved target schools.

You will also travel to nearby schools, present engaging programs, and maintain accurate participant records for annual reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, family studies, behavioral science, public administration, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least two years of related work experience with middle/high school youth or first‑generation/low‑income students
• Experience in educational, career, and personal curriculum development

Responsibilities

• Recruit participants for the program
• Advise on academic issues including curriculum and graduation
• Develop and present college preparatory curriculum for target schools
• Plan campus visits, camps, and other college preparatory activities
• Maintain program records and report student progress as required

Skills

Counseling strategies

Academic requirements

Program development

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Documentation & reporting

Microsoft Office

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in education/counseling/social work

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Databases

Design software

Job description

Closing Date

10/27/2026

Type of Position

Student Support Services

Workstudy Position

No

Job Type

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)

Work Shift

Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available

No

Institution Name

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Department

Educational Talent Search

Summary of Job Duties

The TRIO Talent Search Academic Advisor is one that generates, inspires, and sustains motivation in students who want to dream big and achieve their college and career goals. Serving as both coach and cheerleader, this role engages youth with energy, authenticity, and relatable guidance—whether in one-on-one advising or dynamic, interactive presentations that spark excitement for the future.

The Academic Advisor serves as a college/career preparatory coach and is designed to help students reach their educational and career goals. The primary responsibilities include recruitment of new participants; advisement on academic issues including the completion of a rigorous high school curriculum; high school graduation and college entry/graduation; scholarship and financial aid; application information; and post-secondary selection/application. The position requires the development and presentation delivery of college preparatory curriculum for participants in approved target schools which are engaging and age/grade appropriate, the development and implementation of program activities promoting college entry such as campus visits to area colleges and universities, summer camps, educational/career trips, and other college preparatory and campus initiatives. As required by the U.S. Department of Education, record keeping duties for this position include the entry and maintenance of hard copy and database files for all program participants, documentation of services provided, and tracking/reporting student progress for annual performance reporting. This position will regularly travel by car to nearby middle, junior high, and high schools and occasionally will be required to travel by air, bus or car for work-related student events or conferences.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others. A valid driver’s license in addition to reliable transportation is required for travel to schools.

The TRIO Talent Search program is a federally funded grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The Talent Search grants are currently starting the 5th year of a 5-year grant cycle (9/1/25-8/31/26) and are in the process of writing for another 5 years of continued funding.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, family studies, behavioral science, public administration, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least two years of related work experience (middle and high school youth, first‑generation and/or low‑income students, etc.)
• Experience in educational, career, and personal curriculum development

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in education, counseling, social work, family studies, behavioral science, public administration, or another related field from an accredited institution of higher education
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of personal, academic, and career counseling strategies and practices
• Knowledge of academic requirements related to high school graduation, post-secondary enrollment, and post-secondary completion
• Proficient skill and knowledge in program development and/or implementation of college access and support services for high school students
• Proficient skill developing, organizing, presenting and implementing services related to college readiness in individual, small group, and large group settings
• Proficient skill communicating effectively with high school students, target school personnel, parents, and campus and community partners
• Proficient skill documenting, assessing, and evaluating program-related information and outcomes
• Skill in monitoring/assessing the performance of self, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action
• Proficient skill using Microsoft Office Suite, databases, design software, and other related technology
• Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance
• Ability to learn, evaluate, and synthesize detailed information related to secondary and post-secondary education completion
• Ability to serve as a positive role model for program participants
• A valid driver’s license in addition to reliable transportation is required for regular travel to target schools

Additional Information:

Salary Information: $43,923 (Commensurate with education and experience)

Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Optional Documents: Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information: Nathan Brown, Executive Director of Talent Search Programs, [e-mail]

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry, Substance Abuse Testing

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity

Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding

Frequent Physical Activity

Balancing, Driving, Feeling, Grasping, Hearing, Kneeling, Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking

Occasional Physical Activity

N/A

Benefits Eligible

Yes