TRIO Talent Search Associate Director

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

The Talent Search Associate Director is employed by Abilene Christian University through a federal TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The Associate Director works with Abilene ISD low-income, first‑generation, and/or academically at‑risk students in the 9th – 12th grades. This position is responsible for providing direct academic support services to program participants, monitoring participants' academic development, and teaching students learning strategies. This position will report to the Talent Search Program Director.

Responsibilities

• Managing key partnerships within 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. Prepares annual senior confirmation reports containing postsecondary data upon student graduation. Tracks postsecondary enrollment continuation of graduating seniors continuously for the 6‑year tracking period as required by TS federal grant guidelines. Provides the Director with the necessary statistical information needed for grant writing and assists in reviewing grant objectives throughout the grant cycle.
• The Assistant Director will be assigned at least 2 target schools and will travel to them to meet regularly (individually and in groups) with students to provide academic advisement and information on successful school completion, postsecondary education, financial aid, careers, and curriculum planning designed for each grade level.
• Monitoring regional grant objectives and aligning regional program activities to improve performance.
• Serve on committees and 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.
• The Assistant Director will implement and monitor all grant‑regulated Priorities each grant cycle. This may include deciding and creating new activities and events (such as volunteer events for Humane Society, food drives, etc.) to meet the requirements of the Priorities set for each grant proposal.
• Review, adapt, and present TS college access curriculum to participants/school administration at assigned schools in an effort to assist students with career exploration, goal setting, planning, and follow‑through, and postsecondary preparation.

Basic Responsibilities

• Monitor participants' academic progress, including GPA and test scores.
• Identify the academic needs of program participants based on high school grades and develop IDP (Individual Development Plan) for new students within 60 days of entering the program and update as needed.
• Work with Abilene ISD at‑risk counselors, office staff, and administrators to acquire six‑week grade reports, transcripts, and standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, PSAT, PLAN, and TAK) for all program participants to maintain accurate, up‑to‑date participant records.
• Conduct advising sessions with participants and parents each semester to discuss progress toward academic and personal goals.
• Document all student contacts and monitor progress toward grant objectives to ensure compliance with program policies and federal regulations.
• Recruit eligible students for the program.
• Coordinate recruiting efforts at Abilene ISD target school campuses in accordance with grant guidelines.
• Assist with developing various media to enhance recruiting and retention outcomes.
• Participate in the recruitment, application, interviewing, and selection process for new participants each program year.
• Monitor the receipt and collection of new applications
• Schedule interviews and meeting spaces for applicants and parents.
• Aid in planning and scheduling program activities during the academic year and summer component.
• Secure classrooms and transportation at ACU and Abilene ISD during the academic year and summer component for program use.
• Create and maintain current academic year and summer component calendars.
• Collaborate with the Program Director and staff regarding specific program curriculum, calendar formats, session dates, and times for the academic year and summer component.
• Assist with the management of participants during program activities as well as summer advisors.
• Assist in monitoring the compliance of the Talent Search program with federal requirements.
• Assist in managing the student support budget, ensuring all students' academic needs are met and in compliance with federal requirements.
• Assist the Director in monitoring compliance by overseeing the program database's entry, updating, and correctness according to Federal guidelines.
• Update the database as necessary to ensure the accuracy of the Annual Performance Report.
• Assist the director with the preparation of the Annual Performance Report.
• In consultation with the Director, interpret and implement U.S. Department of Education regulations applicable to the program and ensure internal accountability.

Professional Development Requirements

Skills

• Familiarity with Texas high school requirements for course credits and graduation.
• Ability to work with low‑income, first‑generation, and ethnically diverse student populations with sensitivity.
• Excellent organization and communication skills.
• Working knowledge of college admissions and financial aid processes.
• Familiarity with “at risk” disadvantaged students, developmental studies, computer‑assisted instruction, learning style modalities, and utilization of interactive tutoring approaches.
• Microsoft Office Software
• Google Suite
• Apple Software
• U.S. Department of Education regulations
• Lacai Database training

Qualifications:

Professional

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. Prefer a degree with an emphasis in education, counseling, psychology, or related field.
• Experience in teaching, college recruiting,advising, and/or employee supervision is desired.
• Experience working with students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
• Must be able to supervise and coordinate activities for high school students.
• Experience in writing articles for newsletters and desktop publishing is desired.
• Ability to make professional presentations to students, parents, and the community.
• Proficiency in Spanish communication is preferred.

Personal

• Clarity of thought and expression in oral and written communications.
• Must demonstrate collaborative, reliable, and responsible work habits.
• Must be energetic, positive, sensitive, and encouraging when working with staff, program participants, and parents.
• Ability to work in a team setting and independently of supervision.
• Willingness to assist in the development and revision of program curricula.
• True desire to support disadvantaged high school youth in academic achievement and college access.