Assistant Director for Educational Access Talent Search Program

Creighton University•Omaha, NE

About The Position

The Assistant Director for Educational Access provides leadership for Talent Search services supporting out-of-school youth and young adults ages 18 to 27 in achieving educational and career goals. The position develops and coordinates educational access services promoting GED completion, postsecondary enrollment, workforce training, career readiness, and long-term economic mobility. It collaborates with community organizations, employers, adult education providers, workforce agencies, and colleges to expand opportunities for eligible low-income and first-generation participants while ensuring compliance with federal TRIO Talent Search regulations. The role recruits participants and provides individualized educational planning, career coaching, career readiness services, and ongoing case management. It builds partnerships and connects participants with educational, training, and employment opportunities, including GED and adult education, college, internships, apprenticeships, certifications, and vocational training. The Assistant Director also assists with daily program administration, grant objectives, data collection, compliance, workshops, college visits, summer programming, and special projects, and contributes to Student Success initiatives as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, student affairs, social work, or a related field.
At least three years of experience working with college access, TRIO, GEAR UP, Upward Bound, educational outreach, or similar programs.
Experience working with low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented student populations.
Demonstrated knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships, and career planning.
Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, databases, and student information systems.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly to target schools and program events.
Knowledge of educational equity, college access, and student development principles.
Strong leadership, problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
Ability to analyze program data and prepare comprehensive reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, families, educators, employers, and community partners.
Commitment to serving diverse populations and expanding educational and career opportunities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience with program coordination, data management, and federal grant compliance.

Responsibilities

Recruit eligible low-income and first-generation young adults into the Talent Search program and provide individualized educational planning, career coaching, and career readiness services.
Help participants identify career pathways aligned with their interests, skills, and labor market opportunities while supporting their postsecondary education and employment goals.
Develop and maintain partnerships with adult education providers, workforce development agencies, community colleges, universities, employers, nonprofit organizations, and social service agencies.
Connect participants with internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, workforce certification programs, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
Assist participants with GED enrollment and completion, adult basic education, English language learning referrals, workforce certifications, apprenticeships, and vocational training opportunities.
Develop and implement program goals, objectives, and activities addressing adult learners’ educational needs.
Guide participants through college admissions, financial aid, FAFSA completion, scholarship applications, and postsecondary enrollment.
Provide case management and ongoing follow-up to support participant persistence and achievement.
Maintain confidential participant records and document services in accordance with federal regulations and institutional requirements.
Assist the Director with daily administration and operation of the Talent Search program, including grant objectives, data collection, federal compliance, institutional policies, grant requirements, workshops, college visits, summer programming, and special projects.
Contribute to Student Success divisional initiatives supporting Creighton students’ persistence, retention, and overall success as needed.