Associate Director - TRiO Talent Search

Abilene Christian University • Abilene, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Abilene Christian University’s Talent Search/TRIO programs are grant-funded by the US Department of Education and designed to provide essential pre-college support to income-eligible participants from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. Abilene Christian University Talent Search serves seven target schools in the Abilene Independent School District to ensure students successfully pursue and complete higher education. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Must be able to supervise and coordinate activities for high school students.
• 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.
• True desire to support disadvantaged high school youth in academic achievement and college access.
• 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
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to file and retrieve materials from filing sources.
• Ability to travel to professional development conferences.
• Ability to sit and work on a computer for an extended period.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.
• Willingness to assist in the development and revision of program curricula.

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.
• 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.

Benefits

• ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.
• ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.
• As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level