Project Advisor/Talent Search

Central Michigan University • Mount Pleasant, MI

384d

About The Position

The Project Advisor/Talent Search position is a federally-funded role located in Detroit, Michigan, aimed at providing academic, career, and financial counseling to 500 students across five partner Detroit Public middle and high schools. The role focuses on encouraging students to graduate from high school and pursue postsecondary education, requiring independence and collaboration with various stakeholders including project directors, school administrators, and community partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work, education, counseling, sociology, psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience with recruitment, facilitation, and program planning.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and mobile office environment.
• Experience and comfortability in working with diverse students, parents, and community members in a high and/or middle school setting.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of underrepresented populations and ability to manage confidential information.
• Familiarity with university admissions, scholarship, and financial aid processes.
• Must be self-directed and a self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Strong communication skills, including written, oral, and interpersonal.
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends and to travel in/out-of-state and to campus as required.
• Must maintain a good driving record, valid Michigan's Driver License, and proof of current automobile insurance coverage.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in education, social work, counseling, or a related field.
• Two years of experience working with TRIO and/or high and middle school programs.
• Bilingual English/Spanish with ability to read and write.
• Experience working with low-income, first-generation youth.
• Working and demonstrated knowledge of case documentation.
• Strong familiarity and ability to use social media outlets and video technology.
• Experience with pre-college summer residential programs.

Responsibilities

• Orients target schools, personnel, community, parents, students, and stakeholders about the Talent Search Project.
• Develops a working relationship with school administrators, counselors, teachers, parents, community agencies, and CMU personnel.
• Develops and executes strategies to identify, recruit, select, and retain eligible students within target schools.
• Manages curriculum development and facilitates program workshops related to college, career planning, and financial planning during the academic school year and summer.
• Responsible for managing a case load of program participants, assessing their needs, and monitoring academic progress while referring to supportive services as needed.
• Assists high school seniors with follow-up regarding post-secondary matriculation, including FAFSA completion, scholarship essays, college applications, and transition to college.
• Assists with middle school programming, workshops, field trips, and summer activities as necessary.
• Works with students to establish short- and long-term educational goals and steps to achieve them.
• Advises students on course selection, dual enrollment, college applications, and college entrance exams.
• Assists with the coordination and implementation of college tours, educational/cultural/social field trips, and events that promote educational opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: High school or GED