Talent Search Director

Southeastern Oklahoma State University•Durant, OK

9h•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Talent Search Director is responsible for increasing the retention and successful completion of secondary school and the enrollment in postsecondary educational programs by disadvantaged target youth populations. This is achieved through motivation, and the provision of designated education, financial aid, career, and other services. The role involves implementing program goals, managing staff, planning and publicizing the program, supervising and evaluating activities, managing the budget, maintaining public relations, developing business contacts, organizing a sequential plan of services from 6th to 12th grade, coordinating campus trips and field activities, maintaining participant files, and submitting an Annual Performance Report. The position also requires adherence to U.S. Department of Education Guidelines and general professional responsibilities such as attendance, communication, teamwork, and safety.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Education and Guidance, Counseling and Guidance, Public Relations/Communications; or related field.
Five or more years of experience in education or TRIO programs.
Prior experience in administration of educational service programs.
Demonstrate administrative and budgetary skill.
Must demonstrate a desire and the ability to relate to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, parents, school administrators and personnel, service agency personnel and postsecondary personnel in a positive manner.
Must demonstrate strong written and oral communications skills; computer literacy.
Display initiative and ability to assume responsibility and perform duties with minimal supervision.
Professional ethics related to position.
Must have dependable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and a willingness to work flexible hours with some weekend and evening work.
Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Educational/social background similar to that of students served
Previous experience in TRIO or other programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds

Responsibilities

Selection and training of a qualified staff
Implementation of Talent Search program goals and activities with host institution’s administration and staff
Planning and participating in publicizing the Talent Search program philosophies, goals and services
Supervise, monitor and evaluate all project activities
Authorization and accountability of all Talent Search program budgetary expenditures
Maintaining positive public relations with participants, Talent Search staff, target area secondary school and agency personnel and host institution personnel
Develop and maintain working relationships with area business and industry contacts
Organize/implement a sequential plan of services, beginning with 6th grade and progressing to 12th grade
Organize, implement and coordinate campus trips, visits to business and industry, and other field activities concerning curriculum needs
Coordinate activities between participating junior high schools, secondary schools, counselors, host institution and satellite centers
Maintain confidential files on all participants to include documentation of all services provided
Compile and submit Annual Performance Report (APR)
Perform all other duties and responsibilities related to position within the parameters of the U.S. Department of Education Guidelines

Benefits

University paid health insurance
University paid vision insurance
University paid life insurance
University paid long term disability insurance
Retirement contributions to Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System
Tuition waiver for employees
Tuition waiver for spouse/dependents
25 paid holidays per fiscal year
Generous leave package including annual/vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and birthday leave
403(b)
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account
Dental insurance
Short term disability insurance
Dependent life insurance
Variety of ancillary benefits