Talent Search Success Coach

Western Piedmont Community College•Western Piedmont Community College Main Campus, NC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) is seeking a motivated, student-centered professional to serve as a Talent Search Success Coach for the federally funded TRIO Talent Search program. TRIO Talent Search is a college access and success program that has served students through WPCC for more than 30 years. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to more than 800 eligible and potential first-generation students in grades 6–12 each year. The program's goals are to help students persist in school, graduate from high school, enroll in postsecondary education, and successfully complete a college degree. Under the direction of the Director of Educational Talent Search and the Dean of Student Services, the Talent Search Success Coach provides program services and activities for approximately 400 participants in assigned schools. The Success Coach works directly with students, families, school personnel, WPCC employees, and community partners to help students recognize their potential, prepare for postsecondary education, and access the academic, career, financial, and personal resources necessary to achieve their educational goals. This position is 100% funded through a U.S. Department of Education grant in conjunction with Western Piedmont Community College and is contingent upon continued federal funding. The current Talent Search grant cycle began September 1, 2026.

Requirements

Required Education, background, and/or training equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, school personnel, families, and external partners to promote student success.
Ability to relate effectively to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential information.
Ability to maintain accurate records and use computer systems and programs required for program operations.
Ability to work flexible hours during designated programming activities, including occasional evenings, weekends, extended-day activities, and overnight travel.
Ability to travel extensively within the College's service area and to program-sponsored activities.
Valid North Carolina driver's license.
Ability to meet College requirements for operating College vehicles, including 12- and 15-passenger vans, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a higher education setting, particularly in student services, advising, college access, or a related student-support role.
Experience working with middle school or high school students.
Experience supporting college access, career exploration, academic advising, student success, or postsecondary transition initiatives.
Experience working collaboratively with schools, families, and community partners.
Familiarity with TRIO, college-access programs, first-generation student initiatives, or similar federally funded student-support programs.

Responsibilities

Identify and assist students who have the potential to succeed in higher education.
Assess referred students and determine eligibility for participation in the TRIO Talent Search program.
Collect and maintain appropriate academic and personal information for program participants.
Provide required Talent Search services to participants regularly within assigned schools.
Build supportive relationships with students and help them remain engaged in their educational and postsecondary goals.
Maintain accurate participant records and documentation of services provided.
Assist with planning, coordinating, and conducting activities designed to achieve Talent Search program objectives.
Support program evaluation and required recordkeeping and reporting activities.
Encourage Talent Search participants who withdraw from public schools to reenter an appropriate secondary education program.
Communicate with parents, teachers, counselors, and other school personnel on behalf of participants as appropriate.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships between WPCC, Burke County Public Schools, and community agencies.
Conduct annual Burke Collegiate Scholar presentations at elementary feeder schools.
Assist with cultural, career, college, and educational exploration activities for Talent Search participants.
Supervise and support groups of students participating in program-sponsored activities, educational opportunities, and trips.
Operate College computer systems and maintain electronic program records and files.
Travel regularly to assigned schools, community locations, and program activities.
Operate a College-owned 12- or 15-passenger van when transporting Talent Search participants to approved program activities, events, and educational opportunities.
Participate in activities that may occur outside the normal workday, including occasional evenings, weekends, extended-day programming, and overnight travel.
Participate in professional development and other activities supporting the Talent Search program and College.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Educational Talent Search.