Talent Search Project Advisor

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Talent Search programs, the Project Advisor is responsible for assisting with the administration, implementation and continuation of the U.S. Department of Education-funded Talent Search / TRIO project. This project is dedicated to preparing high school students in the greater Southwest VA region to pursue post-secondary education. Talent Search serves students who meet income-eligibility guidelines, are potential first-generation college students, and/or demonstrate a need for assistance in the college enrollment process. The project serves 680 middle and high students in 11 school districts, and also serves veterans and adult students who have stopped out of college. This position will be based on campus in Blacksburg.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Responsible for recruitment, retention and participation of program participants in accordance to federal regulations and departmental guidelines.
Assists with the planning and coordination, implementation, chaperoning, and evaluation of academic, social, and cultural programs for students and families.
Assists the TRIO Programs Director and Assistant Director with the compilation of materials for the Annual Performance Report for the U.S. Department of Education, Virginia Tech Outreach and International Affairs reports and coordinates tracking of former participants.
Maintains a caseload of participants, provides virtual and/or in-person services, group workshops and support to help students overcome barriers to post-secondary education.
May need to transport students to program events such as on campus monthly tutorials, field trips and college visits.
Help participants select and identify post-secondary options, and complete tasks necessary for postsecondary enrollment, including financial aid forms and admissions applications.
Maintain confidential and complete records of student services, daily sessions, and annual summaries.
Submit travel reports and financial documentation in a timely manner.
Refer participants internally and externally to additional support services, as necessary.
Plan, coordinate, and supervise summer program activities.
Develop psychoeducational strategies and interventions and interactive activities for students.
Attend monthly tutorials during the academic year to chaperon, assist, and/or counsel participants.
Attend workshops and other staff training opportunities.

The minimum requirement for this position is a master's degree in education, social work, or related area
Excellent communication skills
Experience working with diverse groups of students
Experience working for educational programs that address the needs of income-eligible, potential first-generation college, and/or demonstrate other needs for assistance

Experience working with TRiO programs
Former participant in a TRiO program

N/A

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

$52,000-$57,000, commensurate with experience

40+

10/13/2025

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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