Talent Search Advisor
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https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/90534
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Alleghany, Virginia, United States
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TRIO - Talent Search 2025-26
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Mountain Gateway Community College
Title: Talent Search Advisor
Agency: Mountain Gateway Community College
Location: Alleghany - 005
FLSA: Nonexempt
Hiring Range: $21.25 an hour
Full Time or Part Time: Part Time
Additional Detail
Job Description:

Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is a two-year public institution of higher education and one of 23 community colleges in Virginia. The college is supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia; the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt (northern portion) and Rockbridge; the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington; and the town of Clifton Forge. MGCC provides opportunities for the extension of knowledge, skills and personal enrichment in an environment that maintains high academic standards and respect for each individual. The college strives to keep programs and services financially and geographically accessible for all students. Credit and non-credit courses are offered to meet life-long learning needs. On-site and distance learning options incorporate up-to-date technologies.
We are seeking a dedicated Talent Search Advisor to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for building strong relationships with students, school staff, and community partners to support students’ academic and career development. This role involves traveling to target schools, conducting workshops, facilitating college and financial aid processes, and maintaining detailed records.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Travel to target schools and establish effective working relationships with students, school counselors, administrators, teachers, and staff in target schools; recruit and regularly communicate effectively in person, in writing, and using technology with all clients; plan and conduct regular group meetings for all participants in grades 6-12; conduct workshops in study skills improvement, career exploration, financial literacy, college exploration and standardized testing; assist students with the entire college application process; etc.
- Schedule group information sessions and individual appointments to assist students and their parents in preparing all necessary financial aid applications and interpreting financial aid offers. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial regulations and procedures.
- Contact colleges to arrange group and individual college visitations, arrange and provide transportation, sign up students, conduct college tours as necessary.
- Obtain speakers, assist in hospitality arrangements, arrange for fair sites, arrange for transportation of students as necessary, and assist with tours and/or presentations.
- Enter new student demographic information in database. Maintain educational history, financial status and basis for selection/assessment forms for each participant, counseling logs, group counseling reports, tutoring logs, and field trip records. Keep all records up to date. Run reports as requested.
- Demonstrate a professional and cordial attitude in all actions and communications with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
- Participate in professional development opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Knowledge of academic advising and college, career, financial aid, economic literacy activities, and related services. ·
- Ability to effectively maintain a caseload of Participants and provide services on their Individual Academic and Service Plans and document services provided to assigned Participants.
- Ability to use technology and online platforms/services.
- Bachelor’s degree required
Additional Considerations:Master’s degree preferred in education, counseling, social work, higher education administration, or an appropriate field related to Project objectives. · Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience working for a TRIO federal program or similar related program/project serving low-income and potential first-generation college students (grades 6-12). · Professional or personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting Project Participants.