TRIO Mentor

Position Overview

Talent Search is a TRIO college access program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Through early intervention, this program is designed to encourage participants to remain in school, graduate from high school, and to pursue post-secondary education. Talent Search works with 932 middle and high school students in Kansas City, KS (more specifically Kansas City Kansas Public School District). Program participants are generally from low-income families and are first-generation college going students.

Only apply if you are committed to the ideals of TRIO, have high integrity, considered to be responsible and timely, can follow directions, have a willingness to learn, and can effectively connect with young students to increase their motivation, knowledge and excitement to remain in school, enroll in an institution of higher education, and obtain a post-secondary degree. The ideal candidate will present a professional demeanor and handle situations with tact and diplomacy; have excellent verbal and written communication and customer service skills, accept feedback and implement change as needed. The ability to work independently, prioritize, execute multiple and continuing assignments and attention to detail are important. Overall, we are seeking high-energy, creative, team worker with great organizational skills and the ability to follow through with assignments and who can work in an office setting as well as with students.

This is a hybrid position with opportunities for virtual student activities, however, the majority of work will be in-person in Kansas City, KS.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California and Delaware. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

Job Description

Student Services (65%)

• Provide effective academic, career, and college guidance to middle and high school students on relevant college access and success topics
• Facilitate workshops, advising, and activities (out of school programming and/or during the school day, as needed) both in-person and virtually
• Assist with college visits, STEM activities, and special events for middle and high school participants and families
• Provide 1:1 and group advising to assist high school seniors with college admissions and scholarship applications, FAFSA and career planning.
• Maintain a working and trusting relationship with participants and their families while ensuring that they are receiving quality programming.
• Maintain current knowledge of financial aid and admissions processes including admission requirements and degree options for local colleges and universities
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by Director such as special projects, programming and activities to ensure the attainment of the program goals and objectives.
  
  
  

Student Record Management and Program Guidance (35%)

• Maintain confidentiality of participant information learned while completing job responsibilities
• Monitor student participation and ensure program goals and objectives are being met using formative and summative evaluations and processes
• Manage and maintain comprehensive and accurate records and documentation regarding participant contacts and progress and meet designated deadlines.
• Provide effective and open lines of communications with Director, program staff, secondary school personnel, and university and community partners to ensure a positive and professional work environment and effective service delivery
• Promote and publicize the program services and assist with program
  
  
  

Position Requirements

This is a hybrid temp position (e.g., for virtual student activities) however, the majority of work will be in-person in Kansas City, KS at the KU TRIO Talent Search Office, target schools and at local community partners’ sites.

A valid driver's license is required as this position requires daily travel by car to the target schools/area.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1 year of related experience
• Demonstrated excellent communications skills, as evidenced by application materials
• Previous experience with college and financial aid processes and other relevant college access resources, as evidenced in application materials
• Previous experience that required establishing excellent working relationships with a variety of audiences, including youth and families, as evidenced by application materials
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with TRIO or similar programs or TRIO alum status, as evidenced in application materials
• Previous experience which required excellent organizational skills and demonstrated attention to detail, as evidenced in application materials
• Previous experience working both independently with minimal supervision and in a team environment, as evidenced in application materials
• Previous experience with group facilitation/presentations and designing workshops, as evidenced in application materials
  
  
  

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete online application consists of:

• Online University of Kansas application
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 3 Professional References
  
  
  

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Friday, March 21, 2025. For consideration, please apply no later than Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Contact Information to Applicants

Emails only to TRIO-TalentSearch@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$24.00/hour

Work Schedule

10-20 hours a week, including some evenings and Saturdays, as needed

Application Review Begins

Monday March 24, 2025

Anticipated Start Date

Monday March 31, 2025