TRIO Advisor at InsideHigherEd

Position OverviewTalent 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 over 900 middle and high school students in Kansas City, KS (more specifically Kansas City Kansas Public School District). Target populations include middle and high school students from limited income families and who are first-generation college going students and their families.

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 both on a 1:1 basis and group/classroom settings. 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, take initiative, prioritize, execute multiple and continuing assignments and attention to detail are important. Overall, we are seeking high-energy, creative, team member with great organizational skills and the ability to follow through with assignments and who can work in a fast-paced environment. The TRIO Advisor will demonstrate a commitment to working with students in helping them succeed in their college and career goals.

This in-person position is located in Kansas City, KS. A valid driver's license is required as this position requires daily travel by car to the target schools/area.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

KU is not able to provide H-1B sponsorship for this position.Job DescriptionStudent Services (55%)

• Coordinate, design and implement all aspects of program services that strengthen middle and high school students’ development related to successful school completion and postsecondary entry/re-entry
• Provide effective academic, career, and college guidance to middle and high school students on relevant college access and success topics
• Develop age-appropriate college access curriculum and coordinate and facilitate workshops and activities during the school day, including before and after school.
• Organize and conduct 1:1 and group advising sessions, workshops, and meetings on a regular basis (weekly and monthly) with participants at the target middle and high schools and at local entities in Kansas City, KS (library, community center, colleges)
• Plan, coordinate, and lead college visits, STEM activities, and special events for middle and high school participants
• Provide 1:1 and group advising to assist participants with college admissions and scholarship applications, FAFSA and career planning.
• Develop and 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, year-round programming and activities to ensure the attainment of the program goals and objectives.

Student Record Management and Program Guidance (35%)

• Develop and execute a strategic recruitment plan for eligible students and successfully complete all documentation processes for new participants
• 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, program activities, budget expenditures and forms, and follow-up processes and meet designated deadlines.
• Compile and analyze data, prepare/submit reports in a timely manner to Director, and assist with all required reports for the US Department of Education.
• Supervise and train Peer Mentors
• Provide effective and open lines of communication 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 communication to include but not limited to presentations, back to school events, mailings and social media/website
• Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings, trainings sessions, and parent/student meetings.

Special Programming (10%)

• In conjunction with Director and program staff, participate in all summer programming and assist in planning and implementation of summer activities
• Serve as a mentor to guide newly graduated seniors through the college matriculation process and provide senior activities as part of the summer melt program.
• Maintain on-going contact with program alums (college students) to monitor progress and ensure successful post-secondary degree attainment.
• Assist with the coordination and presentation of workshops and activities to promote parent/guardian involvement, addressing various family needs and helping their student prepare for postsecondary education.

Position RequirementsThis in-person position is located in Kansas City, KS. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation is required as this position requires daily travel by car to the target schools/area.Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree at the time of appointment.
2. Minimum of 1 year experience with target populations (as noted in position overview).
3. Demonstrated excellent written and interpersonal communications skills, as evidenced by application materials.
4. Experience with group facilitation/presentations and designing workshops as evidenced in application materials.
5. Working knowledge of college and financial aid processes and other relevant college access resources, as demonstrated in application materials.
6. Previous experience that required establishing excellent working relationships with a variety of audiences, including youth and families, as evidenced by application materials.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.Preferred Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in student personnel, higher education, counseling or related field.
2. Fluent in Spanish-demonstrated proficiency in speaking and writing.
3. Prior experience working with TRIO or similar programs and/or TRIO alum status.
4. Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated attention to detail.
5. Experience managing multiple projects as evidenced by application materials.
6. Experience working both independently with minimal supervision and in a team environment as evidenced by application materials.

Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete application consists of:

1. The University of Kansas online application
2. A cover letter that describes how you meet the required qualifications (and preferred qualifications as applicable)
   • If you do not live in the Kansas City, Kansas area, include in your cover letter how you will meet the requirement of being onsite in the Kansas City, KS office and target schools/area. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
3. A Resume or CV
4. Contact information, including email addresses, for three (3) professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Wednesday, October 15th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.Contact Information to ApplicantsAll inquiries should only go to: [email protected]Advertised Salary Range$50,000Application Review BeginsWednesday October 15, 2025Anticipated Start DateMonday November 3, 2025Apply to Job