Precollege Advisor - Talent Search

Precollege Advisor - Talent Search

The Jeffries Center

The Michael Jeffries Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success (TJC) at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is accepting applications for the Pre-college Advisor position for the TRIO Talent Search Program. The Pre- College Advisor will work with a team of professionals to improve and sustain a college-going culture for its target schools and target areas and to improve parents' capacity to prepare their child/children for college. We invite individuals with specialized training, skills, and experience helping students succeed to apply.

Job Summary

Responsible for assisting with the implementation of the TRIO Talent Search program in compliance with the approved grant proposal, federal legislation and regulations, state law, and university policies. Responsible for contributing to the development, implementation, and evaluation of precollege services that increase achievement, persistence, and graduation rates for participants. Delegated the responsibility for ensuring the attainment and reporting of the program's objectives and outcomes.

Duties & Responsibilities

ADVISING
• Assist the director in implementing the Plan of Operation and Evaluation for the approved Talent Search grant.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative, responsive, and empirically grounded academic and enrichment services for participants that meet the TRIO Talent Search program objectives.
• Assist with recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating personnel to fulfill the Talent Search objectives.
• Identify participants experiencing academic challenges and develop appropriate interventions to bolster their academic success.
• Assist in monitoring participants’ academic progress from their date of admission through their college graduation.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready program records and service delivery reports as requested.
• Apply appropriate professional judgment, discretion, and autonomy to deliver high quality services to participants and their parents or guardians.
• Collaborate with target schools to deliver pre-college services that meet critical academic needs of participants.
• Trouble-shoot student related issues proactively and provide appropriate solutions.
• Collaborate with TRIO Upward Bound and TRIO Student Support Services to provide coordinated service for participants.
• Keep abreast of current trends related to precollege and collegiate success by participating in professional organizations (e.g., state, regional, and national TRIO associations).
• Contribute monthly and annual reports of the use and effectiveness for service delivery.
• Assist with planning major department activities.
• Assist with the data entry, filing and organization of student file and information.
• Assist in meeting operational needs by performing other duties including, but not limited to instruction, writing, presenting, and consulting activities.

OUTREACH
• Screen, recruit, recommend, and retain eligible participants for the TRIO Talent Search program.
• Assist admitted students with their orientation and acclimation to the program.
• Maintain ongoing communication with students to ensure delivery of services.
• Be available to participants and parents to assist with the college preparation and selection process.
• Develop, maintain, and update student’s action plans.
• Periodic evening and weekend duties are required.

SUPERVISION
• Supervise assigned TRIO Talent Search hourly employees.
• Assists with recruiting, hiring, onboarding, professional development, and evaluation for hourly employees.
• Disseminate accurate and timely information to the hourly staff.
• Serves as a coach to assist hourly staff in meeting performance goals.

OTHER GENERAL DUTIES
• Participates in staff, committee, and other meetings as assigned.
• Provide relevant information for the Annual Performance Report.
• Performs evening, weekend, and business travel events as request.
• Assists with meeting the operational needs by performing other appropriate related duties .

Additional Physical Demands

This position requires frequent interaction with precollege (middle and high school) students. This position involves regular usage of University vehicles to conduct university business. This position performs regular evening, weekend and business/conference travel with minors.

Travel Requirements

30% Occasional travel for professional development, outreach, and training.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, or a discipline appropriate for providing excellent pre-college services to students participating in a federal TRIO program through the US Department of Education.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of experience working with pre-college students.
At least two years of experience designing, implementing, or overseeing pre-college advising, outreach, or student support programs for educationally disadvantaged students in an education, community agency, or non-profit setting.
A minimum of two years of experience working with students from diverse backgrounds (i.e., first generation, low-income, TRIO, or Gear Up).
Experience related to college preparation and enrollment theories and practices; educational support services designed to increase secondary school graduation.
Experience with conducting needs assessments and developing services based on needs analysis, first-generation, low-income, TRIO, Gear Up, or EOP.
Supervisory experience.
Experience working with public school personnel and community agency staff who serve students.
Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:
Master's degree in education, counseling, or a discipline appropriate for administering a federal TRIO program through the US Department of Education.

Experience:
Three to five years of relevant work experience.
Experience working for a TRIO program.
Experience successfully matriculation in higher education as a first generation and/or low-income student.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to think clearly, creatively, and to solve problems proactively.
Excellent communication and administrative skills.
Ability to learn and disseminate detailed information.
Ability to work effectively individually and collaboratively.
Ability to manage competing priorities successfully.
Ability to advise, mentor, and coach students successfully.
Student centered and service oriented.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 10/15/2025. Salary is $58,000. Hybrid - Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy . Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Friday, September 12, 2025 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. Complete applications will include a Cover Letter, detailed resume, and the name, affiliation and contact information for at least 3 professional references. Incomplete applications may not be considered. This position cannot support sponsorships. For further information about this specific position, please contact [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits .

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1032047
Job Category : Education & Student Services
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