TRIO Talent Search Advisor - Kansas City

MO College Advising Corp

The Central Missouri Talent Search Program (CMTS), a Federal TRIO Program, aims to increase the number of economically disadvantaged youth in Columbia and Kansas City that graduate from high school and enroll in and complete postsecondary education.

Reporting to the Director of Access and Opportunity Initiatives, TRIO Talent Search Advisors will provide direct services to eligible participants in target high schools to accomplish CMTS objectives. Advisors must have prior experience providing educational outreach services to students, preferably those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and/or those who would be first-generation college students. Advisor responsibilities will be in the areas of academic advising, college and career exploration, financial aid and literacy, and mentorship and workshops.

Key responsibilities include:
* Recruit, enroll, and engage eligible participants through ongoing outreach and collaborative relationships with students, families, school personnel, and community partners.
* Plan and deliver college readiness, academic success, and career exploration programs for participants.
* Provide comprehensive outreach, advising, case management, and student support services, including guidance on admissions, financial aid, academic planning, and student success strategies for middle school, high school, and out-of-school youth participants.
* Coordinate college access and success initiatives with target schools and university partners to support enrollment, retention, and degree/credential attainment.
* Assist with the development of program materials, communications, and educational resources.
* Maintain accurate records and support data collection, reporting, and continuous program improvement efforts.
* Participate in staff, departmental, partner, and professional development activities, including meetings, workshops, and conferences.
* Perform other duties as assigned in support of program objectives.

Your work location will be within Kansas City area high schools.

Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (schedule varies based on assigned school); some evenings, weekends, and travel required.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

* One (1) year of experience providing direct, educational outreach services to students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
* Three (3) years of experience working directly with high school students.
* Prior experience with TRIO programs and/or personal experience with overcoming challenges often faced by TRIO participants (e.g., Pell-eligible student, first-generation college student, etc.).
* Knowledge of the factors that inhibit and strategies that promote educational attainment.
* Knowledge of online resources for college application and financial aid (FAFSA and scholarship) resources.
* Proficiency with workplace software (e.g., Outlook, Teams, etc.), data tracking platforms and emerging AI tools.
* Bilingual capabilities are desired.

Salary Range: $44,000 - $48,000 annually

Grade: GGS-8

University Title: Program/Project Support Coordinator I

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application, cover letter (one-page), and resume

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.