TRIO Director, Education Talent Search

Overview of Director, TRIO Educational Talent Search

The Director, Educational Talent Search Program provides leadership for the federally funded TRIO Talent Search Program that serves LaPorte, Porter and Starke county schools. The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their postsecondary education. The program publicizes the availability of financial aid and assist participant with the postsecondary application process. Talent Search also encourages persons who have not completed education programs at the secondary or postsecondary level to enter or reenter and complete postsecondary education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education which is designed to provide opportunities for participants to receive academic, career and financial counseling, as well as encourage participants to graduate from high school and continue on to complete their post-secondary education.

Duties and Responsibilities of TRIO Director, Educational Talent Search

• Recruit, hire, evaluate, and supervise all Educational Talent Search-Westville staff and monitor their performance.
• Oversee all staff (professional, clerical, part-time, and temporary staff).
• Participate in professional growth, attending university meetings and serve on committees as well as plan staff meetings.
• Serve as liaison with target school personnel and community groups to ensure their complete understanding of the purpose of the Program and to garner their support and cooperation.
• Foster positive relationships with the university community.
• Complete and submit all reports required by US Department of Education and Purdue University Northwest, including the Annual Performance Report.
• Implement and monitor overall operation of the Educational Talent Search program including Purdue and US Department Education regulations and procedures to ensure program compliance.
• Monitor budget expenditures and ensure fiscal compliance.
• Take a lead role in developing services for students in grades 8-12; assist in the development and maintenance of standards for counselor performance and program expectations, including data collection and timelines; and identify professional development needs for counselors.
• Provide a strategic plan for the recruitment of participants, staff development, and fiscal compliance to meet project objectives.

Benefits of TRIO Director, Educational Talent Search

• Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
• Accrue 22 days’ vacation plus roll over
• University contribution of 10% to retirement immediately
• University contributions to Health Savings Account –
  • Plus a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives
• 10 paid holidays
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Paid Parental Leave after one year of service
• Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus

For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. We offer two campuses serving approximately 8,800 undergraduate and graduate students. At PNW, we value academic excellence, support growth, and celebrate diversity.

PNW sits between Chicago’s skyscrapers and Lake Michigan’s sandy shores. You can have all the perks of a world-class city just a short drive away or enjoy the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan just 15 miles away.

Education of TRIO Director, Educational Talent Search

• Master’s degree
• Masters in education, social work, counseling, or any related field is preferred

Experience of TRIO Director, Educational Talent Search

• Three years of administrative experience with K-12 schools or programs for special populations
• Experience in assessment and evaluation, experience in development of community collaborations, and grant writing experience is preferred

Core Competencies of TRIO Director, Educational Talent Search

• Ability to respond effectively to changes in education policies or student demographics.
• Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for participants of all backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with parents, community members, and partnering organizations.
• Make informed decisions and problem-solve in a timely manner.
• Develop a vision for the pre-college program and set strategic goals.
• Build and lead a cohesive team of educators and support staff.
• Manage resources efficiently, including budgeting and financial oversight.
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must be able to use personal vehicle to drive on behalf of the University
• Must meet the Minimum Driver Qualifications as defined by the Use of Vehicles for University Business Policy

Additional Information

Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.

Purdue University Northwest is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

FLSA Status