Academic Coordinator, TRIO Educational Talent Search

About Educational Talent Search (ETS):

Educational Talent Search at WKU is a grant-funded TRIO program funded by the Department of Education. ETS provides support, opportunities, and services to help participants succeed in their high school performance and in their higher education pursuits. ETS serves middle and high school students from low-income and first-generation households. The goal of ETS is to increase the rate participants complete high school and complete a postsecondary degree.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted, and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Focus on low-income and first-generation student populations
• Provide pre-college awareness and services to participants and their families at target schools and in their communities
• Keep detailed records of services provided and participants' eligibility, including maintaining file hardware, software and paper files of participants
• Assist with curriculum development and activity planning
• Attend professional meetings and trainings, and participate in professional organizations
• Frequent travel to target schools and professional development conferences and/or trainings
• This individual will also assist the director with other duties and grant related responsibilities as necessary

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Knowledge of educational, career and financial aid counseling.
• Knowledge of high school academic preparation, testing, and other issues affecting admittance to and retention in postsecondary institutions.
• The ability to work independently and effectively with staff, participants, parents, community partners and school personnel of diverse backgrounds and varying educational levels.
• Strategic planning skills and the ability to collaborate with and motivate others is critical for this position.
• Demonstrate effective presentation and communication skills.
• The ability to initiate, implement and coordinate projects.
• Demonstrate computer skills to effectively conduct electronically based business, communication, record keeping, presentations, and utilization of campus resources.
• Strong desire to promote educational achievement and opportunity.
• Willing to become familiar with TRIO regulations that govern program policies and procedures.

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum one year of experience in an education or community agency setting
• Minimum one year experience working with disadvantaged students
• Possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record
• The ability to physically lift 30 pounds
• The availability to work nights and weekends

This is a grant-funded position. Continuation is dependent upon funding/need.

Salary: $36,000 - $39,000

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.