TRIO Educational Talent Search Advisor

Working Title: TRIO Educational Talent Search Advisor

State Role

Title:

Education Support Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt:
Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Access and Enrollment

Department: 520123 - Talent Search Year 4

Pay Band: 4

Pay Rate: Maximum Starting

Specify Range or Amount: $45,739

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 09/08/2026

At James Madison University (JMU), we're more than just a publicly funded institution - we're a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

• Generous Leave:
  Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage:
  Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options:
  Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being:
  Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program:
  Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change - and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

TRIO Talent Search Advisors partner with campus and community colleagues to identify and assist first generation income eligible students in 6th through 12th grade who attend local middle schools and high schools and want to continue with their post-secondary education. The program provides academic, career and financial aid counseling to participants. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

The Advisor works directly works with the students, assisting them with academic class scheduling, implementing workshops, developing and implementing educational field trips and college tours, providing college application and financial aid assistance.

• Identify and recruit eligible students.
• Plan, organize and execute activities, programs, and provides direct student services designed for middle school and high school students, in partnership with school divisions, such as test preparation, goal setting and related skills.
• Execute activities, programs, and provide direct student services designed for middle school, high school students and students who have dropped out of school or who not applied to post-secondary institutions in partnership with school divisions, such as test preparation, goal setting and related skills.
• Execute activities, programs, and services designed for transition to postsecondary enrollment, in partnership with the Office of Admissions, Financial Aid and other university departments.
• Execute activities, programs, and services designed for college degree attainment in partnership with faculty, administrators, and university advisors.
• Provide case management, academic support, curriculum development and advising services for students related to admissions and financial aid.
• Assist project director with the development of promotional materials, educational materials, training manuals, newsletters, and/or brochures, as appropriate to the program.
• Assists project director with efficient and effective data collection and management to inform continuous program improvement. Maintain accurate program/project records.
• Participate in staff meetings, unit meetings, and target school meetings.
• Assist TRIO Director with hiring and onboarding of student staff.
• Attend professional development workshops and conferences.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in education, social science, or related field.
• Familiarity with online resources for college admissions, FAFSA, scholarship applications, and career planning.
• Knowledge and sensitivity to the needs of economically and educationally disadvantaged youth, and an ability to establish rapport with low-income, first-generation college students and their parents.

• Position involves frequent travel within Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
• Must pass criminal background check to work in schools.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

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