Director, Educational Talent Search

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided.

Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green /about .

The Director oversees all aspects of the federally-funded Talent Search (TS) program (as outlined in the grant), including staff supervision and management, and the development of programs focused on middle school/high school student success, graduation, and postsecondary enrollment. The Director works with key internal and external stakeholders to implement programs that support the success of TS-eligible populations, including student populations from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

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

• Supervise, hire, train, and evaluate program staff
• Manage daily operations across all target schools
• Develop and administer the annual program budget
• Maintain student records and data systems

• Provide academic, career, and financial aid advising
• Coordinate college visits and application assistance
• Lead FAFSA workshops and financial literacy activities
• Organize tutoring, test prep, and student programming

• Ensure compliance with TRIO and federal grant regulations
• Prepare and submit the Annual Performance Report (APR)
• Verify participant eligibility and required documentation
• Maintain audit-ready files for program reviews

• Build relationships with partner school staff and counselors
• Represent the program with colleges and community organizations
• Serve as liaison to WKU leadership and TRIO stakeholders

• Master's degree from an accredited institution (field such as education, counseling, higher education administration, social work, or related field)
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to target schools; ability to work some evenings/weekends
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Salary Range: $58,000 - $60,000

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…