Talent Search Advisor

Morgan Hill Community College (MGCC) is a two‑year public institution of higher education serving students in Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt, Rockbridge counties, and the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington, and the town of Clifton Forge. MGCC offers credit and non‑credit courses and provides on‑site and distance‑learning options to meet lifelong learning needs.

This position seeks a dedicated Talent Search Advisor who will build strong relationships with students, school staff, and community partners to support students’ academic and career development. The role involves traveling to target schools, conducting workshops, facilitating college and financial aid processes, and maintaining detailed records.

• Travel to target schools and establish effective working relationships with students, school counselors, administrators, teachers, and staff in target schools; recruit and regularly communicate effectively in person, in writing, and using technology with all clients; plan and conduct regular group meetings for all participants in grades 6‑12; conduct workshops in study skills improvement, career exploration, financial literacy, college exploration and standardized testing;
  
  assist students with the entire college application process; etc.
• Schedule group information sessions and individual appointments to assist students and their parents in preparing all necessary financial aid applications and interpreting financial aid offers. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of financial regulations and procedures.
• Contact colleges to arrange group and individual college visitations, arrange and provide transportation, sign up students, conduct college tours as necessary.
• Obtain speakers, assist in hospitality arrangements, arrange for fair sites, arrange for transportation of students as necessary, and assist with tours and/or presentations.
• Enter new student demographic information in database. Maintain educational history, financial status and basis for selection/assessment forms for each participant, counseling logs, group counseling reports, tutoring logs, and field trip records. Keep all records up to date. Run reports as requested.
• Demonstrate a professional and cordial attitude in all actions and communications with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Participate in professional development opportunities.

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

• Knowledge of academic advising and college, career, financial aid, economic literacy activities, and related services.
• Ability to effectively maintain a caseload of Participants and provide services on their Individual Academic and Service Plans and document services provided to assigned Participants.
• Ability to use technology and online platforms/services.
• Bachelor’s degree required

• Master’s degree preferred in education, counseling, social work, higher education administration, or an appropriate field related to Project objectives.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience working for a TRIO federal program or similar related program/project serving low‑income and potential first‑generation college students (grades 6‑12).

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest.

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non‑merit factors. ADA Statement:
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested. E‑Verify Statement: VCCS uses E‑Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I‑9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.