Talent Search Advisor

Job Title

Talent Search Advisor

Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is a two‑year public institution of higher education and one of 23 community colleges in Virginia. The college is supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia; the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt (northern portion) and Rockbridge; the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington; and the town of Clifton Forge. MGCC provides opportunities for the extension of knowledge, skills and personal enrichment in an environment that maintains high academic standards and respect for each individual.

The college strives to keep programs and services financially and geographically accessible for all students. Credit and non‑credit courses are offered to meet life‑long learning needs. On‑site and distance learning options incorporate up‑to‑date technologies.

We are seeking a dedicated Talent Search Advisor to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for building strong relationships with students, school staff, and community partners to support students’ academic and career development. This 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; 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.
• 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, provide transportation, sign up students, and conduct college tours as necessary.
• Obtain speakers and assist in hospitality arrangements, arrange for fair sites and transportation of students, 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.
• Demonstrate a professional and cordial attitude in all actions and communications with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Participate in professional development opportunities.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree preferred in education, counseling, social work, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience working for a TRIO federal program or a similar related program/project serving low‑income and potential first‑generation college students (grades 6‑12).
• Professional or personal experience overcoming barriers similar to those confronting Project Participants.
• Knowledge of academic advising and college, career, financial aid, economic literacy activities, and related services.
• Ability to effectively maintain a caseload of participants on Individual Academic and Service Plans and document services provided.
• Proficiency in using technology and online platforms/services.
• Operation of a State Vehicle:
  No.
• Supervises Employees:
  No.
• Required Travel: TBD.

• 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.

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.

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADAAA, to provide reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.

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.

• atss.edu