Talent Search Success Coach

Department: Student Services
Reports To: Director of Educational Talent Search
Position Type: Full-Time Staff
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) is seeking a motivated, student-centered professional to serve as a Talent Search Success Coach for the federally funded TRIO Talent Search program. TRIO Talent Search is a college access and success program that has served students through WPCC for more than 30 years. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to more than 800 eligible and potential first-generation students in grades 6–12 each year.

The program's goals are to help students persist in school, graduate from high school, enroll in postsecondary education, and successfully complete a college degree. Under the direction of the Director of Educational Talent Search and the Dean of Student Services, the Talent Search Success Coach provides program services and activities for approximately 400 participants in assigned schools. The Success Coach works directly with students, families, school personnel, WPCC employees, and community partners to help students recognize their potential, prepare for postsecondary education, and access the academic, career, financial, and personal resources necessary to achieve their educational goals.

This position is 100% funded through a U.S. Department of Education grant in conjunction with Western Piedmont Community College and is contingent upon continued federal funding. The current Talent Search grant cycle began September 1, 2026.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Identify and assist students who have the potential to succeed in higher education.
• Assess referred students and determine eligibility for participation in the TRIO Talent Search program.
• Collect and maintain appropriate academic and personal information for program participants.
• Provide required Talent Search services to participants regularly within assigned schools.
• Build supportive relationships with students and help them remain engaged in their educational and postsecondary goals.
• Maintain accurate participant records and documentation of services provided.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and conducting activities designed to achieve Talent Search program objectives.
• Support program evaluation and required recordkeeping and reporting activities.
• Encourage Talent Search participants who withdraw from public schools to reenter an appropriate secondary education program.
• Communicate with parents, teachers, counselors, and other school personnel on behalf of participants as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships between WPCC, Burke County Public Schools, and community agencies.
• Conduct annual Burke Collegiate Scholar presentations at elementary feeder schools.
• Assist with cultural, career, college, and educational exploration activities for Talent Search participants.
• Supervise and support groups of students participating in program-sponsored activities, educational opportunities, and trips.
• Operate College computer systems and maintain electronic program records and files.
• Travel regularly to assigned schools, community locations, and program activities.
• Operate a College-owned 12- or 15-passenger van when transporting Talent Search participants to approved program activities, events, and educational opportunities.
• Participate in activities that may occur outside the normal workday, including occasional evenings, weekends, extended-day programming, and overnight travel.
• Participate in professional development and other activities supporting the Talent Search program and College.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Educational Talent…