Job Summary/Basic Functions

The Education and Career Specialist for the Appalachian Heartlands Talent Search program at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) provides academic, career, and financial guidance to help potential first-generation and income-eligible students successfully enter and complete postsecondary education.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field required.

Experience: One year of experience is required.

Experience working with underrepresented, first-generation, or low-income youth (experience in rural school districts preferred).

Experience with data entry systems and maintaining detailed compliance records.

Excellent communication, public speaking, and organizational skills. Proficiency in MS Office and database management.

Individuals who have succeeded in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the target population (e.g., first-generation college graduates) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Licensure & Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Job Duties:

• 60% - Program Service Delivery Academic & Career Advising: Provide individual and group advising on high school graduation requirements, college admissions, career exploration, and financial literacy. Workshops & Events: Plan and facilitate workshops on ACT/SAT preparation, scholarship searches, and completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Campus, Career & Experiential Visits: Coordinate and chaperone college campus visits, career fairs, and enrichment activities. - (Essential)
• 20% - Administrative Duties & Data Entry Meticulous Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate, highly organized, and confidential student files in compliance with federal regulations and FERPA. Data Entry: Promptly and accurately enter participant demographics, eligibility documentation, and services provided into the program's student tracking database (e.g., Blumen, TDS, or similar database). - (Essential)
• 15% - Recruitment & Outreach Identify and Recruit: Actively recruit eligible middle and high school students to meet annual program enrollment goals set by the U.S. Department of Education. School & Community Relations: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with school counselors, teachers, administrators, and parents in the target area. Promotional Presentations: Design and deliver engaging presentations to students, families, and community stakeholders about the benefits of the TRIO Talent Search program. - (Essential)
• 5% - Other Duties Professional Development: Attend regional/national TRIO conferences, training sessions, and institutional meetings to stay current on federal regulations and college access best practices. Program Collaboration: Assist with other TRIO-related activities, target area and campus-wide initiatives, and community events as needed to promote student success and the TRIO Talent Search Program. Adaptable Support: Perform other program-related duties as assigned by the Program Director/Associate Director to support the overall goals and objectives of the grant. - (Essential)