Talent Search Advisor

Job Description Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is a two‑year public institution of higher education and one of 23 community colleges in Virginia. MGCC is supported by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt (northern portion) and Rockbridge, and the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington, and the town of Clifton Forge. The college provides opportunities for the extension of knowledge, skills and personal enrichment in an environment that maintains high academic standards and respect for each individual. 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 build 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. In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we encourage individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered, applicants must provide their AHP Letter from the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: or call DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or DBVI at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Duties and Responsibilities 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. 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. Special Assignments 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. KSA's/Required Qualifications 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. Additional Considerations 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). Professional or personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting Project Participants. EEO Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr