Educational Talent Search Advisor

Working Title : Educational Talent Search Advisor

State Role Title : Education Support Specialist III

Position Type : Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status : Full-Time

FLSA Status : Non-Exempt : Eligible for Overtime

College / Division : Access and Enrollment

Department : 520117 - Talent Search Year 3

Pay Rate : Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount : $44,192 - $45,500

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date : 7 / 04 / 2025

About JMU :

At James Madison University (JMU), we're more than just a publicly funded institution - we're a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible : our employees.

Why Work at JMU?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing :

• Generous Leave : Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage : Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options : Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being : Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program : Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change - and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work : bit.ly / JMUEmployment

General Information :

The position reports to the Director of TRIO Programs and supports the strategic vision and implementation of the area to ensure alignment with Student Affairs and JMU's mission, vision, and values.

Talent Search is a federally funded program providing opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Talent Search serves middle school and high school students from low-income families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. Talent Search aims to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from postsecondary education institutions.

The Talent Search Advisor partners with campus and community colleagues to identify and assist first-generation income-eligible 6th through 12th grade students who attend local middle and high schools and want to continue with post-secondary education. The advisor will also work with students who have dropped out of school and have not started post-secondary enrollment. The advisor works directly with the students, assisting them with academic class scheduling, implementing workshops, and providing college application, career searches, and financial aid assistance. The advisor also works with the director in data reporting to the US Department of Education.

Duties and Responsibilities :

services for students related to admissions and financial aid.

high school, and students who have dropped out of school or who have not applied to

post-secondary institutions in partnership with school divisions, such as test

preparation, goal setting, and related skills. Assist program.

materials, training manuals, newsletters, and brochures as appropriate to the

program.

inform continuous program improvement.

information.

from a variety of sources.

students), college visits, and cultural activities.

Qualifications :

Required Qualifications

college and scholarship applications, and financial aid processes in a K-12 or college

setting.

applications, and career planning.

vans.

Additional Considerations

Bound, Talent Search, or GEAR UP.

disadvantaged youth and an ability to establish a partnership with low-income first-

generation students or parents.

Additional Posting Information :

Conditions of Employment :

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice : After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement :

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity : (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation :

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.